NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The Commonwealth will soon be limiting how long unhoused, migrant families can stay in emergency shelters, but it does come with potential extensions.
Massachusetts to permanently allow to-go cocktails The City of Northampton, recently welcoming unhoused families that were previously sheltered in Hadley, and as the number of indeed migrants and residents continues to increase, a new state law will limit their shelter stay.
Northampton city officials are preparing to do whatever it takes to make sure the needs of these families are being met. 22News spoke with the Mayor of Northampton Gina-Louise Sciarra, who told us, “The Commonwealth has been in crisis, and there are a lot of pressures, but I am still sorry that it was overturned and we are trying to figure out what that means.”
The length of stay will be limited to nine months, starting in June. But it will allow two 90-day extensions for those who are eligible, including pregnant people, people diagnosed with a disability or medical condition, and those at risk of harm from domestic violence.
The law also requires a rehousing plan for those leaving the shelters. Mayor Sciarra adds, “I understand all of the pressures that have brought us to this point. It’s tragic. These are people, these are families. Everyone I believe has the right to shelter and we will work with our partners to find them places and to support people the best we can.”
Over in Hampden County, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt says the state still needs to make significant changes to its emergency shelter system.
In a statement to 22News, Mayor Reichelt says he’s supportive of the limit on long-term stays, and that it’s a step in the right direction, but there needs to be a long-term sustainable solution from the state that addresses the overall housing issues.
About $251 million will also go towards the shelters, $10 million of it, for workforce training programs.
Local News
Kristina D’Amours is a reporter who is a part of the evening 22News team. Follow Kristina on X @KristinaD_WWLP and view her bio to see more of her work.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Most Popular
Comments / 0