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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Governor Maura Healey has issued an order activating as many as 250 National Guard members to assist services at emergency shelter sites across the state. The announcement comes as the Governor issued a state of emergency over the sharp influx of migrant families arriving in the Commonwealth, in need of assistance.
“Massachusetts is in a state of emergency, and we need all hands-on deck to meet this moment and ensure families have access to safe shelter and basic services,” said Governor Healey. “We’re grateful to the brave men and women of the National Guard for stepping up to help us ensure that every family in emergency shelter has their needs met, including access to food, transportation, medical care, and education. While we work to implement a more permanent staffing solution, the National Guard will provide an efficient and effective means of delivering these services and keeping everybody safe.”
With more than 6,000 families living in emergency shelters across Massachusetts, Healey's administration has been adding new shelter sites in an effort to keep up with demand. However, as service providers struggle to keep up with the demands, the decision to bring in the National Guard was made.
“This National Guard activation is a necessary step to ensure that families in emergency shelter have access to the services they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is an emergency measure that will help us meet immediate needs while we continue to advocate for assistance from the federal government in the form of streamlined work authorizations and funding.”
Starting next week, National Guard members will be assigned to specific locations, where they will help with basic services like coordinating meals, transportation services, medical care, and placing children into classrooms.
“We are committed to being Always Ready and Always There for the residents of Massachusetts,” said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard. “Our role in the response to the ongoing housing crisis will expand to leverage our multitude of robust and adaptable capabilities in emergency and domestic operations to help those in need.”
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