The recent changes to the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter system have directly led to a worsening crisis, exemplified by 50 Haitian immigrants, including children and infants, sleeping outside the Wollaston MBTA station in Quincy. These changes, introduced by the Healey Administration at the beginning of August, have drastically limited access to state shelters, forcing families into the streets while the state steps back, hoping NGOs and faith-based organizations can bridge the gap, an approach that is clearly unsustainable.
The new policy restricts families to a five-day stay at Temporary Respite Shelters (TRCs), with a six-month ban from EA (Emergency Assistance) eligibility if they opt for this. With shelters at full capacity, families are left with few options and a months-long wait for EA placement.
Since August 6, The Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) has kept over 1,000 individuals from homelessness, using funds from the United Way and the Boston Foundation. In addition to paying for hotel rooms to shelter families, they’ve been coordinating a network of volunteers around the clock, providing supplies like water, meals, diapers, blankets, and shoes; checking for immediate medical needs; transporting people between welcome centers and hotels; helping folks utilize their EBT cards and find grocery stores; distributing flyers about school enrollment; and directing them to playgrounds for the children. However, those funds have now run out, leaving many with no option but to sleep outside. This crisis highlights the inadequacy of relying on volunteers to address systemic issues. The expectation that nonprofits and volunteers can fix this is unrealistic and unacceptable.
So what can we do?
Reach out to legislators to demand immediate action.
The current situation, where vulnerable families are left without shelter, cannot continue. The state must take responsibility and ensure that no family is left on the streets. This is the first time in 40 years that our state government has not upheld the Right To Shelter. The fact that some of these affected families are immigrants should not change that this is an emergency deserving of emergency funding.
Host a family – for one night, for 2 weeks, for any period of time.
Another, temporary, but powerful solution is for individuals to host a family for any period they are comfortable hosting, as even one night allows a family respite and comfort. This is one way families are able to bridge the time gap between getting on a waitlist and finding space in a shelter, or even finding a more permanent home through other programs.
Concerned about where families will go after a short stay? Don’t feel comfortable hosting more than a few days? If more of us offered what we can, instead of allowing the overwhelming sense of need to discourage us from acting at all, it would have a meaningful impact.
Immigrants to the U.S. have always exemplified strength, resourcefulness, and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Past and present, people come here determined to work for a better future. With help, they can make that future a reality.
Many people are currently hosting newly arrived immigrant families, and if you are interested we can connect you to one of these hosts to answer any questions you may have. The Brazilian Worker Center is coordinating efforts, and faith-based groups are also looking to help. Here is a link to frequently asked questions, if you would like to host contact emergency@braziliancenter.org.
Donate.
There are many non-profit and faith-based organizations working overtime to address the needs of affected families, find the one that works for you. The Brazilian Worker Center has been leading the effort to place families with temporary hosts, and you can donate to BIJAN via Venmo @welcomegrant. IFSI and BMBCC are two more organizations working overtime to address this need. Dominican Development Center is hosting a Food Drive on Friday August 30 4-7pm at Stony Brook Park in Jamaica Plain. MIRA, our membership, and so many more organizations are all doing much needed work and would benefit from your support.
*This is a small sampling of the many organizations working to respond to this moment. If your organization has an initiative you would like to be featured in future communications, please fill out this form