Boston will move migrant families and homeless into National Guard ARMORY as overflowing shelter hits capacity

Boston has announced plans to turn a National Guard armory into a shelter as the state deals with an influx of asylum seekers.

Up to 55 migrant and homeless families will be temporarily moved to the local armory in Lexington, as reported by the Boston Herald. 

'We have identified a state-owned building in Lexington to use as a safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness,' said Emergency Assistance Director General Scott Rice.

'Preparations are underway in close collaboration with local officials, and we expect to open the site next month.'

Massachusetts has logged more than 11,000 migrants from October 2022 to September 2023, the federal fiscal year - that is an increase of more than 152 percent over the previous fiscal year.

Boston has announced plans to turn a National Guard armory into a shelter as the state deals with an influx of asylum seekers.

Up to 55 migrant and homeless families will be temporarily moved to the local armory in Lexington, Massachusetts

It comes after the Democratic governor Maura Healy announced plans to turn a former Boston area veteran housing unit into a homeless shelter as the city is inundated with migrants.

The former Chelsea Soldiers' Home facility, which was vacant and scheduled for demolition, will be able to accommodate 100 families who are eligible for the state's Emergency Assistance family shelter system, which has been operating at capacity for months.

Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Jon Santiago insisted transforming the site will not affect services for veterans.

'Massachusetts has proven that we can take care of veterans and families experiencing homelessness in our state,' said Santiago.

'While EOVS formerly operated the building slated for demolition, this project operates independently and will not impact the daily routines or services at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea.'

Massachusetts has logged more than 11,000 migrants from October 2022 to September 2023

Homeless people move in to Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex after Massachusetts turns the place into shelter for homeless families 

The former Chelsea Soldiers' Home facility, which was vacant and scheduled for demolition, will be able to accommodate 100 families

Governor Healey announced on March 25 that families will be required to document engagement in case management and rehousing efforts monthly in order to remain eligible to stay at a state safety-net site starting on May 1.

On March 22, the Massachusetts Senate approved limits on how long homeless families can stay in emergency state shelters as part of an $850 million plan to fund the system at the center of the migrant crisis.

The maximum stay was limited to nine months with the possibility of 90 more days for veterans, pregnant women and people who are employed or enrolled in a job training program.

The Melnea Cass Recreational Center in Roxbury has been closed to the local community and turned into a homeless shelter for 400 migrants in February.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey pauses to look at the Army cots set up on the gym floor as State and local officials toured the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex in January

In January, hundreds of migrants were forced to sleep on the floor at Boston Logan International Airport with no where else to turn

In January, hundreds of migrants were forced to sleep on the floor at Boston Logan International Airport with no where else to turn.

Massachusetts' shelters reached capacity in November, with 7,500 families in its system.

Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia told NBC10 Boston that residents should consider housing migrants in their private homes to battle the crisis.

'Dedham, Wellesley, Brookline — cities and towns that have so much more resources than the city of Boston. People who actually have more financial support, we need to do everything in our power to make sure that we are setting them up for success or whatever success looks like,' Mejia said.