In an effort to address the growing issue of homelessness, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proposed a “host family strategy.”
This initiative encourages residents to provide shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, including undocumented immigrants.
Allston’s Family Welcome Center Launches “Host Home Program” for Undocumented Immigrants
The Family Welcome Center in Allston is responsible for recruiting, screening, and training host families and matching them with those in need.
This strategy has previously been implemented by Resettlement Agencies and other volunteer organizations that support new arrivals.
No details have been revealed regarding the number of individuals placed in homes or the specific vetting process for both hosts and those being housed. The Family Welcome Center began operations in late June.
It’s important to note that providing housing for undocumented immigrants is not illegal under US law.
NY+MA urging citizens to take in homeless illegal aliens. What could possibly go wrong with housing a fully UNVETTED illegal alien? Meanwhile, I haven’t seen any state address the ~40K homeless veterans 😡 @domenicadelia22 @JKash000 @chickyldy @jmbenson1491 https://t.co/3t1U4pF23g
— Bronxtale (@bronxtale0423) July 18, 2023
Kelly Turley, associate director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, believes the introduction of host homes is necessary to meet the urgent and unmet needs of the homeless population, including new migrant arrivals.
According to Turley, the host home strategy can be effective quickly if enough hosts come forward.
Governor Baker Blames Federal Government for Strained Housing and Shelter Systems
However, Turley emphasized that long-term shelter and permanent housing solutions would better meet the stability, safety, and service needs of newly arrived immigrants.
Former Governor Charlie Baker claimed last November that the federal government’s failure to control the influx of migrants would cost Massachusetts $139 million.
Baker stated that the state’s emergency shelter system, which serves thousands of families annually, was strained due to an increase in new migrant arrivals and a stressed housing market.
This situation has necessitated the need for greater capacity across the system.
Democrat Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is calling on residents to consider housing illegal aliens in their guest rooms. The so-called “host family strategy” is being implemented to combat the growing homeless population in the state, particularly for non-citizens. pic.twitter.com/9Fpc0kGfaZ
— Lisa Marie (@Lisamarie1577) July 18, 2023
Baker attributed the increase in migrants to the federal government’s inability to effectively manage the country’s immigration issues.
He believed that this failure contributed to the challenges Massachusetts faced, such as the strain on the state’s housing and shelter systems.
This article appeared in Right Wing Insider and has been published here with permission.
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