Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey recently announced plans to repurpose an active state-owned recreation center. Homeless shelter for immigrantsincluding those currently sleeping at Boston’s Logan Airport. WHDH It was reported on Tuesday.
Mr. Healy’s decision to use the community center as a temporary overflow shelter for undocumented immigrants has faced backlash from local residents and families who use the center’s recreational space.
Melnea Cass Recreation Center in Roxbury, near Boston, will begin accepting immigrants starting Wednesday, according to WHDH. The center will house up to 100 families or 400 individuals awaiting permanent accommodation.
Healey told news outlets on Tuesday that the decision was “simply born out of necessity.”
“We went all over the state,” she said. “We’re coming to Boston now.”
City Councilwoman Tania Fernandez Anderson said the Roxbury community is “very vulnerable.” He said programs currently held at the recreation center will be moved. It is unknown where it will be moved.
“Voters are saying loud and clear, ‘You’re kicking us out,'” Fernandez-Anderson told WHDH. “But this means there is an opportunity here.”
Healy said the community center will cease functioning as a shelter and will reopen by May 31.
Boston Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu expressed disappointment with the closure of the community center.
“First of all, there are no good options,” Wu said. WBUR. “The first community where this is proposed would be Roxbury. Roxbury is a community that has faced disinvestment, redlining and disproportionate outcomes for decades. It’s extremely painful and painful. It’s reasonably well known.”
During an interview with WCVB, Healy broke down in tears as she talked about plans to turn the recreation center into a shelter.
“I’m getting emotional, okay? Because I’m all about this. Little kids need to be able to breathe clean air. They need to have access to a swimming pool. We need lifeguards to show the kids how to swim. And we need activities too. We don’t know what we’ll be doing for a few months. I’ll call the university. Other We also call locations,” Healy said.
A WBZ-TV report last week revealed that about 100 migrants were sleeping on the floor at Boston’s Logan Airport as the state’s shelter system became strained, Blaze News previously reported.
In August, Healy declared a state of emergency over the immigration crisis. She has repeatedly asked the federal government for help. The state’s homeless shelters reached maximum capacity in November.
WCVB Protesters gathered outside a community center Wednesday, chanting “Close our borders,” “Support Boston’s children first,” “Our city, our space,” and “Why Roxbury? “Let’s try Wellesley,” he reported carrying a placard referring to the wealthy town. Located in Norfolk County.
There are currently 656 families on the state’s waiting list seeking shelter accommodation, the news organization said.
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