Temporary Shelter to Open in Roxbury for Families in Need
A recreation center in Roxbury will soon open as a temporary shelter to serve families in need of a place to stay, including those who have been sleeping at Logan Airport. The safety-net shelter at the Melnea Cass Recreation Center, owned by the state, will open on Wednesday and is expected to house up to 100 families or 400 individuals who are awaiting long-term shelter.
Expansion of Shelter Sites
Governor Maura Healey’s office announced the opening of the temporary shelter in Roxbury, joining other sites already in operation around the state. Governor Healey expressed the necessity of this decision and emphasized that it is a temporary solution to address the current situation.
Preparations for the Shelter
Preparations are underway at the Melnea Cass Recreation Center to convert the space into a shelter. Supplies are being delivered, and programs that currently take place at the facility will be relocated to accommodate the migrants. City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson, representing the area, acknowledged the challenges of asking a vulnerable community to help but also recognized the opportunity for support and assistance.
Mixed Reactions
The state’s latest shelter plan has received mixed reactions from constituents. Some express concerns about the impact on resources, particularly for the youth, while others hope that this temporary shelter is just the first step towards further improvements. Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that it is not an easy task.
Temporary Solution with Future Plans
Governor Healey stressed that the use of the Melnea Cass Recreation Center as a shelter is temporary. The center is scheduled to cease operations as a shelter by May 31, allowing it to reopen its pool. The state has committed to hiring more staff and renovating the facility for future use.
As the Melnea Cass Recreation Center prepares to welcome the migrants, the displaced programs’ relocation is yet to be determined.
