Massachusetts taxpayers are projected to spend over $1 billion on the state's emergency shelter program in FY25, largely due to an influx of migrant families. The Healey administration has already spent $830 million, accommodating over 4,000 families. Despite efforts to close hotel shelters and reduce caseloads, the costs remain substantial, drawing criticism from Republicans.
Migrant influx pushing Mass. shelter costs past $1B in FY25: report
BostonMassachusettsIllegalImmigrationGovernorsDemocratic-partyBorderTom-homanDonald TrumpUnited StatesSociety
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Massachusetts taxpayers are projected to spend over $1 billion on the state's emergency shelter program in FY25, largely due to an influx of migrant families. The Healey administration has already spent $830 million, accommodating over 4,000 families. Despite efforts to close hotel shelters and reduce caseloads, the costs remain substantial, drawing criticism from Republicans.
Trending- 1 July 1 (previous year): FY25 began
- 2 May 9: Justin Simporios claimed $80 million prize
- 3 May 23: $40 million Lotto Max draw
- 4 Last month: Gov. Healey stated caseload dipped below 5,000
- 5 June 16: Biweekly report released
- 6 Tuesday: Tom Homan reported low border crossings
- 7 June 30: FY25 ends
- 8 End of calendar year: Target to close all hotel shelters
- Massachusetts taxpayers facing over $1 billion in shelter costs
- Strain on state resources and budget
- Criticism from Republican politicians
- Efforts to reduce hotel usage and caseloads
What: Massachusetts' emergency shelter program costs are projected to exceed $1 billion in FY25, primarily due to accommodating migrant families.
When: FY25 (Fiscal Year 2025, started July 1), June 16 (report date), last month (Healey's statement on caseload), Tuesday (Homan's statement on border crossings).
Where: Massachusetts, Logan Airport (Boston), U.S. border.
Why: An influx of migrants overwhelmed the state's emergency assistance system, leading to high costs for shelter, food, education, legal aid, and case management.
How: The state is using hotels as temporary shelters (down from over 100 to 28), providing wraparound services, and working to reduce the caseload and close all hotel shelters by year-end. Costs are calculated at about $3,496 per week per family.