MIGRANT Dashboard Portal
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTTFjyNsMAmqQIEknNlYNEb1...
Overview & Background
Beginning in August, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts started placing migrant families in Franklin as part of their Emergency Shelter Program. The Governor has declared a state of emergency as the number of arriving migrants in Massachusetts has sharply increased and the existing Emergency Shelter program is overwhelmed. Massachusetts has a “right to shelter” law for families with children and pregnant women, which means that shelter must be provided under the law.
Two National Guard personnel have been deployed to assist with the response at the Franklin shelter site.
The Town of Franklin has no role in the placement of families in local emergency shelters. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has secured a lease at the Best Western through June 30, 2024 and is administering the placement of families.
Local response
An interdepartmental working group including the Franklin Town Administration, Franklin Public Schools, Health Department, Police, Fire and Public Library have been meeting regularly along with numerous local human dna social service providers in town to coordinate emergency assistance and services to these families. These organizations include the SAFE Coalition, YMCA, Franklin Food Pantry, FISH, Interfaith Coalition, Neighbor Brigade and more. We thank all of the organizations for their generosity and commitment to assisting these families integrate in the community. The Town is also coordinating with state officials and Franklin’s federal and state legislative delegation, and is connecting with other municipalities who are also hosting emergency shelter for vulnerable families. Our Health Department is working diligently with both hotel staff and designated members of the National Guard to connect families to state services, including MassHealth and SNAP benefits.
Hotel management has made space available to Town staff to meet with residents and provide public health services. The SAFE Coalition is providing diapers, wipes, diaper genies, and hygiene products. The Franklin Interfaith Council is providing language support, faith services, food, clothing, hygiene products, homework help, and extracurricular activities. FISH of Franklin is assisting with transportation to medical appointments. The Franklin YMCA is providing diapers and recreational resources. The Franklin Food Pantry and Franklin Neighbor Brigade is providing food assistance and can openers.
How many people are here?
As of the week of October 23rd the hotel hosts 91 families and 299 individuals in 95 rooms. The hotel is almost full at 100 rooms. The Town will continue to update the graphics and dashboards as soon as possible (please be patient).
What are the impacts on public schools?
In accordance with state and federal law, the Franklin Public Schools are working to enroll all school-age children and provide them and their families with appropriate support to begin the school year successfully. The state is providing education aid to communities hosting homeless families at $18,000 per pupil per year. More information on educational guidance from the state can be found in this memo. The Town will continue to seek additional state and federal funding as Town services are impacted. There are approximately four-dozen school aged children enrolled. All students are required to follow Massachusetts laws and regulations relative to school registration, vaccinations, and so forth.
Governor Healey announced the emergency shelter system will reach capacity by the end of October 2023. Read the Governor's release and new foundational support programs to migrant families.
It is not clear for how long the families will be in Franklin, as the statewide and nationwide situation is evolving and a critical shortage of shelter beds is ongoing. Given the fast-evolving nature of the critical shortage of shelter beds, the Town expects and is prepared to support and serve additional families and will update this webpage with additional information as it becomes available.
How you can help? Donations!
Many community organizations, houses of worship, and individuals have expressed eagerness to help, and coordination efforts are underway. Read below for ways to help and make donations. More opportunities to help will be added when available.
Please do not drop off donations directly at the Best Western.
All donations, including gift cards, should work through the Franklin Interfaith Council who are collecting:
- Food/Snacks - juice boxes, pre-packaged snacks, microwavable paper plates, and disposable silverware.
- Hygiene Products - diapers, baby wipes, laundry detergent
- Clothing - winter clothing, coats, and hats.
Donations can be dropped off at The Parish of Saint Mary, 1 Church Square in Franklin at the following times:
- Sunday - Saturday from 7am to 6pm OR
- for CLOTHING ONLY at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin - Thrift Shop Entrance - Friday's 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM & Saturday's 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Please coordinate directly with the Inter-Faith Coalition by downloading the informational flyer here.
Services Needed
- Volunteer After-School Tutoring is needed - All volunteers to be CORI checked and will have to complete abuse-prevention training. Please contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at St. John’s Episcopal Church - Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org or 857-237-9428.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Resources & Links
Massachusetts Emergency Shelter Program
Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter & Resource Data
Frequently Asked Questions as of October 16, 2023