Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently activated upwards of 250 members of the National Guard to assist at emergency hotel sites sheltering migrant families across the Commonwealth.
BOSTON - Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently activated upwards of 250 members of the National Guard to assist at emergency hotel sites sheltering migrant families across the Commonwealth.
State officials said over 6,000 families have been placed in emergency shelters statewide, as Healey declared a state of emergency on the matter in August. The emergency declaration also came with pleas to the federal government for additional assistance; FEMA recently provided close to $2 million to the state and the City of Boston.
Healey said the National Guard order is a decision aimed at providing more services and care for those being sheltered.
Healey’s latest move comes while Framingham continues to see an uptick in refugees. Multiple local hotels have been housing the migrants, most of which are Haitian. Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said the city has been working with organizations such as the Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association to collect essentials like food, baby formula, and clothing for over 50 families. The Community Foundation for MetroWest has been accepting donations for the Framingham Emergency Relief Fund as well.
The Healey administration declined to disclose specifically where the National Guard members were being deployed to.
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Local school leaders are progressing through a feasibility study to develop a plan for a new elementary school along Bethany Road, which would replace Hemenway Elementary. The company brought on board for the process estimates that construction could begin in September 2028.
About 23% of registered Framingham voters cast a ballot in 2025. Charlie Sisitsky defeated Geoff Epstein to win another term as mayor, while John Stefanini and Mary Kate Feeney won in their respective City Council races. Brandon Ward and Michael Cannon were reelected to the local legislative board, while Lorena Tovar and Brent Lewis were victorious in their School Committee bids. Changes to the city's Home Rule Charter received overwhelming support as well.
November’s funding for the food program—otherwise known as food stamps—remains uncertain amid the federal government shutdown. In turn, organizations such as Daniel’s Table are experiencing a rise in demand.
