The plan to convert a former veterans home into a shelter for migrants in the Boston area has sparked controversy among local residents. Many residents feel that Massachusetts’ services should focus on helping veterans rather than migrants. The Chelsea Soldiers’ Home facility, which was vacant and slated for demolition, is set to become a site for 100 migrant families and pregnant women, announced by Democrat Gov. Maura Healey. However, at the same time, veterans in the state continue to face homelessness, with 545 vets experiencing homelessness in 2023 according to US Housing and Urban Development data.
The decision to house migrants at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home facility has elicited strong reactions from the community. Residents have raised concerns about why migrants would be housed for free at a facility that previously required payments from single veterans living there. The issue of prioritizing services for homeless veterans over migrants has become a point of contention among residents, with many expressing outrage and disappointment at the decision to repurpose the historic facility for migrant housing.
While the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home was previously shut down after a larger facility opened in December, state officials maintain that the new migrant housing will not impact services for veterans. Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Jon Santiago emphasized that Massachusetts has the capacity to care for both veterans and families experiencing homelessness in the state. However, with the recent influx of migrants and a lack of available space, the state is facing challenges in providing adequate shelter for all those in need.
State officials have cited the urgent need to convert the vacant Chelsea Soldiers’ Home building into a shelter to accommodate the increasing number of migrants entering the state. The state’s emergency assistance director has highlighted the capacity issues within the system, stating that there is a lack of space, providers, and funding to continue expanding services for migrants. Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez has acknowledged the crisis facing the state and expressed hope that the community will come together to address the issue and provide support to those in need.
Migrants are expected to begin moving into the new housing unit this month and will be required to demonstrate that they are working towards self-sufficiency by seeking employment, learning English, and searching for permanent housing. The shelter is expected to be operational for six months to a year, with residents needing to re-apply monthly to maintain their space. Currently, there are 240 families residing in similar shelters in Massachusetts, with an additional 7,500 migrants in emergency shelters. The conversion of the former veterans home into a shelter for migrants reflects the ongoing challenges of providing adequate support for vulnerable populations in the state.
