The state of Massachusetts has recently constructed a modern Veterans Home in Chelsea, a city just north of Boston with a population of around 40,000.
Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, announced that this new facility for veterans boasts eco-friendly features such as geothermal wells and a rooftop solar array, offering stunning views of downtown Boston and the harbor.
Following the relocation of veterans to the new facility, the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea was left empty and scheduled for demolition according to another statement from the governor.
Instead of tearing it down, however, the state has decided to repurpose it into a temporary shelter for undocumented immigrants as part of a state safety-net initiative.
The repurposed site will specifically cater to pregnant migrant women and migrant families with children, accommodating approximately 100 families. It is anticipated that this building will serve as a migrant shelter for up to a year before being reassessed.
City Manager Fidel Maltez indicated that Chelsea residents “support” the move to turn Soldiers’ Home into a migrant shelter. “I will tell you that the vast majority of the residents, while they were concerned about the impact on the neighborhood, were really supportive,” Maltez told the Chelsea Record. “What really shone through was the Chelsea spirit of we do not turn our back on anyone, … and we are best when we stand together.”
Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Jon Santiago likewise appears excited about reopening Soldiers’ Home to illegal aliens. “Massachusetts has proven that we can take care of veterans and families experiencing homelessness in our state,” he said.
“While EOVS formerly operated the building slated for demolition, this project operates independently and will not impact the daily routines or services at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea.”
From May 1 onwards, illegal immigrants in Massachusetts must show monthly progress towards self-sufficiency to continue staying at state safety-net shelters.
This progress can involve obtaining work authorization, securing employment, job training, learning English, seeking alternative housing, or applying for jobs. Emergency Assistance Director General Scott Rice stated that this policy aims to alleviate capacity constraints at safety-net sites.
“Families will need to demonstrate that they’ve taken action to get on a path toward independence and out of shelter,” Rice added.
But Paul Craney of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance believes this program is destined to fail. “So long as we give people, anywhere in the world, a blank check to receive Massachusetts public benefits, people will continue to fight tooth and nail to get here and collect those benefits,” he previously told Blaze News.
