New arrivals placed in Northborough emergency shelter

NORTHBOROUGH – Asylum seekers have been placed in an emergency shelter in a Northborough motel.

According to a press release from the town, there are 100 new arrivals from South America and the Caribbean, including 30 families with 40 children. Twenty-three of the children are under the age of 5.

“I can tell you, from what we’re seeing, [there are] very young children. I believe we have approximately seven pregnant mothers here,” Health Director Kristin Black told the Community Advocate.

Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen said he was honored that the town was chosen to host the new arrivals.

“The families I have met are delightful, especially the many young children,” he said.

According to the town, the people are entering the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter System as asylum seekers and are homeless because of their status as newly arrived. The system is administered under the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the Division of Housing Stabilization.

Under the Right to Shelter statute, the state is obligated to shelter all “eligible unhoused families” with at least one child, which is defined as under 21-years-old, the release said.

Because of a recent increase in the number of homeless families in the state, the Office of Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) has begun to place families into hotels, including in Northborough and other communities in the region.

According to Black, Northborough was alerted earlier this week that the motel was being used as a temporary shelter.

Approximately 20 families came to town on Tuesday night.

Northborough’s Department of Public Health has been supporting the health and medical needs of the new arrivals.

On July 27, a tent was being erected outside of the motel. According to Black, the tent will allow them to have a safe space for the children staying at the motel to gather outside of the rooms, and serve as a location to deliver catered meals paid for by the state. Food is being provided three times a day.

That same day a rapid response team was at the motel assessing the new arrivals’ medical needs.

The town is working closely with state agencies along with Reps. Kate Donaghue and Meghan Kilcoyne and Sen. Robyn Kennedy.

“Our state legislative delegation has been amazing,” said Cohen. “Senator Robyn Kennedy brings her experience leading the Worcester YWCA to the table, directly connecting us with incredible resources. Representatives Kate Donaghue and Meg Kilcoyne are helping connect us with state resources. All three are wonderful advocates for our community needs, especially this week.”

Cohen credited Black’s “whirlwind of energy” to make it possible.

He noted that Northborough Free Library Director Jenn Bruneau and the Friends of the Northborough Free Library have provided picture books and stuffed animals for the children. Plus, police, fire and “nearly every other department” have played key roles in welcoming the new arrivals, Cohen said.

He voiced his appreciation for the work of ORI and the shelter they found for the families coming to Northborough.

“I wish they were able to communicate their needs sooner, as we were unaware of their lack of food and services until two days after the first group’s arrival. I hope they can improve on their notification system going forward,” Cohen said. “I know our entire community will help any way we can.”

Black said the town will be reaching out to local nonprofits, faith-based groups and civic organizations. The Northborough Food Pantry has been bringing supplies to the motel, and Northborough Helping Hands Association has begun coordination.

“We’re being methodical. We’re being very well-supported by everybody involved,” said Black.

The department, which is serving as the primary point of contact, is in need of formula, diapers and wipes. A registry has been created at https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift-giver?registryId=cbaf8580-2bef-11ee-9f01-256a822d55c8&type=CHARITY.

The items from the registry can be dropped off 24/7 at the Northborough Police Department.

Used clothing, toys and household items are not being collected at this moment.

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