Gov. Healey activates National Guard for aid in response to migrant crisis

BOSTON (WLNE) — Gov. Maura Healey issued an order Thursday that will send up to 250 National Guard members to provide basic services at emergency shelters that are currently contracted with a service provider.

Earlier this month, the Healey administration issued a state of emergency over the rapidly rising number of migrant families arriving in Massachusetts.

The administration said there are currently more than 6,000 families in emergency shelters in the state.

“Massachusetts is in a state of emergency, and we need all hands-on deck to meet this moment and ensure families have access to safe shelter and basic services,” said Healey. “We’re grateful to the brave men and women of the National Guard for stepping up to help us ensure that every family in emergency shelter has their needs met, including access to food, transportation, medical care, and education.”

The National Guard will also be responsible for helping Regional Rapid Response Teams which will help prepare shelter sites for opening, communicate site-specifics to inform placements and connect people to public benefits.

On Aug. 18, the administration and the city of Boston received a $1.9 million grant from FEMA to support shelter services.