State to Use National Guard Armory as Shelter for Illegal Aliens Despite Building’s Ongoing Use
Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey’s office plans to convert a National Guard armory in Lexington into a temporary “safety-net” shelter for illegal immigrants, the Boston Herald reported Monday.
The Lexington Armory is roughly 35,000 square feet and includes an assembly hall, a mess hall with classroom space, a kitchen, showers, and administrative space.
The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities stated that nine Massachusetts National Guardsmen are currently using the building to complete administrative tasks. Despite the facility’s planned conversion into a shelter space, the guardsmen will continue to use the building daily.
Emergency Assistance director and retired Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Scott Rice told the news outlet that the armory will provide housing to 55 families. According to the Boston Herald, the site will also be open to homeless American families. The governor has claimed that many individuals utilizing the state’s emergency shelter program are Massachusetts residents.
“We have identified a state-owned building in Lexington to use as a safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness. Preparations are underway in close collaboration with local officials, and we expect to open the site next month,” Rice told the media outlet. (Read more from “State to Use National Guard Armory as Shelter for Illegal Aliens Despite Building’s Ongoing Use” HERE)
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