Governor Healey has declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts in order to better deal with the rapid increase in immigration to the state.
The declaration will allow the state to petition federal officials for additional aid.
The Governor says that there are close to 56 hundred families in the state that are currently being housed in the Commonwealth.
It is about 80 percent higher than it was a year ago.
The Governor says this state will always be "a beacon of hope, compassion and humanity" for those in need.
The Governor has made what she calls "an urgent and formal appeal" to remove barriers to opening new shelters with the federal government.
The Governor concedes that the homeless shelters are maxed out and the state has few options.
[Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]
Photo: Joshua Qualls