Public Notice - Migrant Shelter in Westminster

• FAQ's page can be found attached to this posting and will be updated as questions are received.  If you have specific questions about the shelter at the Rodeway Inn please email them to Tamie Chiarelli at tchiarelli@westminster-ma.gov -
• For information on how this relates to the Ash-West Regional School District please check their website (www.awrsd.org) or contact the Superintendent’s Office;
• The State has posted an informational website related to the Emergency Shelter, it can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-assistance-ea-family-shelter...

Public Update - September 19, 2023

In an effort to acquire as much information as possible, last week town and school officials toured the shelter being run by MOC, Inc in Concord.  This location has been operational for several months, providing shelter and services to 280 individuals on site. The location in Concord was suitably equipped with various services for the shelter inhabitants, that is also what is expected at the Rodeway location.

MOC Inc has stated that they will be supplying daily meals, transportation, arranging medical care among other support services.  There will also be 24/7 staffing at the facility, provided by MOC at the Rodeway location. 

According to MOC representatives the first families began to arrive yesterday (9/18/23) afternoon. We do not know the makeup of the families to be homed at the Rodeway at this time. According to the message received from the State the remaining families to be placed at the Rodeway Inn should be expected to arrive over the next two weeks. Town staff and local leadership will continue to stay in close communication with MOC representatives in an effort to assist in a smooth transition if services are needed.

The school district is working with MOC leadership and program managers to register children, and address any needs at that level.  Superintendent Stewart issued a district update which can be found here: https://www.smore.com/czhr7-dr-stewart-s-community-update?ref=email

The Town of Westminster received its first communication regarding this placement from Governor Healey’s office on the afternoon of Friday September 15, and we will continue to keep this page updated as information becomes available.   

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Public Notice - September 11, 2023
RE: Migrant Placement in Westminster

At this time, Town Administration has confirmed that Making Opportunities Count (MOC), Inc of Fitchburg in cooperation with the State’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), will be coordinating the placement of up to 30 displaced migrant families at the Rodeway Inn under the authority of the State’s “Right to Shelter” law.  The town has not received a confirmed move-in date but it is projected to be within the next week.

The Commonwealth’s “Right to Shelter” law obligates the State to provide housing for families with children and pregnant women without homes, and the State’s policy is to place these families in hotels in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth without the need for local approval and in many instances, without prior notice.

There are currently hundreds of migrant families being housed in hotels in communities throughout the Commonwealth, and soon that will include Westminster. Only action regarding immigration policy at the Federal level or a change in State law can directly address this situation.

In light of these circumstances, it is our sincere hope that Westminster will continue to be the kind and welcoming community we all know it is.  Integrating these new migrant families into our town and school district will be a challenge, but we are prepared to remain in compliance with the Governor’s initiative and State law during this time. As a small town and a tight-knit community, we will endeavor to help our new inhabitants adjust, feel welcomed, thrive, and become productive residents of Westminster.

This Board is confident that by working collaboratively with our State and Local Legislators as well as Town and School leadership; we will meet the needs of this new challenge.

As always, our Town staff and officials are available to address concerns, answer questions and assist as needed. Thank you all for your cooperation and support in this matter.

This notice will be placed on our Town website and updated as needed based on information received. 

For more information or questions regarding the State’s “Right to Shelter” law and the Governor’s State of Emergency please contact the Governor’s Office at 617-725-4005.