PRESS RELEASE-UNSHELTERED FAMILIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Fairhaven Town Officials Meet with Local Community Organizations and Volunteers to Discuss Support Plan for Newly Arriving Unsheltered Families

Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison reports that meetings were held on Tuesday with various Department Heads to discuss details of the Town’s coordination of community resources to support the unsheltered migrant families that will be placed in a local hotel later this week. “I am humbled by the outpouring of positive responses that we have received so far and how the Fairhaven community is coming together to help.” Ms. Ellison said, “The positive outpouring of assistance demonstrates the heart of Fairhaven-we are a caring and welcoming community.”

The Town was notified late last Wednesday by Governor Healey’s Office that the State would be placing unsheltered families at the Seaport Resort & Marina. As a “right to shelter state,” Massachusetts guarantees that families can be housed in temporary shelters.

Town and School Officials met first to strategize how best to assess and proceed. Department heads have been reaching out to peers in other towns to gather feedback on their experience and what challenges they encountered. In a second meeting, volunteers and leaders from various community organizations offered their assistance and volunteer hours.

The initial coordination will be through a partnership with Pam Keuchler, the Executive Director of PACE, Inc. and Martha Reed, the Council on Aging Director. The School Department will assess school age children next week for placement in school.

The immediate needs are for diapers, baby wipers, toiletries, formula, feminine products and paper products like plates, napkins and utensils. Although winter clothing will be needed, the specific sizes and ages are unknown at this time. Anyone looking to donate can drop items off at the Fairhaven Fire Department between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m., seven days a week. For other volunteer or donation inquiries, please contact Cam Durant cdurant@fairhaven-ma.gov

Ms. Ellison reiterated her thanks for the team effort in coordinating the details of the Town’s response and wants to reassure all residents that these efforts will in no way detract from the day-to-day services provided to Fairhaven residents.

Media Contacts: Angie Lopes Ellison, Anne Carreiro
alopesellison@fairhaven-ma.gov, acarreiro@fairhaven-ma.gov,
Select Board Office: 508-979-4023, option 2

###