Massachusetts Converts Veterans' Shelter into Migrant Housing Amid Backlash

The decision to house 100 migrant families at the Chelsea Soldiers' Home has sparked debate over state priorities and support for homeless veterans.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced the conversion of the historic Chelsea Soldiers' Home into a shelter for 100 migrant families, sparking backlash from residents.
Residents express concern over prioritizing migrants over homeless veterans, with the state facing a homelessness crisis among veterans.
The facility, previously vacant and slated for demolition, will require migrants to prove efforts towards independence, including seeking work and learning English.
The move comes as Massachusetts grapples with a migrant crisis, with emergency shelters reaching capacity.
Officials assert the new shelter will not impact veteran services, aiming to balance support for both veterans and migrant families.