Overview

• 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.