For Immediate Release: 8/8/2023 1:44 pm
Statement from Mayor Joseph M. Petty and City Manager Eric D. Batista:
“The City of Worcester, with the backing of City Council, acknowledges and supports Governor Healey’s declaration to address the Commonwealth’s shelter shortage in the face of steeply rising demand of new arrivals. The City of Worcester has experienced this demand firsthand, and we are prepared to rise to the challenge with our state and federal partners to provide both short- and long-term solutions. Specifically, we are launching a New Arrivals Task Force to assist with resettlement efforts in collaboration with local service providers, property owners, and the community at large.
The pressure that this shelter shortage is causing impacts every single person living in the second largest city in New England. We call on everyone who lives and works in Worcester to come together and show in a demonstrable way that we are a welcoming, inclusive city that acts based on love, compassion, and integrity. It is a time for landlords, business owners, service providers, healthcare workers, hotel staff, and residents to be ready to aid individuals seeking shelter, resources, and job opportunities. We are extremely grateful for the many agencies and community members already involved in this work and recognize that they are currently at—or over—capacity while still doing everything in their power to help those in need.
There is far more work to be done, but we are confident that together we can manage the situation and unite to support those in need.”
