In Norfolk, Massachusetts, a few hundred residents voiced concerns at a recent Select Board meeting about the state’s plan to open an emergency shelter for homeless families at the former Bay State Correctional Center. The decommissioned prison is set to house up to 140 families, totaling 450 people eligible for emergency assistance.
The concerns were expressed during a recent Select Board meeting. The shelter is expected to operate for six months to a year. The proposed shelter will be located at the former Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk, Massachusetts.
The shelter aims to provide temporary housing while utilizing existing infrastructure and performing background checks on the families.
While the plan has sparked a range of reactions within the community, the arguments for and against the shelter highlight a complex interplay of compassion, practicality, and community concerns.
Arguments For:
1. Compassion and Humanity: Advocates argue that providing shelter for homeless families, especially during emergencies, is a compassionate and humane response. They emphasize the need to support vulnerable populations and offer them a safe place to stay.
2. Utilization of Existing Infrastructure: The Bay State Correctional Center is a decommissioned prison, and using it as a shelter repurposes existing infrastructure. This approach can be cost-effective compared to building new facilities from scratch.
3. Temporary Solution: The shelter is expected to operate for a limited period (six months to a year). Supporters believe that this temporary solution can help families get back on their feet while more permanent housing options are explored.
Arguments Against
1. Community Concerns: Some residents express concerns about the impact on the local community. They worry about overcrowding in schools, increased traffic, and potential strain on public services.
2. Lack of Community Input: Residents feel that they had no say in the decision, as the former prison is state property. They believe that community input should have been sought before finalizing the plan.
3. Stigma and Safety: Critics argue that housing homeless families in a former correctional facility may perpetuate stigma and affect the safety of both residents and families. They worry that new pupils in neighboring schools would be bullied.
In response to these concerns, local officials have initiated community outreach efforts. They are actively engaging with residents through community meetings, providing information, and listening to feedback. These efforts aim to foster transparency, alleviate fears, and ensure that safety measures are in place. Despite some ongoing skepticism among residents, officials remain committed to balancing compassion with community needs and addressing the emergency shelter’s impact on schools and public services.