Five days away from being homeless in Massachusetts

While researching the Massachusetts migrant crisis, I was able to connect with people who were born and raised here in the state but found themselves homeless, living in the hotels that have been turned into migrant shelters. One single mother agreed to talk to me, under anonymity, about her experience and what she wants others to know about her experience.

Tell me about your current situation. How many children do you have, what are their ages and how long have you been homeless?

I have 3 children ages 7, 4, and 1. We’ve been homeless since January of 2022. Our neighbor set our entire apartment building on fire. At first, we were sent to an army base in Devens, Massachusetts. We stayed there for a month living on cots in a big room with a bunch of strangers. We arrived at this shelter on May 4th of 2022.

What did you expect when you were first placed at this hotel? How long did you expect to be there?

I expected coming into the shelter we would have support in regard to the concerns of our family’s circumstances, but we have received no help at all … they place you and leave you for dead. Then one day tell you that you and your family are being kicked out onto the street! Due to an overflow of immigrants they are prioritizing over their own citizens.

Do you want to share how much money in assistance the state offers you, in cash and SNAP or anything else they help you with?

I receive food stamps and $200 a month for cash assistance and barely makes ends meet. I cannot get a voucher for a sitter or daycare in order for me to work faithfully.

Are you on any wait lists for public housing? Can you tell me about the plan or process the state has provided you about moving on from the shelter?

I have looked for apartments. Landlords don’t want anyone using Homebase because it’s payments are prolonged. One landlord said in their experience, Homebase doesn’t make the initial payments quickly enough to secure a unit. Landlords also required proof that I earn three times the monthly rent amount. Homebase isn’t helping.

You were given a notice to leave the shelter and it is for December 28th. What will happen to you and your family?

I was given a notice to leave 3 days after Christmas by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This was a 9-month shelter limit, and they gave me a 20-day reminder. They informed me if I am not out by that day I will be barred from shelter for 10 months to a year. I have not been able to find housing, so we have nowhere to go so basically, I’ll be sitting outside in the cold with all my belongings.

You have been living in a hotel with migrants. Tell me about the conditions of the hotel since it was turned into a shelter.

I have been living in this hotel for quite some time and the entire property is a joke. There are no rules, at least not for the immigrants. Their children run around the hallways naked and are outside unsupervised all alone. They yell, scream, and beat each other up with no adult supervision and no repercussions. A majority of the families have been prioritized over us Americans…..they’ve completely failed us. For example, there is not any American food at all here. The food they offer us is constantly rice, pork and plantains. They do not offer any other choices for those that do not like that. There are no other options for us, and we have to starve. We are not allowed second plates as the first portions are small, but the immigrant families get great portions of food because they are able to communicate with the people handing out food as everyone speaks Spanish not English.

You mentioned to me that you thought migrant families were given resources for Christmas presents and you and your children were not. How does that make you feel?

I feel left out and alone. My kids are barely receiving a Christmas this year … they took my small Xmas tree I had and said it was a fire hazard as the other families get to decorate their doors and do many things they tell us not to do. They’ve given immigrant families vouchers for laundry, presents for their kids, gift cards and a whole lot more. It’s just unfair and very very upsetting.

What do you want the public to know about being a homeless mom in Massachusetts? Say whatever you feel and think, however you want.

To anyone experiencing homelessness just know you’re not ALONE. The stress, trauma, and uncertainty associated with homelessness can take a significant toll on the mental health of homeless mothers. No one really talks about it! Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues often go unaddressed due to limited access to mental health services, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.

Do you feel the state has let you and your children down? Can you explain how you feel?

I genuinely wish and believe that we must recognize unhoused single mother’s and family’s particular challenges and work to provide the necessary support and resources to help them regain their footing as a mom. I am just trying my best for my kids, putting in maximum effort and dedication to provide the best possible care, support, and upbringing for my children with absolutely no help from the same system that was designed to help us.