'Endeavor to help our new inhabitants': Westminster to welcome migrant families at motel

Up to 30 migrant families will be housed at the Rodeway Inn on Main Street in Westminster, according to a Sept. 11 statement by the Westminster Select Board.

“There are currently hundreds of migrant families being housed in hotels in communities throughout the Commonwealth, and soon that will include Westminster,” officials wrote. “As a small town and a tight-knit community, we will endeavor to help our new inhabitants adjust, feel welcomed, thrive, and become productive residents of Westminster.”

The families are being moved into the motel at 183 Main St. by Making Opportunity Count (MOC) Inc. of Fitchburg in cooperation with the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, according to officials.

“The town has not received a confirmed move-in date but it is projected to within the next week,” the letter reads. “The Commonwealth’s ‘Right to Shelter’ law obligates the state to provide housing for families in hotels in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth without the need for local approval and in many instances, without prior notice."

“Logistics are the Guard’s strong suit": National Guard deploying to Mass. migrant shelters on Wednesday

Gov. Maura Healey recently activated the National Guard to help with the more than 6,000 migrant families seeking shelter in Massachusetts.

Only action regarding immigration policy at the federal level or a change in state law could directly address the situation, officials stated.

Living in North Central Massachusetts: Gardner hotel providing shelter for migrant families - what we know

“In light of these circumstances, it is our sincere hope that Westminster will continue to be the kind and welcoming community we all know it is,” the letter read. “Integrating these new migrant families into our town and school district will be a challenge, but we are prepared to remain in compliance with the Governor’s initiative and state law during this time.”

More: Local group aims to welcome displaced families to Gardner

Board members said they were confident that by working collaboratively with state and local legislators, as well town and school leadership, the community will meet the needs of this new challenge.

Officials in Gardner recently announced that up to 36 migrant families were currently living at a hotel shelter site in the city.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Westminster to house displaced migrant families at the Rodeway Inn