As state and local officials grapple with supporting migrant families in more official settings like the state emergency shelter system and overflow sites, they’re also leaning on faith groups and residents to lend a helping hand.
Church leaders and groups are encouraging more people to join that village effort as migrant families continue to arrive in Massachusetts needing help — and those who have been offering aid for the past many months are feeling stretched.
Some churches are offering spaces for immigrant families to stay during the day, or shelter overnight.
One of those churches is Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Milton. They’ve partnered with the Immigrant Family Services Institute to serve up to 30 people daily.
“[We] opened our doors to welcome migrant families during the day,” said the Rev. Rachael Pettengill-Rasure. “IFSI brings them over to the church in the morning and they spend time at the church. The children play, the adults cook lunch, and they rest.”