Somerset Motel Hosting Migrant Families

SOMERSET (WBSM) — A number of migrant families have moved into a Somerset motel as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ plan to host those families.

Somerset Town Administrator Mark Ullucci issued a press release today noting that “around September 7, families began moving into the Orbits Inn, here in Somerset.”

Ullucci said up to 32 rooms could be used for housing migrants, and that currently the Orbits Inn is the only one of the town’s three lodging facilities that would be hosting migrant families on behalf of the state.

According to the travel website Hotwire.com, the Orbits Inn has 48 rooms. Calls to the inn to confirm and to inquire about any other vacancies went unanswered Tuesday afternoon.

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While Ullucci didn’t mention the migrants’ country of origin in his release, WBSM’s Jessica Machado reported on her program on Saturday, September 9 that sources had informed her the migrant families are from Haiti.

Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts on August 8 related to the influx of migrants into the Commonwealth, seeking for the federal government to expedite work permits and increasing funding to deal with the crisis.

State House News Service reported Tuesday that there are now 6,300 migrant families being sheltered in Massachusetts.

“In speaking directly with personnel from the Governor’s Office, we have learned that all of these families have gained legal entry,” he said. “Additionally, the state is providing for all meals and shelter. The National Guard will assist with the logistics of health care, transportation, and agency referrals.”

Ullucci noted that he and town department heads had begun working as early as August 10 to prepare for “logistical challenges” of migrants arriving in Somerset and noted that town officials will “track all services as we move forward.”

“Department heads will continue to meet weekly, addressing concerns and collaborating on needs," he said. "Local agencies will ensure compliance of local by-laws, and our school personnel are working to ensure children and families are brought into our schools appropriately."

“This office will remain committed to pushing out information as it becomes available and will seek state relief for services," Ullucci said.