Governor Maura Healy of Massachusetts has raised concerns about the state's capacity to house an increasing number of migrant families seeking assistance. With 40 to 50 new families arriving daily, the shelter system in Massachusetts is nearing its limit of 7,500 families, according to a report in the Boston Herald.

Massachusetts is the only state in the U.S. with a statewide "right-to-shelter" law, a policy signed into law in 1983. This law entitles migrant families to taxpayer-funded emergency shelter. However, the surging influx of migrants, many of whom lack a lawful presence in the country, has put significant strain on the state's shelter resources.

Governor Healy expressed concerns about potential repercussions of the housing crisis, suggesting that homeless individuals might resort to sleeping at Boston's Logan Airport or filling up emergency rooms. To address the issue, Healy proposed that other states should also consider accepting migrants seeking shelter.

As of Monday, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities reported that there were 7,439 families in the emergency shelter system. Of these, 3,729 families were accommodated in hotels and motels, 3,648 were housed in traditional shelter sites, and 62 were placed in temporary shelters like Joint Base Cape Cod.

In response to the overwhelming demand, Governor Healy announced on Wednesday that Massachusetts can no longer accommodate all incoming families and will establish a waitlist, giving priority to those with the highest needs. The plan includes prioritizing women, young children, and individuals with acute medical needs and health issues for shelter placement. Additionally, the state is considering imposing time limits on the duration families can stay in shelters.

To address the immediate challenge, the Healy administration plans to deploy more National Guard troops to unstaffed shelter sites. Currently, over 1,400 families are receiving services at shelters where National Guard support is provided. The number of available Guardsmen will be increased to 375, as reported by the Boston Herald.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay has announced its commitment to set up overnight shelter sites for families and pregnant women with no alternative housing options. The organization will utilize $5 million in federal funds received from the Healy administration for this cause.

Given the rising concerns and pressures on the state's shelter system, Republican state lawmaker Peter Durant introduced a bill proposing that only legal residents who have been in the country for a minimum of three years should be eligible to receive benefits from the "right-to-shelter" policy. However, the bill has yet to advance in the legislature.

The situation in Massachusetts highlights the ongoing challenge of providing adequate housing for an increasing number of migrant families. As the strain on the shelter system intensifies, state officials and organizations are actively exploring solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in need of emergency assistance.