Task Force working to meet needs of new families

A task force of representatives from town departments, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and individuals continues to assess the needs of the new families residing in Sharon through the Governor's Emergency Shelter Program and fill those needs.

Like other communities across the state, the Town of Sharon was notified in September that the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities would be renting rooms at local hotels as long-term, temporary housing for migrant families.

As of Nov. 15, there are currently 15 families in hotel rooms in Sharon and more possibly expected.

How you can help

A town fund has been established to collect financial donations for laundry, transportation and other needs.

Checks made payable to the Town of Sharon with memo stating “donation - new families” can be dropped off at or mailed to the Town Administrator’s Office, Town Offices, 90 S. Main St., or the Fire Department, 211 S. Main St.

The task force is currently no longer accepting clothing donations from the general public.

Efforts are ongoing to supply other necessities that will be in constant demand: diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, menstrual products, packaged healthy snacks, toiletries, over-the-counter medications (Baby Tylenol, Motrin, Children's Tylenol and Motrin, cough suppressants etc.) and first aid treatments such as ointment, Band-Aids etc. 

There are many groups in town supporting these collection efforts, and you can reach out to area groups and agencies to find out what they are collecting and where you may drop off donations.

If you have questions contact Assistant Superintendent Meg Dussault, who is coordinating the task force at this time, at mdussault@sharonschools.net.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency this summer as the number of arriving migrant families in Massachusetts sharply increased and the existing Emergency Shelter program was overwhelmed.

Massachusetts has a “right to shelter” law for families with children and pregnant women, which means that shelter must be provided under the law. To be eligible, individuals have legally entered the US.

The state covers the cost of emergency shelter services for eligible families, including eligible costs for education, food assistance, medical care and other basic needs.

National Guard personnel have been deployed to assist with the response at the Sharon shelter site.

Updates on the situation and families’ needs will be posted on the town website (townofsharon.net) at this link.