State Emergency Shelter Program
More new families arrive in Sharon through the Governor's Emergency Shelter Program
POSTED ON: JANUARY 9, 2024 - 11:30AM
As of Jan. 5, the newest families assigned to Sharon through the Emergency Shelter Program have arrived and their children have been registered for school.
All the families come from other expiring shelter sites within the State’s system.
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.
A task force, including representatives from town and school departments, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and individuals, has been addressing the needs of these new families.
The task force is currently collecting the following items:
- diapers and wipes
- laundry detergent (fragrance-free preferred)
- new and gently used items for babies up to age 1 (here is the link to our Baby Registry: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/baby-baby-march-2024-sharon/BNYBDV5TOWJE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_4MTBHNAVNH959PKEPEW9)
Requested items in good to excellent condition can be dropped off at Community Ed, 181 Pond St. between 8 a.m.- 4p.m.
General clothing donations are not being accepted at this time.
Updates on the task force’s work will be posted to this link on the town website, townofsharon.net.
Currently there is a need for volunteer drivers to support rides to laundry and work.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning how you can help, or if you have any questions, reach out to school Assistant Superintendent Meg Dussault, who is currently chairing the town's task force to support new families at mdussault@sharonschools.net.
