supporting newly arrived immigrants

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts, where an influx of families fleeing unimaginable conditions from places like Haiti and Venezuela are seeking shelter and safety.

As of that date, 5,600 families – more than 20,000 people, including infants, children and pregnant women – are living in emergency shelters across the state. More are expected to arrive in Massachusetts in the coming days, weeks and months. The strains on our emergency shelter system – which was not designed for this level of capacity – are extreme, and there is a need for immediate support.

ECCF is in contact with our nonprofit partners working directly with these families and individuals. The most immediate needs include wraparound supports and services provided by culturally and linguistically reflective staff to help build trust, prevent further trauma and support the initial assessment of immigration status; food, especially culturally appropriate hot meals; transportation and access to healthcare.

We have developed a list of local, vetted nonprofit organizations, which you can donate to right now, that are addressing the needs across Essex County. You can also donate to the Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund – a statewide fund organized by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and The Boston Foundation

This is an evolving situation, and we’ll continue to update this page with additional resources as they become available.

Thank you for your generosity.

Wraparound supports, case management: 

• New American Association of MA (NAAM) – based in Lynn
• Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) – based in Boston, with offices in Methuen and across the state
• International Institute of New England (IINE) – based in Boston, supporting families in Methuen and beyond
• Welcome Immigrant Network (WIN) – grassroots organization based in Salem
• Lynn Rapid Response Network (LRRN) – grassroots network of volunteers and nonprofits focused on immigrants in the Lynn area

Immigration/Legal Services:

• Northeast Justice Center – offices in Lawrence, Lynn, and Lowell

Emergency shelter providers (many working with partners to connect families to services and provide basic necessities, transportation, etc.):

• Centerboard – based in Lynn, supporting families in Danvers, Peabody, and Salem
• Citizens Inn – based in Peabody
• Community Teamwork – based in Lowell, supporting families in Methuen and beyond
• Emmaus – based in Haverhill
• Lynn Shelter Association – based in Lynn
• North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) – based in Peabody
• Wellspring House – based in Gloucester

Policy and advocacy

• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) – Boston-based policy and advocacy coalition promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees across New England
• Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless – Lynn-based organization working to advocate for and support families and individuals who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness

*If you have a donor advised fund (DAF) at ECCF, and you’d like to make a donation to any of these organizations, simply use the organization or fund name in the online portal. Please do not hesitate to call ECCF if you have any questions or need assistance.