Migrant community leaves Middleboro for regional shelter out of area

Jul 1, 2024

MIDDLEBORO — The migrant community that was living at the Quality Inn in Middleboro has been moved to a regional facility in Northboro, Town Manager James McGrail told the select board at the July 1 meeting.

The hotel will no longer be used as a home for migrant families going forward because the state has gone to a regional housing model, McGrail was told by state officials.

The state covered the transportation costs and logistical details of the move, McGrail said.

The news comes nearly a year after the state designated the Quality Inn as an emergency shelter. On Sept. 22, 2023, McGrail was notified that 30 rooms had been reserved for 24 people, including nine children, from Haiti.

The community hosted a variety of efforts to help the migrant community that was moved into Middleboro, including drives to obtain items they needed. “I’m super proud of the team’’ that on little notice and without much experience with the issue offered support to the community, McGrail said.

Residents donated food, toys, and other supplies to the Haitian migrants. The schools and town worked together to get the new students supplies, backpacks and basic essentials.