Local News

National Guard armory in Lexington to be used for state’s emergency shelter system

Operations at the armory will continue after the shelter becomes operational.

By Emily Spatz

May 1, 2024

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A National Guard armory in Lexington will be used to house migrants and Massachusetts families facing homelessness through the state’s overwhelmed emergency shelter system starting next month, according to state and town officials. 

“We have identified a state-owned building in Lexington to use as a safety-net site for families experiencing homelessness. Preparations are underway in close collaboration with local officials, and we expect to open the site this month,” Emergency Assistance Director General Scott Rice said in a statement to Boston.com. 

The shelter, located at 459 Bedford St, will be used to accommodate families moving out of the safety net site at the Melnea Cass Recreational Complex in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, which will be closed by the end of May. The complex is a temporary overflow site and currently serves about 350 families.  

The armory in Lexington will serve families who fit the criteria for emergency assistance from the state. Individuals and families who qualify include those affected by natural disasters or no-fault evictions or are fleeing from domestic violence, among other criteria. 

At full capacity, the Lexington facility will serve 55 families. It will be owned and operated by the state, causing “little to no impact to Town services,” said Jonas Miller, director of communications for the Town of Lexington. 

“The Lexington Health Department will provide assistance if it is requested by the State, and Lexington Public Schools will assist in the educational placement of school-aged children if necessary,” Miller said in a statement. 

Miller said the Town of Lexington was notified about the state’s decision last week. 

The state is working to prepare the site for move-in and identify vendors, with preference for local businesses. 

Operations at the armory will continue after the shelter becomes operational, and nine Army National Guard members will provide administrative support to their units from the site, a state employee said.

The state’s announcement comes as state lawmakers and Gov. Maura Healey signed a budget Tuesday limiting the total length of stay at shelters to nine months in an attempt to manage an influx of homeless migrants into the state.