Statement from the Town of Norfolk Regarding Changes to the State’s Shelter System

NORFOLK — The following is a statement from Norfolk Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis:

“We have been notified of the Governor’s changes to the state’s emergency shelter system, which includes the decommissioned Bay State Correctional Center in Norfolk.

“According to an announcement made today by Gov. Maura Healey’s office the state’s overflow emergency assistance shelters, including the facility in Norfolk, will transition to becoming five-day temporary respite centers. These changes are effective Aug. 1.

“The new rules also mean that children temporarily housed at the BSCC shelter will not be enrolled in Norfolk Public Schools or the King Philip Regional School District.

“The site in Norfolk currently has a capacity of 225 people with more than 60 families housed on site. The site is managed by a state-contracted shelter operator. The Town of Norfolk has provided limited first responder assistance as needed.

“The Town of Norfolk supports the changes announced by the Governor today as they ensure the Town can continue to support the shelter without overtaxing its ability to provide core programs and services to residents. We will continue to collaborate with the Governor and her team to ensure that the Town’s questions are answered, any impacts are mitigated, and to provide support as necessary.

“The Select Board, the School Committee, Police Chief Timothy Heinz, Fire Chief Erron Kinney, Norfolk Public Schools Superintendent Ingrid Allardi, King Philip Regional School District Superintendent Rich Drolet, other department leaders and I will remain in regular communication regarding the impacts of the shelter on our operations. Town leaders will also continue to work with state officials and our legislative delegation to ensure that our concerns are heard.

“Residents can reach out to me at jcasanovadavis@norfolk.ma.us if they have any operational questions, and reach out to Dr. Ingrid Allardi (Norfolk Public Schools) or Dr. Rich Drolet (King Philip Regional School District) for any school-related questions.”

(For more details about the new changes and how the shelter program will work after Aug. 1, pleaseread the press release issued by the Governor’s office.)

###