By Grace Allen

Norfolk’s decommissioned Bay State Correctional Center has been operational as a shelter for over seven months now. While still on track to close at the end of June, town officials in the meantime are juggling a constantly changing situation as the state grapples with how to respond to the migrant and homeless crisis.

At press time, there were approximately 392 individuals and 126 families housed at the site, reported Justin Casanova-Davis, Norfolk’s town administrator. The shelter’s capacity is 405 individuals.

According to Kevin Connor, the press secretary for the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, only families with children or single pregnant women are staying at the site, per program policy. He did not have demographic information but said the statewide shelter population is 50% new arrivals and 50% longtime Massachusetts residents. In August, the town reported that the shelter was housing just Haitian and Venezuelan families.

Casanova-Davis said the number of residents at the shelter fluctuates, almost on a daily basis. He pointed out that the state’s policy is a 30-day limit, with options for extensions for qualifying families. He noted that after the winter holiday break, there were about 30 school-age children living in the shelter. No students have decided to stay in the schools after their families have left the shelter.

The town administrator reported there have been relatively limited demands on Norfolk’s police and fire departments so far. Most calls, he said, have been for ambulance services, emphasizing that the “Select Board and police and fire leadership continuously collaborate and communicate with state officials regarding public safety.”

After several incidents at Massachusetts shelters raised questions over safety, Gov. Maura Healey recently ordered that everyone entering the shelter system undergo background checks. Press Secretary Connor said that all residents at the Norfolk shelter have received CORI and SORI screens, as well as periodic, systemwide warrant checks.

“Pursuant to the Governor’s direction, on-site shelter staff recently conducted room inspections, consistent with Rapid Shelter Track rules,” said Connor in an email. “When inspecting, staff looked for non-compliance with shelter rules, such as criminal activity, possession of firearms or drugs, or anything that would raise significant health or safety concerns.” 

The most recent inspections were completed on January 10 and identified no major concerns or any indication of criminal or illegal activity, he added.

Casanova-Davis reiterated that town officials meet biweekly with state officials via Zoom, and reminded residents that the town has updated information on its website: Norfolk.ma.us.