UPDATE: Barnstable County Assisting Efforts to Shelter Migrants Flown to Martha’s Vineyard at Joint Base

UPDATE AT 1:45 P.M.: The Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC)  has been activated to help support the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in providing shelter and other resources for the 50 migrants who arrived in Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday. 

MACC is activated whenever shelters are deployed, and will stay active until the they are closed. The Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps is also on standby, ready to support shelter operations alongside other County agencies.

The full statement, including donation and volunteer information, is as follows: 

The Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) activated at 9:00 AM to support the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) with sheltering and resource requests for 50 migrants who arrived in Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday, September 14.  

Officials from MEMA contacted the BCREPC in preparation for transport of migrants from Martha’s Vineyard to Joint Base Cape Cod for shelter and provision of comfort, care, and food. In any emergency where shelters are deployed, the BCREPC activates the MACC per protocol to assist with shelter management, staffing, and general operations as needed. The MACC will remain activated until the shelter closes and the BCREPC will continue to provide support to MEMA as necessary. 

As part of the response effort, the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (CCMRC) is standing by to provide support for shelter operations. Other County departments will provide any assistance to MEMA as requested. 

At this time, MEMA is directing individuals and organizations making offers of donations or who are interested in volunteering contact the Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MASS VOAD) at [email protected].  

The original story can be found below:

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UPDATE AT 12:20 P.M.: Services for migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday have been officially activated at Joint Base Cape Cod.

The following is a statement from the Dukes County Emergency Management Association:

Today, new shelter and humanitarian supports were activated at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) for the approximately 50 individuals who arrived unexpectedly on Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Safe, voluntary transportation from the Island to JBCC was offered and provided to group members who chose to depart this morning by the Vineyard Transit Authority, Steamship Authority, and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Coordinated efforts among state and local officials have secured food, shelter, and essential services, with a large group of humanitarian volunteers waiting for the group’s arrival at JBCC. 

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BOURNE – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced Friday that Joint Base Cape Cod will be used as the site of a new shelter for the roughly 50 migrants who were flown to Martha’s Vineyard earlier in the week.

In a statement, Baker said that food, shelter, and other essential services will be provided at Joint Base Cape Cod. The state cited the already-existing infrastructure at the base as reasoning behind the decision, adding that the Vineyard is “not equipped to provide sustainable accommodation.”

Baker is also planning to activate upwards of 125 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to help in this effort.

The following is the full statement from Governor Baker’s office:

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new shelter and humanitarian supports at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) for the approximately 50 migrants who arrived in Martha’s Vineyard this week. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating efforts among state and local officials to ensure access to food, shelter and essential services for these men, women and children. Governor Charlie Baker also plans to activate up to 125 members of the Massachusetts National Guard as part of this relief effort. 

Shortly after the arrival of these individuals, Martha’s Vineyard residents joined with local and state officials to create temporary shelter and provide necessities in a moment of urgent need. However, the island communities are not equipped to provide sustainable accommodation, and state officials developed a plan to deliver a comprehensive humanitarian response. On Friday, September 16, the Commonwealth will offer transportation to a new temporary shelter on JBCC. This move will be voluntary.

JBCC is a facility already designated by MEMA as an emergency shelter in Barnstable County, and its existing infrastructure provides a safe temporary accommodation appropriate for the needs of families and individuals. Additionally, the facility can provide dedicated space for access to legal services and other essential services such as basic healthcare. JBCC has historically housed and cared for displaced individuals, including Louisiana residents fleeing the impact of Hurricane Katrina, as well as an alternative care medical site for Massachusetts residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to MEMA, the robust response of state and local agencies includes the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, the Massachusetts National Guard, the Massachusetts State Police, Dukes County and Barnstable County, as well as state, local and federal elected officials.

“We are grateful to the providers, volunteers and local officials that stepped up on Martha’s Vineyard over the past few days to provide immediate services to these individuals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Administration has been working across state government to develop a plan to ensure these individuals will have access to the services they need going forward, and Joint Base Cape Cod is well equipped to serve these needs.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration has been in close contact with providers and local officials on the ground in Martha’s Vineyard throughout this process,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to work with officials at all levels of government to make sure everyone has access to the appropriate resources, including shelter.”

“While Wednesday’s arrival on Martha’s Vineyard was unexpected, the extraordinary response was not,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “The work of so many state and local partners exemplify the best values of our Commonwealth, providing safe shelter, food and care for individuals that had been through a long harrowing journey.”

MEMA is collaborating with state agencies and non-profit organizations to ensure that individuals and families have access to a broad range of services, including legal, health care, food and other needs.

The individuals and families will be housed in dormitory-style spaces at JBCC, with separate spaces accommodating both individuals and families. Families will not be separated.

As part of the emergency planning process in any situation, state officials deploy a “wraparound” service approach which includes accommodation, clothing and hygiene kits, nutrition, needs assessment, and access to health care, mental health, and crisis counseling services. All services will be available in the recipient’s native language through interpreters. 

The Administration is aware of many charitable individuals and organizations who wish to donate items to those in need. Please note that Joint Base Cape Cod is not logistically able to accept donations of any kind. MEMA is establishing a process to accept relief donations, and additional information is forthcoming.

About Brendan Fitzpatrick

Brendan, a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is one of the newest members of the CapeCod.com NewsCenter team. When not on the beat, you'll probably find him watching Boston sports.



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