Westborough Seeking Donations For Shelter Families In Local Hotel

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Amid a statewide family shelter emergency, Westborough is asking for help from residents to support the nine new families now living at a local hotel.

The families — a total of 40 people, including children — arrived over the weekend as part of the state's family shelter program.

"On Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 and Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 Westborough town officials and our legislative delegation were alerted by the commonwealth that 9 families were being placed in a hotel in the town of Westborough. The Select Board, public safety departments, public health department, the legislative delegation, and other enlisted state agencies mobilized immediately to coordinate the pressing needs of these roughly 40 individuals," the town said Tuesday.

The state's shelter system is inundated with homeless families and migrants, with over 1,400 families now sheltering in hotels across the state. Gov. Maura Healey on Tuesday declared a state of emergency over the shelter crisis. Many of the families are refugees seeking safety in the U.S., but many more are state residents who have lost homes due to an ongoing housing affordability crisis in Massachusetts.

The town began accepting donations for the new Westborough families Wednesday. Anyone who wants to help can drop off a variety of goods (but not cash, used clothing, or household items) can visit the 42 Milk St. Westborough between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through Friday.

Here are the items the families need most:

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste for both adults and babies
• Deodorant
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap/body wash
• Feminine pads
• Combs and picks
• Razors/shaving cream
• Lotion
• Nail clippers/files
• Baby wipes
• Pacifiers in all sizes
• Diapers in all sizes
• Sippy cups
• Onesies in all sizes
• Bottles jn all sizes
• Formula
• Small children’s toys like coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, toy cars, dolls and stuffed animals
• Snacks items in individual bags
• Bottled water
• Juice boxes
• Gatorade
• Breakfast in individual bags
• New clothing including in adult and child sizes including socks, sports bras, T-shirts, pants, underwear sizes
• Plastic cutlery
• Paper plates
• Cups
• Napkins/paper towels
• Reusable bags