Shrewsbury Opens Donation Bin For Homeless Families Arriving In Town

SHREWSBURY, MA — The number of homeless families living in a Shrewsbury hotel is growing, and the town is now accepting tangible donations to help support them.

The state Department of Housing and Community Development first relocated about a dozen families to Shrewsbury in early May. That number grew to 16 last week, and rose to 40 by Tuesday.

The families will be living at a local hotel until further notice, according to the town. The state's family shelter system is being strained by an influx of migrants and residents being pushed into homelessness. Hotels across the state are being used as overflow shelters under the state's right-to-shelter law.

Shrewsbury set up donation boxes outside town hall on Tuesday. Residents who want to help the new families can drop off items during business hours. The town is also accepting monetary donations.

Here are the most-needed items, according to the town:

• Diapers (all sizes) and wipes
• Personal care items like shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, lotion, chapstick, feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, baby shampoo, lotions.
• Ziploc bags
• Laundry pods
• New children's clothing, including undergarments, socks and shoes for ages infants up to age 17
• Over the counter medication for adults, children and infants like Tylenol, Motrin, Advil and Pedialyte.