MassDevelopment, the state agency that owns the center, announced the move in its weekly newsletter, reporting that the center would cease operating Monday, March 13, and that any remaining families would be moved to a new intake facility in the Best Western Hotel near the Concord rotary. It was MassDevelopment’s only notification of the coming change to residents and businesses.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirmed in an email Tuesday that the Devens facility had, as announced, closed the previous day and that the fewer than 100 adults and children that remained had been transferred to Concord.
In its Devens News announcement, MassDevelopmeent said that MEMA and Department of Housing and Community Development personnel would spend the week of March 13 dismantling the temporary dormitory and shower and toilet facilities at the center before returning it to MassDevelopment.
The MEMA spokesperson told the Press that since its opening in December, the Devens center had placed 948 people and 281 families in 27 emergency facilities across the state. Among its clients were families from Massachusetts and 17 countries, a majority from Central and South America.
“To our Devens residents and businesses,” the announcement said, “thank you for the support and donations provided to the [center].” Peter Lowitt, director of the Devens Enterprise Commission, praised “the professional way” in which MEMA managed the center. The DEC was responsible for issuing MEMA its temporary permit and for overseeing compliance with state and local regulations. MassDevelopment says Devens DPW aims to have the center ready for community use by Monday, March 20.
For the next several weeks, Devens Department of Public Works will continue to be a drop-off point for donations until the new Concord facility can make its own arrangements. Donations can be left Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. Items needed include travel size hygiene items and feminine hygiene products; wipes, diapers, and pull-ups, all sizes; baby formula, food, and bottles; bottle brushes; new or gently used and laundered children’s clothing in sizes from infant to 18; new or gently used and laundered winter coats for all ages, but primarily toddlers and children; new underwear and socks, all sizes; new or gently used and laundered sweatpant-style pants for men and women; and car seats, new or used and within the expiration date.
If you are a business or organization or are interested in making a monetary contribution, contact Meg Delorier at mdelorier@massdevelopment.com.
