Janey Declares Public Health Crisis For Addiction & Homelessness

BOSTON — Acting Mayor Kim Janey issued an executive order Tuesday declaring substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness in the City of Boston a public health crisis, citing Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in particular.

Often referred to as the "Methadone Mile" or "Mass & Cass," tent after tent line both sides of the street leading up to the McDonalds at the Mass Ave and Melnea Cass intersection, one of Boston's busiest areas.

"Methadone Mile" once lined mostly just Melnea Cass Boulevard, with an occasional tent here or there, but in recent months a "tent city" has formed slightly beyond the main drag.

As of Tuesday, Boston city officials estimate there are over 150 tents in the area of "Mass & Cass."

Speaking in Boston City Hall Tuesday, Janey said these tents cannot continue to exist on the streets.

"Despite the ongoing work, the scale of the opioid crisis coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic has driven an increase in homelessness and people living in tents, making it extremely difficult to reach and treat those in need," she said.

Janey said these tents cannot provide adequate needs for survival, especially in an environment surrounded by street violence and drug use daily.

"To be clear, tents are not appropriate for housing, they lack clean water and adequate hygiene facilities. Even more concerning, these tents have become the site of infectious diseases, sexual assaults, human trafficking, potential overdoses, and violence," Janey said. "We cannot let our most vulnerable residents continue to suffer in these encampments."

What can be done about this crisis?

Starting Tuesday, Janey asked the Boston Public Health Commission to utilize all tools at their disposal.

This order will promote the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents and the general public.

Janey said this executive order will be used to establish a central coordinating team made up of city and state partners who will identify health and treatment options available through the region as tents will no longer be permitted.

"Unsheltered individuals deserve respect and dignity," Janey said, adding that some people may refuse help if offered and if that is the case, enforcement will be used.

Janey said enforcement will be only be used as a last resort, ensuring that the removal of the tent will be a pathway to services, treatment and shelter.

City officials said a protocol put in place will not allow city employees to require a homeless person to remove their tent or encampment from public property unless there is another shelter available for the individual.

According to officials, there are at least 170 beds available on a daily basis at city-run shelters, but with over 150 tents lining the streets, the numbers don't add up.

Boston officials said they will prioritize maps to treatment programs for those involved in the court system and if the person is a danger to themselves, police will petition for involuntary commitments.

More on Patch

• Mass. & Cass Causing Trouble Next Door: The HUB
• At Mass. And Cass, 'Even The Rodents Are Getting Sick': The HUB
• The Focus Turns To Mass. And Cass: The HUB
• 'Humanitarian Crisis' At Mass. And Cass: The HUB

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