For nearly 25 years, International Migrant Day on December 18^th has recognized the social, economic, and cultural contributions migrants make to communities worldwide, as well as the struggles they face as they seek better lives for themselves and their families. This day underscores the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all migrants and refugees, regardless of their backgrounds or reasons for migration. 

As the United Nations states, "International Migrants Day gives us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world. It's also a day for us to highlight the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs. Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity. This past year, we saw record levels of internal displacement, rising humanitarian needs across ongoing and new crises, and, tragically, the highest-ever death toll of migrants in transit. Yet, alongside these challenges, are stories of resilience, progress and hope. Where safe and well-managed migration holds extraordinary potential. Migrants play critical roles in labour markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. Migrants boost economic growth and provide a lifeline to families and communities back home, driving development." 

It's important to remember that everyone has the internationally recognized right to seek asylum — a right that connects us all, regardless of where we come from. While political tensions over the asylum process may persist, this right unites us and should be celebrated, reminding us of our shared humanity beyond borders.  

Today we reflect on the journeys of migrant families who, fleeing political turmoil, socio-economic instability, and humanitarian crises—from Haiti to Venezuela—have sought refuge in Massachusetts over the past year, and honor their resilience and strength. We also want to recognize the tireless work of community organizations that play a critical role in ensuring that migrants and refugees can access the support they need by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, housing, immigration assistance, English classes, and healthcare. These organizations often operate with limited resources to meet the growing needs of migrant communities.  

Recognizing an uptick in people seeking asylum in Massachusetts last year, and the challenges they faced securing housing, we partnered with The Boston Foundation to raise and distribute an additional $1.4M in rapid response grants to 34 organizations. These grants focused on delivering aid quickly, while building the capacity of organizations providing leadership in immigrant communities. For example, the Everett Haitian Community Center (EHCC) has provided housing assistance, emotional wellness support, and healthcare connections to thousands of new arrivals. As Rev. Myrlande DesRosiers of EHCC shared, “This investment not only empowers individuals within the community but also contributes to the growth and vitality of the city as a whole.”  

Other organizations, including Agencia ALPHA, the Brazilian Worker Center, English for New Bostonians, La Colaborativa, MIRA Coalition, the New American Center, the Rian Immigrant Center, Horizons for Homeless Children, Caribbean Youth Club, and New Healthy Mass —some of which are also United Way’s New Way Forward Partners—provided timely support to families as they navigated their new lives in Massachusetts. 

Supporting new arrivals strengthens entire communities. Programs and resources created to assist migrant families—such as language programs, healthcare, and housing—along with the partnerships they foster, also benefit existing residents, ultimately enhancing the community for all.  

The Black Refugee & Immigrant Coalition provided case management and support services for families at community centers, including the YMCA of Greater Boston. 

For example, last year, we opened new emergency housing through the Safety Net program, establishing 11 sites across Massachusetts to provide critical resources for both newly arriving families and long-time residents experiencing homelessness. One such site in Boston was coordinated by the Black Refugee and Immigrant Community Coalition (BRICC), a group of five Black immigrant-led organizations with Caribbean roots. Powered by United Way’s partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this shelter operated during Governor Healey’s state of emergency and closed once apartments were found for the families.  

Equally significant is the impact migrants have on their new communities. It’s not only the services extended to migrants that matter but also how migrants contribute back to their neighbors. As Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll shared, “In my hometown of Salem, we set up an emergency assistance shelter in an unused dorm, and for the first time in decades, Salem Hospital fully staffed their housekeeping team.” 

This reflects the broader potential of migration, echoing the United Nations’ recognition that “safe and well-managed migration holds extraordinary potential” to drive positive change and growth for all. 

The Black Refugee and Immigrant Community Coalition (BRICC) has placed over 120 Haitian refugees and immigrants in safe, culturally connected housing. 

Philanthropic partners like Barr Foundation, Amazon, Eastern Bank, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts have been crucial in providing funding and resources to support these efforts. Collaborations between government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors highlight the collective power of addressing the migrant crisis with empathy and action.   

English language acquisition has also been a cornerstone of these efforts, enabling economic mobility and self-sufficiency for migrant families. At an event hosted by English for New Bostonians, a Migrant Relief Fund partner, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized the transformative impact of such programs: “English classes ensure that newly arrived families have the tools they need to be successful. Immigrant friends and neighbors are eager to work hard, become entrepreneurs, and grow their self-sufficiency. I’m incredibly grateful to organizations like English for New Bostonians for putting the scaffolding in place to support these efforts. True welcoming isn’t just about being friendly and tolerant—it’s about intentionally having policies to uplift people from all backgrounds.”  

Driscoll said she and Governor Maura Healey remain committed allies, working to uplift and empower migrant families. As they remind us, supporting migrants is not only an act of shared humanity but also an investment in the economic and social vitality of Massachusetts. 

As we observe International Migrant Day, let us remember that the journey toward equity and inclusion requires ongoing effort. The need for support continues to grow, and it is up to all of us to ensure our communities remain welcoming, inclusive, and equipped to help migrant families build secure and fulfilling lives. 

“We’re grateful to our partners who are working tirelessly to support migrants in Massachusetts,” said Daphne Principe-Griffin, Interim President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “Their efforts are essential in helping them build new lives and contribute to the strength of our communities. Through collective action—whether by volunteering, donating, or advocating—we can empower migrant families to not just survive but truly thrive in their new homes. Today, let us recommit to embracing migrants with compassion and purpose, ensuring their resilience and contributions continue to enrich the fabric of our communities.”