Salem State Campus To Act As Homeless Family Transitional Housing

SALEM, MA — The empty residential buildings at the Bates Complex on Salem State University's South Campus, which are in the process of being sold and redeveloped as the university consolidates its central campus in the city, will be used to offer transitional housing to between 50 and 60 homeless families in need over the next 18 months.

Salem State University, the state Department of Housing and Community Development and its contractor Centerboard, and the city are joining to offer short-term housing for homeless families, including North Shore residents and new arrivals to the state.

"As the Commonwealth continues to see an influx of new arrivals and families experiencing homelessness, we have a statutory and moral obligation to create adequate family shelter capacity," Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said. "We are incredibly
grateful for our partnership with Salem State University and the city of Salem as we address this crisis together."

The state will begin housing a small number of families on the South Campus this month and slowly increase to 50 to 60 through Spring 2024. The sale of the South Campus property is expected to close in March of 2024.

"Serving our community is central to Salem State's values," said President John D. Keenan. "This vacant space allows us to help alleviate a humanitarian crisis, and we are happy to do our part in collaboration with the city of Salem, the Commonwealth and Centerboard."

Centerboard, a North Shore-based nonprofit, will manage the daily operation of this site. Centerboard will maintain a staffed, on-site office at the Salem State University Bates complex for the entire duration of this use.

DHCD will pay costs related to the operation of the site.

"Salem is a welcoming and compassionate community," Salem Mayor and Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Driscoll said. "We're working closely with our state partners, with SSU, and with our School Department and other community stakeholders and agencies to help welcome these families and ensure they receive the support they need."

The city said some of the children at the site will enroll in Salem Public Schools but that many of the children in the temporary housing will not yet be school-age, or are already enrolled in nearby districts.

"Salem Public Schools is committed to educating all young people who live in the city of Salem." Superintendent Steve Zrike said. "We are ready to embrace these incoming families into our community, schools, and classrooms and provide the support necessary for a successful transition.

"We are excited to welcome our new students who will most certainly enrich our school communities."

The residences will include single- and two-floor townhouses.

Those interested in supporting these families through Centerboard can contact connect@centerboard.org.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza)