Cambridge Council Hears Shelter Update as Reprocurement Nears, Pothole Complaints Mount

CAMBRIDGE — May 20, 2024 — Cambridge City Council receives update on 200-person migrant family shelter as provider contract goes to reprocurement. Housing Liaison staffer Penzak told councilors Monday that the Cambridge Safety Net Shelter at the Registry of Deeds is holding at capacity with roughly 57 families, one of only four state-funded safety net shelters open statewide, alongside Chelsea, Lexington, and Norfolk Prison, which is set to open in mid-June at 450-person capacity. Penzak noted Cambridge remains "the only one that's not 24-7," a logistical challenge the city is working to resolve, and said the state is in contract negotiations with a new provider expected to unite shelter staffing and case management under one roof. Councilor Siddiqui pressed staff on the identity of current operator AMI, which Penzak said even direct inquiry has failed to fully clarify. The council also opened but did not conclude discussion of a report on parking permit fee adjustments, with Councilor Toner stating opposition to differentiating fees by vehicle type.