Mass and Cass in Boston will receive $4 million from state budget

State and city officials announced $4 million in the upcoming state budget to address outdoor drug use and conditions around Mass and Cass, with $2.4 million earmarked for halfway houses and related programs.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and state lawmakers announced $4 million in the upcoming state budget to address outdoor drug use and conditions around Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard. Officials said the funds will support services and operations near the Mass and Cass area and surrounding neighborhoods. The announcement follows local outreach by the city's Community Response Team, which has engaged people in the area since September. City leaders described recent reductions in crowds, 311 calls and visible needles as part of ongoing efforts. Key details: - $2.4 million is designated for halfway houses and programs; House Representative Aaron Michlewitz said that funding would cover up to 200 individuals for 52 weeks. - $150,000 is set for a mobile operations unit to monitor the area, and $500,000 will go toward the district attorney's office diversion program modeled after the Pine Street Inn, which officials said will focus on treatment rather than incarceration. - Since September the Community Response Team has engaged 890 people and Mayor Wu said more than 600 received direct access to treatment; officials also reported fewer crowds, fewer 311 calls and fewer needles, and the city has recently added more Boston Police resources to the area. Summary: Officials said the $4 million package is intended to expand housing, programs and on-the-ground operations at Mass and Cass while recent outreach has increased treatment access and reduced some public impacts. Undetermined at this time.