Says it resettles less that 40 percent of clients in Springfield.
Worcester-based Lutheran Social Services of New England has released the following statements in response to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno's letter to the U.S. State Department. Sarno is asking that requests from such agencies to settle more refugees in Springfield be denied, because of what Sarno cites as housing, educational and crime problems.
Good afternoon,
The following statement is sent on behalf of Angela Bovill, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of New England. This statement is made in response to Mayor Domenic Sarno’s letter to Barbara Day in the U.S. State Department regarding refugee resettlement in Springfield, MA:
“Lutheran Social Services of New England (LSS) recognizes the City of Springfield as a supportive partner in humanitarian programs that help resettle refugees fleeing from unsafe homelands. Over the years, we have developed a solid working relationship with the City of Springfield and its various departments to successfully resettle newcomers to the Greater Springfield area.
LSS is aware of Mayor Sarno’s recent concerns about refugee housing conditions, and we have investigated the properties in question. LSS does not place any refugees in uninhabitable residences or unsafe conditions, and regularly monitors its clients during their resettlement period. Currently, LSS resettles less than 40 percent of its refugee clients to the City of Springfield.
We also want to acknowledge that several statements made in Mayor Sarno’s letter to Barbara Day in the U.S. State Department are inaccurate. LSS will respond to these statements in a letter with supporting facts sent to the Mayor’s office. We will continue to work collaboratively with local and state authorities to identify the best possible solutions for the City and its refugee families.”
Thank you.
Jodie Justofin
Vice President
Strategic Marketing & Communications
Lutheran Social Services of New England
14 East Worcester Street, Suite 300
Worcester, MA 01604