In 2023, the International Institute of New England forged a new partnership with state and local leaders to support the thousands of Haitian and Central and South American immigrant families who were arriving in Massachusetts. These families came to the U.S. after enduring long, difficult journeys to escape persecution, violence, natural disasters, famine, and poverty. Many were drawn to Massachusetts because of the large existing immigrant community—M.A. has the 3rd largest Haitian population in the U.S.—and because the Commonwealth is known for its welcoming reputation, strong education and healthcare systems, and ample job opportunities. 

However, Massachusetts also has an affordable housing crisis – one that forced many of these new families to begin their lives here in emergency shelters. IINE quickly got to work, forming a new Shelter Services team and working within the shelter system to provide immediate, critical support to these families. At the same time, we began to identify and advocate for more long-term solutions.  

Our team has successfully helped 60 families—more than 200 individuals—to move out of shelter and into permanent housing, helping them find stability as they become active, contributing members of our communities.

Los gestores de casos conectan a las familias con las prestaciones federales asistencia en efectivoacceso a alimentos y atención sanitaria, e inscripción escolar.

Legal professionals, including an attorney and paralegals, help adults to apply for work authorization, so families can secure employment and move towards self-sufficiency. They are help individuals apply for asylum for a chance to stay in the U.S. permanently. At the end of fiscal year 2025, our legal team had provided services to more than 1,100 clients.

IINE provided ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for nearly 200 adult learners in the shelter system. The classes helped prepare non-native English speakers for daily life in the U.S. with a particular focus on entering the workforce.

Clients also receive financial literacy education so they can advance towards self-sufficiency.

IINE connects eligible adults with resources to find and secure jobs, so they can achieve stability, support their families, and contribute to the Commonwealth.