SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts is asking people to open their homes temporarily to house migrant families.

The nonprofit is calling it an emergency request after the state’s emergency shelter system reached its 7,500 family capacity.

"We're asking people to open up there homes for three to seven days or two to three weeks, depending on what people are able to give," said JFS emergency response coordinator Janelle Crumpton. "In addition, we're asking for churches or any place that can offer congregate shelter, gymnasiums, that would be able to offer places for some of these clients that are arriving."

Crumpton said in 2019, JFS helped 70 clients settle and find housing. This year, they’ve worked with more 1000 families and she expects the number to keep growing.

"There's a long wait right now," Crumpton said. "Especially with government housing or even just getting into the few emergency shelters that are across the state. They're only accepting families right now, especially and with the large number of people coming right now. It doesn't exactly match what's happening with the housing resources that have been given to us."

Crumpton said JFS is also looking to collect warm clothing donations like jackets to support migrant families during the winter. She said it’s critical right now for the community to lend a helping hand.

"We think it's very important to be opening your doors to anybody," Crumpton said. "Even if it's not somebody you know. They're still humans and humans have rights." 

Clothing donations can be made at the JFS office. People who are looking to provide temporary housing can learn more by contacting JFS.