by State Representative Rady Mom

It is no longer rumor; the state has confirmed its interest in the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center as a temporary shelter for migrants.

Like many in the Cambodian community, I saw the horror of the killing fields. My family walked through landmines and dodged bullets to reach the United States, all for the simple promise of a better life and freedom from oppression.

My life experience allows me to empathize with those seeking refuge today. My family arrived in the United States in 1982 and arrived in Lowell in 1984. Lowell today is a much different city than it was almost four decades ago. The past can teach us many lessons, but to draw equivalencies does a disservice to Lowell’s history and its future.

Today, the city is dealing with an unprecedented housing crisis.

My heart breaks as I see people sleeping on the sidewalks, left out in the harsh conditions. People are starving and desperate for their next meal. Some have mental health or addiction concerns that require urgent assistance, some are veterans of our armed forces, while others have fled domestic violence and are survivors of sexual violence. These people are part of our community and they cannot be forgotten.

Addressing homelessness in a meaningful way is a nuanced issue. Thankfully all stakeholders in the city are committed to finding solutions that give people upward mobility. Declaring homelessness as a public health crisis was a meaningful first step, recognizing that we do have a problem. But we know we need more in the way of resources and shelter.

How can we welcome new members to our community when we are struggling to take care of our own? How can we look them in the eye and tell them that the resources we could have used to help them are now being used to help others? What message are we sending to those in crisis in our community?

In addition to our city’s struggles with homelessness, taking the ICC offline would be a significant hit to our city’s economy. Not only is it the only conference center and hotel downtown, it’s location plays a vital role in our city’s economy.

Marquee events like the Lowell Folk Festival cannot afford to house performers and vendors elsewhere and provide transportation into the city. Cultural celebrations like this bring people from across the country to Lowell, and bring revenue into downtown. Revenue for small business means jobs and upward mobility.

The ICC is an optimal location for parents visiting their children studying at UMass Lowell and this gorgeous venue has made lasting memories as a wedding venue. In losing the ICC, I worry we risk losing a piece of our cultural fabric.

In a letter this week, the state said the ICC may only be a “temporary” facility, through the end of the fiscal year. However, the state says there may be an option for renewal, but does not say for how long. The absence of a timeline for when arrivals may begin, is putting many stakeholders on edge.

Knowing the timeline is crucial for our schools, first responders, business owners, and event planners. If the ICC is indeed the location the state plans to pursue, we need to make sure we have time to get our affairs in order.

I took these concerns personally to Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and I trust these concerns have not fallen on deaf ears. The governor and lieutenant governor have an unenviable task in front of them, and I trust their leadership. However, there remains a need for greater transparency. Our community deserves it.

At the end of August, I signed onto a letter addressed to Gov. Maura Healey alongside City Manager Tom Golden, members of the City Council, and Rep. Rodney Elliott. This letter and several of our concerns have yet to be addressed.

It is encouraging to see The Sun reporting that Lowell Public Schools would be reimbursed at a rate of $104 per day per student. However, this detail was absent in the letter sent Tuesday. I believe the delegation and city needs a firm commitment.

Finally, if we are to welcome more people to our city, we need to put public safety at the forefront. Will the Lowell Police Department receive additional funding? Will there be any assistance as the department faces staffing challenges?

These are the answers we need at this moment in time.

Rady Mom is the state representative for the 18th Middlesex District.