CURRENT BUENS
Wu axes street outreach on Mass/cass.
Endorses fines and stay-away orders.
Tensions at Mass. and Cass spark debate over how to help people struggling with substance abuse
Aid workers say stronger enforcement undermines efforts to help people on the streets, but the city says its approach is working.
By Chris Serres Globe Staff, Updated December 30, 2025, 6:00 a.m. |
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A photo of two women hugging
On Dec 30th, the Boston Globe dropped a story surrounding mounting hostility towards street outreach workers by law enforcement.
Mayor Michelle Wu and admin are increasingly pushing enforcement over harm reduction. Civilian outreach groups distributing winter clothing, food, Narcan and hygiene supplies report being Yelled at, followed by police, and ordered to leave while doing lifesaving street outreach.
TL;DR: THERE IS BLOOD ON WU'S HANDS.
• Boston is fining and banning street outreach
• Shelters are full during a freezing, wet winter
• Harm reduction is being pushed out by force
This does not create safety.
It cuts off Narcan, HIV-Prevention, warmth, food and trusted care from sex workers and people who use drugs.
When shelters are full, when outreach is criminalized, when survival is punished,
People die
Mayor Wu’s administration @mayorwu.boston.gov is trying to ban street outreach at Mass & Cass, targeting the very people who help street based sex workers and drug users stay alive.
This is cruel abandonment by policy. We will continue our street outreach despite this.