Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Supports Regional Shelters with Donation of 72 Cots
March 30, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) — Barnstable County is grateful to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for donating 72 cots to support the region’s emergency shelter system.
The donation builds on recent coordination between Barnstable County and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department during Blizzard Hernando, when the Tribe opened the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community & Government Center as a warming center and overnight shelter, welcoming residents from the Upper Cape and surrounding communities.
County emergency management staff picked up the cots from the Tribe’s Emergency Management Department in Sandwich last Friday.
“Collaboration is the backbone of disaster preparedness,” said Andrew Platt, Hazardous Materials Specialist. “It takes the whole community to prepare for and recover from disasters, which is why we’re so thankful for the continued partnership between Barnstable County Emergency Management and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department. Their decision to open their shelter to Upper Cape communities during the most recent blizzard is just another example of their ongoing support to the region.”
Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners Chair Mark Forest also expressed appreciation for the donation and the coordination that made it possible.
Mark Forest, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners, said, “We are grateful to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe for this contribution and for the coordination shown during a time of need. Efforts like this strengthen our collective ability to support residents across the region.”
Nelson Andrews Jr., Emergency Management Director for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, said, “The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is proud to support Barnstable County and our regional partners through the donation of 72 emergency shelter cots. Following the recent blizzard, we identified a need for additional sheltering resources across the Cape and moved quickly through our government surplus program to help fill that gap. This included an additional order of new cots at no cost. I also want to recognize Emergency Management Assistant Adam Jonas Jr. for his support in loading and staging the cots for deployment. As an active member of the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee and Incident Management Team, our Emergency Management Department remains committed to coordinated preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. We value our continued partnership with Barnstable County and stand ready to assist whenever needed.”
The cots will be incorporated into Barnstable County’s regional shelter system, supporting communities across Cape Cod as part of ongoing emergency preparedness efforts.
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod:
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager (508) 375-6896
