Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's office has denied claims that city funds were used to support a program offering LGBTQ migrants up to $500 in wellness benefits. The organization behind the initiative, Belonging Matters, initially advertised providing extensive wellness services like yoga, arts, and recreational activities, but later scaled back its claims, stating only small vouchers of $50 or less. The city clarified that no funds were designated for voucher programs beyond a $7,500 grant allocated for mental health support, which was not linked to the wellness perks.

The controversy has brought attention to how Boston manages and oversees grants to community groups. Outnewcomers, a grassroots LGBTQ advocacy organization, received a $7,500 mini-grant as part of the city’s 2026 budget, but the city has not approved any funding specifically for the wellness voucher program. The program's initial promotion promised case-by-case wellness allowances, but it was later described as offering small vouchers for haircuts, acupuncture, and massages, leading to public scrutiny and accusations of misused taxpayer money. Outnewcomers announced a temporary suspension of the program citing security threats amid the backlash.