The Office of Housing and Community Development today announced that the State of Rhode Island, working with community partners, has created 88 additional shelter beds for the winter.
The Office of Housing and Community Development has provided funding for 58 winter shelter beds from Woonsocket to Westerly in cooperation with churches and non-profit agencies. Noreen Shawcross, chief of the Office of Housing and Community Development, commended Bishop Thomas Tobin and the Diocese of Providence and the United Way of Rhode Island for coming forward and coordinating with the State to add 30 more beds for men when it became apparent that there was a shortfall as the cold weather approached. Amos House is operating the program. The Red Cross and the Rhode Island Donation Exchange Program provided mats and blankets.
Shawcross urged all Rhode Islanders, including faith based organizations, businesses and the public to support the work of agencies serving those in need of basics such as food, shelter and winter clothing. “Our community agencies have an urgent need for assistance in meeting the widespread requests for help from those who are unemployed. I hope that during this season of giving, all who can, will do as much as possible.”