EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of East Providence is partnering with the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness, East Bay Community Action Program and Crossroads Rhode Island to open an overnight warming shelter, as temperatures continue to plummet.
The shelter will be located at the Robert E. Rock Senior Center at 610 Waterman Ave., East Providence and will be open from 7 PM to 7 AM, giving unhoused residents of the City, as well as those without heat an opportunity to take shelter and stay warm. “In these frigid conditions, the administration is committed to ensuring our residents have a warm and safe place to go,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Therefore, we have decided to open a warming shelter at the Senior Center to provide care and comfort to those in our community in most need.”
“The Coalition applauds the Dedicated Staff from the City for their quick response to the weather emergency and their commitment to serve people experiencing homelessness in their community," Jennifer Barrera, Chief Strategy Officer for Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness said. “Our wish is that all Rhode Island cities and towns can emulate these lifesaving efforts.”
"East Bay Community Action Program is pleased to support the City’s efforts to address the urgent need for shelter for community members who are unhoused," Rita Capotosto, Vice President of Family Development for EBCAP said. "We will provide food; other critical supplies such as blankets, sleeping bags and hygiene supplies; and help to connect individuals who are unhoused with all available local and state resources including enrollment in the state’s Coordinated Entry System and recovery and health services as needed."
Members of the East Providence police and East Providence Emergency Management Agency will be present at the shelter.
Overnight shelter space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those planning on utilizing the overnight shelter must sign in and be present between the hours of 7 PM-8:30 PM.
