Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WARWICK, R.I. --- The state is losing the war on homelessness, officials with the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless said at a luncheon Monday.

A weak economy, high unemployment and a rise in foreclosures sent 6,400 people to emergency shelters last year, said Jim Ryczek, executive director of the group. Many were children and veterans. In recent months, 136 families have become homeless because of foreclosures, he said.

The state must do more to ensure another 136 people "don't lose their homes," Ryczek said. Officials must use the state's federal stimulus money to launch innovative programs. They must also fully fund the Neighborhood Opportunities Program, which helps low-income earners find housing.

Officials recognized five people and agencies for their social service work. Receiving awards were Linda Barden, executive director of Welcome House, a homeless shelter in South Kingstown; Elizabeth McGrath, a volunteer worker in soup kitchens for more than 30 years; Kara Stein, chief legal counsel and senior policy advisor to Sen. Jack Reed; WJAR TV anchor Mario Hilario; and the Rhode Island Bar Association and Foundation.

 Tags  Rhode Island

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