Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state will increase the number of beds for the homeless this winter by 88, officials said Monday.

Shelters, churches and other nonprofit agencies helped fund the beds, said Noreen Shawcross, chief of the state Office of Housing and Community Development. The state department had earlier agreed to spend money on 58 winter beds, in churches and shelters from Woonsocket to Westerly.

Bishop Thomas Tobin, the Diocese of Providence and United Way of Rhode Island worked with the state to add 30 more beds for men "when it became apparent that there was a shortfall as the cold weather approached," Shawcross said.

Amos House will run the program, and the Red Cross and the Rhode Island Donation Exchange Program will provide mats and blankets.

Winter shelters typically open in November and close in March.

Advocates say the state's shelters are full now, and the situation will only worsen this winter. More people are losing jobs -- and homes and apartments, they say.

Shawcross urged all Rhode Islanders, including faith-based organizations, businesses and the public, to help. Many agencies need food, winter clothing and other basic items, she said.

 Tags  homeless shelters RI Office of Housing and Community Development Tobin

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