RI Family Shelter Releases Statement on Closing of Emergency Shelter Program

Friday, July 10, 2015

GoLocalProv News Team

 

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The Rhode Island Family Shelter in Warwick has suspended its daily operations for their emergency family shelter program because of financial difficulties. The shelter served men, women and children experiencing homelessness.

The closure does not affect their affordable housing program of seven permanent supportive housing apartments which will continue to be occupied and operating.

Patti Macreadng, the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Family Shelter, has released a statement regarding the closing.

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See the Statement in it's entirety below.
We are extremely saddened to announce that as of July 5th, the RI Family Shelter has suspended its daily operations for the emergency family shelter program due to financial difficulties.

For over 25 years we have stayed true to our mission of keeping families safe and together as they seek permanent solutions to their homelessness. We have annually served over 150 men, women and children in our 24 hour, 7 day a week emergency shelter for homeless families, making this closing all the more difficult.
 
We are acutely aware that the need for emergency family shelter space remains and we regret that at this time we are unable to accept any new families.
 
We take consolation in the fact that all the families that were residing at the emergency shelter at the time of the closure have all been successfully relocated, although our hearts are heavy at the thought of the stress this upheaval has caused them. Not affected by the closure of our emergency family program is our affordable housing program. The seven permanent supportive affordable housing apartments on the second floor of our building will continue to be occupied and operating.
 
Our Board of Directors is examining all possible options for re-establishing services for the emergency family shelter program. We are working with the state Office of Housing and Community Development, Rhode Island Housing, The City of Warwick and Mayor Avedisian, the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless and other social service agencies in the area to proactively examine all possible options to ensure families experiencing homelessness in our state are adequately served.
 
We appreciate the concern and outpouring of support we have received from the community, and the general public at large, and we vow to move forward with integrity, honesty, and transparency with service to our mission of serving families experiencing homelessness at the forefront. We promise to keep the public updated every step of the way. We remain committed to the goals of Opening Doors RI, the State’s Plan to End Homelessness, to prevent and end homelessness for families, children and youth.

 

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