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Advocates rally for homeless funding outside Rhode Island State House

Advocates gathered to demand increased funding for homelessness solutions in Rhode Island.

News Summary

Advocates for the homeless gathered outside the Rhode Island State House, demanding a $17.8 million funding increase to address the homelessness crisis. With proposed budget cuts threatening to close 1,000 shelter beds, the urgency for resources is evident. The current funding cut from $33 million to an anticipated $15.2 million exacerbates the issue, as nearly 2,500 homeless individuals are in need. Legislation and responses from state officials highlight both immediate and long-term challenges in combating homelessness.

Providence, Rhode Island

On May 27, 2025, advocates for the homeless community rallied outside the Rhode Island State House, urging state lawmakers to allocate an additional $17.8 million in funding to combat the ongoing homelessness crisis. The rally was supported by various organizations, including OpenDoors, Amos House, Coalition to Prevent Homelessness, and HomewardBoundRI, highlighting the urgent need for increased resources in light of a staggering rise in homelessness across the state.

The co-Executive Director of OpenDoors reported that the proposed state budget for 2026 cuts funding to the Rhode Island Department of Housing by at least 56%, which could result in the loss of approximately 1,000 shelter beds by this fall. Even with potential amendments to the Real Estate Conveyance tax and Short Term Rental tax, which would increase funding by $4.3 million, the funding cut is expected to be around 44%. This scenario would still lead to around 650 shelter beds being closed.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi acknowledged during the rally that addressing homelessness would remain a priority for legislators, despite the difficulties presented by the current budget constraints. The advocacy group OpenDoors reported a substantial decrease in homeless services funding, indicating a drop from $33 million last year to an anticipated $15.2 million this year due to these budget cuts.

The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness revealed that there were at least 2,442 unhoused individuals counted in the previous year, representing a 35% increase from 2023. This alarming figure underscores the severity of the homelessness crisis in Rhode Island, prompting calls for immediate action.

Recent remarks made by Governor Dan McKee regarding available shelter beds faced criticism from advocates, who pointed to discrepancies between the Governor’s statements and the realities experienced by those without stable housing. While the Governor cited shelters with available beds, these facilities primarily serve specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ youth, complicating access due to location and travel logistics for others in need.

As of now, the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness has identified 974 individuals on the state’s shelter waitlist, while the total capacity for available shelter beds stands at only 1,464. The insufficient availability of shelters and delays in legislative efforts, such as the stalled ECHO Village project in Providence, have further exacerbated the crisis.

Former gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes has advocated for a public health emergency declaration concerning the homelessness issue, asserting that the harsh winter conditions pose lethal threats to vulnerable populations. However, Governor McKee has declined to declare such an emergency, emphasizing instead the necessity for long-term solutions that address the causes of homelessness, including an increase in housing stock and job training initiatives.

Access to services remains critical, with the state’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) serving as a key mechanism for connecting unhoused individuals to available assistance. Unfortunately, the CES has been overwhelmed, resulting in extended wait times for help. The executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness emphasized the urgent requirement for additional funding and staffing to enhance the effectiveness of this system.

In a response to the extreme cold weather, the governor’s office announced plans for additional drop-in centers to be established for overnight stays, aimed at providing temporary shelter for those in need. This initiative reflects a recognition of the immediate challenges faced by Rhode Island’s homeless population, even as broader funding and support systems remain in urgent need of reinforcement.