Department of Housing Announces Expanded Shelter Funding for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Amos House to serve up to 57 families with children at former Charlesgate Nursing Home
PROVIDENCE – Amos House began this week to move families experiencing homelessness into three floors of the Charlesgate facility on Randall Street in Providence. These services will occupy as many as 57 rooms, with the initial 21 families moving in from current shelter arrangements at extended-stay hotels. These emergency shelter operations will be funded in part through the $30 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding Governor McKee proposed for expanding infrastructure to address homelessness.
“We are actively working to expand our shelter system, and this property will enable us to serve more Rhode Island families going forward,” said Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor. “We continue to identify properties that may be suitable for shelter – and for permanent housing – across the state.”
Families served by Amos House at Charlesgate will receive wrap-around case management services that connect households to essential benefits along with opportunities related to housing searches, job training, childcare, healthcare, and transportation. While Amos House will be operating up to 57 rooms of the facility, the total number of beds or individuals to be served will depend on the size of the families.
“We have seen a substantial increase in the number of unhoused families who need assistance,” remarks Eileen Hayes, Amos House CEO. “The move to Charlesgate will allow us to provide shelter to a greater number of families, ensuring that children and parents have safe and supportive housing while we address their long-term needs.”
In addition to funding shelter operations at Charlesgate, the Department of Housing is exploring the feasibility of acquiring the property rather than leasing in the future. This has the potential to result in greater cost efficiency over the long term.
The Department of Housing continues to pursue additional projects to address and prevent homelessness in communities throughout the state. The recently-announced Consolidated Homeless Fund Partnership’s Request for Proposals (RFP), includes more than $9.5 million available for operating emergency shelters, conducting homeless outreach, providing case management services, making rent payments through rapid rehousing programs, or pursuing other related projects. More information about the RFP and upcoming information sessions can be found here.
