History - Rhode Island Family Shelter

Our History

R.I. Family Shelter has been in existence for twenty - two years. As the first shelter in the state we began in a church basement, run by volunteers, open two nights per week and could shelter sixteen to eighteen people at one time in our dorm style basement space. The dedicated founders of the shelter realized that their limited resources were not able to meet requested needs. Staff was hired to devote full time service (24/7) to the many homeless families that literally had no place to go.

As time progressed, it became apparent to the Board of Directors that program and facility must be expanded to

meet the needs of homeless families. Fifteen years ago we moved to our present facility, which we purchased. Additional staff was hired and we now have the capacity to provide shelter and supportive services to thirty- forty people at one time and we can house seven additional families in affordable apartments on the second level of our facility. This is a unique model, which allows maximum service to our emergency shelter guests and tenants as well as firm property control.

R.I. Family Shelter has two program components: emergency shelter and affordable housing. Emergency shelter is provided on the first level of our facility for nine

families at one time. Each family has its own family bedroom, regardless of family size. We have found through experience that room size does not matter. It is staying together in their time of crisis that is paramount to them. Case management is provided daily along with group presentations that address specific needs of the homeless. All basic necessities are also provided. A mandatory savings program is introduced to families that require sixty percent of their income to be saved. This not only teaches them budgeting skills but provides for saved income upon exiting the shelter.

The second level of our facility consists of seven permanent affordable apartments for former guests of the shelter. An Occupational Therapist/Case Manager works with each family to improve life skills, access educational opportunities and gain employment readiness. Only thirty percent of their income is charged for rent and utilities.