PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is getting more beds for its homeless population just as winter approaches.
Social services agency Crossroads Rhode Island has opened an emergency shelter at a former YMCA building in Providence with 30 additional beds that allow for appropriate social distancing, WPRI-TV reports.
The coronavirus pandemic has complicated the homelessness problem.
“It’s more complicated and difficult so we are seeing an increase in families who otherwise would never have become homeless,” Crossroads CEO Karen Santilli said.
The YMCA building has been vacant for the last two years. Crossroads began renovations earlier this year, when they were awarded COVID-19 relief funds.
“We’re making sure that our folks are first and foremost safe,” Santilli said. “That they have the personal protective equipment that we all need to stay safe.”
Crossroads already operates about 370 residences for the homeless statewide, and last year helped more than 3,100 people.
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