Rhode Island Lawmakers Hosting Coat Drive

PROVIDENCE, RI — Each year, the lawn of the Rhode Island State House hosts "Buy Nothing Day," when hats, coats, blankets and other winter items are given away to those in need. This year, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the in-person event, though the spirit of giving lives on.

Starting Tuesday, the Rhode Island Senate is teaming up with housing advocates to collect cold weather essentials at the State House. Until Dec. 4, Rhode Islanders drop off new or gently used coats, gloves, hats, scarves, boots or blankets weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Socks will also be accepted, as long as they are new.

Donations can be left at the legislator's entrance, which is at the back of the upper parking lot on Smith Street. The public will be allowed to enter the upper lot for this purpose. Monetary donations can also be made online.

Sen. Dawn Euer is coordinating the effort, which grew out of a virtual meeting with housing advocates to discuss the need for funding for housing in the state budget and a $310.5 million housing and infrastructure bond. Neither were approved at this time due to pandemic-related delays. During the meeting, advocates said the cancellation of Buy Nothing Day would deeply impact those in need.

"While the pandemic has made our housing crisis even worse, the fact is we have a housing crisis because housing is simply unaffordable in Rhode Island at the best of times," Euer said. "Housing has been shown to be the most efficient and effective step toward addressing a wide variety of social issues. Our state needs to make affordable housing development a permanent priority, so we have fewer people out in the cold in need of coats and blankets this time of year."

advocates with the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless will distribute the donated items.

"We are now in a crisis with this pandemic," said Diamond Madsen, one of the advocates who was herself, once homeless. "The needs are even higher this year, and we have fewer resources to help. We’ve lost shelter beds. There are no shelters now in Pawtucket and Central Falls. People desperately need help, and it’s harder than ever to get it. It’s still going to be cold, and people are still going to need warm coats, boots and blankets. I hope everyone who can will donate whatever they can, because the needs are high."