Lucy's Hearth Fundraising Campaign Tops $1.6 Million

MIDDLETOWN, RI —Homeless women and children in an emergency have for decades found a safe place to stay at Lucy's Hearth.

Last year, 52 families, with 101 children, stayed at the shelter, which also served more than 25,000 meals to the needy.

But the old building, on the grounds of St. Lucy's Church on West Main Road, was about at capacity.

So, last year, Lucy's Hearth, which is an independent non-profit organization and not affiliated with any religion, bought its own building on Valley Road, almost around the corner from the existing shelter. The board embarked on a $2.5 million capital campaign and hired the Damon Company to renovate the building and grounds.

The new facility can house 16 families, up from 10 in the existing shelter.

"Recognizing that its largest population is children who have experienced the trauma of homelessness, every aspect of the renovated building and grounds is designed for their ability to live, learn and play in a safe,
nurturing environment," said Jennifer Barrera, program director, Lucy’s Hearth.

The occupancy permit is expected soon, and the first families should be arriving next month. And the shelter has recently topped the $1.6 million mark in its capital campaign, thanks to a $50,000 grant from BankNewport.

BankNewport acted as the lending partner for the project, so that Lucy’s Hearth could qualify for a
$500,000 Federal Home Loan Bank grant.

This grant will go to pay for one of two "Large Family Units on the second floor," said Kathleen Charbonneau, the bank's vice-president/director, community relations.

“Lucy’s Hearth is a valuable agency that touches the lives of so many, thus BankNewport’s grant to their “Home Is Where the Hearth Is” campaign is one that we are most proud of,” added Sandra J. Pattie, the bank's president and chief executive officer. “The new facility will advance the tireless work of Lucy’s Hearth staff, volunteers, and board of directors. It is a gift that will strengthen and transform the lives of homeless families, in a community of which we are all a part of.”

For information on making a contribution or receiving information on naming opportunities of program spaces, please contact Jennifer Barrera at 847-2021 or jennifer@lucyshearth.org.

Courtesy Photo Caption: From left to right, Susan Erstling, Ph.D., Lucy’s Hearth board president; Peter Capodilupo, chairman of the board, BankNewport; Roger Nolan, BankNewport board member; Sandra Pattie, Bank Newport president and chief executive officer; and Jennifer Barrera, Lucy's Hearth program director.