McKee Activates National Guard To Run Cranston Street Armory Shelter

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee activated the National Guard to open a 24-hour warming station at the Cranston Street Armory for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness.

McKee on Wednesday authorized Major General Christopher Callahan to order up to 50 Rhode Island National Guard members to temporarily assist with the operation of the warming center, which will open Friday.

Since the plan for the Cranston Street Armory Warming Station was announced, teams from the state's Department of Administration, Emergency Management Agency, Department of Housing, and the National Guard have been working to get the facilities up and running. This includes delivering cots, blankets, water and portable bathroom facilities.

The authorization came after the McKee's staff handed eviction notices to people experiencing homelessness camping on State House property. This led to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Rhode Island Center for Justice filing a lawsuit Tuesday against the governor, arguing the evictions violated people's constitutional rights and Rhode Island's Homeless Bill of Rights.

"The Administration is continuing to do the work to connect unhoused Rhode Islanders, whether they are encamped at the State House or living elsewhere, with a warm place to stay as quickly as possible," McKee said in a statement.