Providence Expands Homeless Shelter Capacity With Hartford Avenue Facility

PROVIDENCE, RI — In a continuing effort to address homelessness in Rhode Island, Gov. Dan McKee's administration on Tuesday said it expanded capacity at the forthcoming shelter space at 662 Hartford Ave. in Providence.

The property is owned, but currently unused, by the Rhode Island Department of Behavior Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH). State officials said the site will be used as 24/7 shelter space with up to 40 available beds, increased from the original proposal of 16 beds. State officials said they hope to have the shelter open by the end of January.

"Expanding Rhode Island's shelter capacity with the addition of the Hartford Avenue property will help us provide more Rhode Islanders who are experiencing homelessness with a warm, safe place," McKee said in a statement. "I thank our cross agency team and Crossroads Rhode Island for their partnership as we continue to ensure increased shelter capacity and longer-term housing solutions."

Shelter and supportive services will be provided by Crossroads Rhode Island and funded through the fiscal year 2023 homeless assistance funding. Crossroads plans to operate 662 Hartford Ave. as a dedicated emergency couple’s shelter.

While priority will be given to unhoused couples, people experiencing homelessness may be eligible for services based on the availability of beds on any given day or night.