PROVIDENCE — Last night, Sean Carew greeted his guests the way he always does, with a firm handshake and a warm smile.

Carew is the executive director of the Providence Rescue Mission, which expanded its Cranston Street shelter and opened its doors to 40 more men yesterday. Although twice as many visitors were expected, only 15 men took advantage of the new wing for men. Perhaps, Carew says, the spring weather persuaded some to sleep outside, but he wonders if others were put off by the mission’s Christian affiliation. The non-denominational mission is supported by a network of area churches.

Those who came were treated to a sit-down dinner of Italian meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, served by members of a local youth fellowship. Afterward, the men could shower, watch television or simply hang out.

The new dorm room resembles an urban loft more than a shelter, with a towering ceiling with fans and drop lighting. The concrete-block walls were painted a warm yellow and volunteers are in the middle of installing dividers between the beds to afford each man a modicum of privacy.

Joe A. has been staying at the Providence Rescue Mission off and on since March 2, and he says that the staff have helped him get sober. Now that Joe has a job, he hopes to save enough money by staying here to eventually afford a place of his own.

“This place gives you a warm feeling,” he said last night. “I’m a Christian. I like a chapel service. But no one says you have to be Christian.”

Some members of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless are concerned that a faith-based mission will foist its religious views on people who have nowhere else to go, but Carew said the shelter does not push religion on anyone, although it does ask its guests to attend a short daily chapel service.

The mission, at 627 Cranston St., opens between 4:30 and 5 p.m.