Rhode Island news
Few take advantage of shelter expansion
01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, March 31, 2007
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.
| H1N1 and Pets: Felines, Ferrets and Flu | |
| Barrington's affordable housing puts opportunities within reach for mother, daughter | |
| Police seize large quantity of marijuana in Woonsocket |
More top stories
New England economic forecast says R.I. will continue to decline
New England economic forecast says R.I. will continue to decline
Most Viewed Yesterday
The hunt for Stephen Saccoccia’s hidden assets
Vehicle fatalities climb in R.I.
Suspect shot during struggle with undercover officer
Patriots journal: Belichick says Moss is smartest receiver he’s seen
Most active surveys
Are the Yankees on the brink of another dynasty?
Is it a bad thing or a good thing that prostitution is legal in Rhode Island, indoors?
What's your favorite breakfast/lunch place?
React to Carcieri's veto of R.I.'s first saltwater fishing license
Has your behavior changed in light of the swine flu outbreak?
Most e-mailed in the last 24 hours
Reader Reaction









You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register Now!
You are logged in as screenname | Log Out
You are logged in, but do not have a "screen" name. Create a Screen Name