Seminar on Homelessness in Rhode Island

On October 10, 2007, a seminar and panel discussion was presented on the Brown University Campus about homelessness in Rhode Island. Below you will find a link to photos of the event graciously provided by David St. Germain, one of the speakers at the seminar.

See photos from the panel discussion

48 People Still Displaced

Mattresses and the State House
Originally uploaded by streetsights.

Today, forty-eight mattresses were placed on the State House lawn to symbolize the forty-eight individuals from the former Welcome Arnold shelter who still have no safe place to call home. Advocates held signs to alert both the governor and the public of this continuing crisis.

Welcome Arnold Occupation

Doc being interviewed
Originally uploaded by streetsights.

Wednesday night was supposed to be the last night anyone stayed at the Welcome Arnold shelter. However, that facility will have to house a few people for at least one more night. Homeless individuals, advocates, and students refused to leave the shelter when it closed this morning. These protesters' message was clear: keep Welcome Arnold open until every person has a place to go. News crews gathered to cover the event.

Welcome Arnold Rally

Lining up to march
Originally uploaded by streetsights.

Today, March 14th 2007, residents of Welcome Arnold, students, advocates, and concerned citizens convened at the Rhode Island State House to urge Governor Carcieri to keep his promise to house the residents of the Welcome Arnold shelter.
At least 48 individuals do not have any place to go tomorrow night when the shelter is expected to close. Rally participants set up a tent city on the State House lawn, then marched inside to the Governor's office, holding a banner quoting the Governor's promise to relocate all the individuals who use the Welcome Arnold facility.
Noreen Shawcross, the Executive Director of the Office of Homelessness, took questions and comments from rally participants. While recognizing the concern for those individuals without placement in programs, Shawcross was ultimately unable to ensure people a place to stay. With the closing still scheduled for tomorrow, it is doubtful that those 48 individuals will find accomodations.

Welcome Arnold Press Conference

In response to the impending closing of the Welcome Arnold shelter on Thursday, March 15th, the RI Coalition for the Homeless and allies sponsored a press conference at the Rhode Island State House. Among those voicing concerns were Jim Ryczek (Executive Director of the RI Coalition for the Homeless), David St. Germain (Chairperson of the Homeless Input Committee), and Eric Hirsch (professor of sociology at Providence College). The request of these concerned individuals was simple: keep the Welcome Arnold shelter open until every individual has a place to live. In June of 2006, the governor of Rhode Island pledged to do just that, and the Coalition is aiming to remind the governor of that promise. Upon closing this Thursday, it is estimated that up to fifty individuals will not have any place to go, adding stress to an already stressed population of homeless individuals and service providers. As these providers and individuals search for accommodations (which were promised by the governor), the Coalition asks that the shelter stay open. A rally is planned for tomorrow in support of this cause. For more information, please visit Street Sights' main page (link on right).