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).