We shed light
On April 2, 2009, hundreds will gather at the Rhode Island Statehouse to rally together and lobby legislators to ensure that the federal stimulus money and the state budget is spend to grown healthy communities. Continue reading ‘Healthy Communities Stimulate the Economy’
By Brian Young
The seasonal day shelter in Pawtucket operated by Access RI will remain open until April 18, despite an earlier expectation that lack of funds could close the shelter sooner.
Since November of 2005, Access RI (Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Support) has been providing a warm, safe place for homeless people to get out of the cold and inclement weather. Thanks to help from the state of Rhode Island, Project Hope, the Rhode Island Foundation, and the city of Pawtucket, Access now can keep the doors open until April 18. Continue reading ‘Pawtucket Shelter to Be Open into April’
By Stan Kapelewski
This month Street Sights is proud to give the Rainbow Award to three very special people. For over a year Maria, Todd, and Heather have been donating their time and services by volunteering at the Mathewson Street Church for the P.I.C.A. meal site’s Friday night dinner and at the St. John’s City Meal Site on Tuesday nights.
These three volunteers do their best to help wherever they can. Heather always seems to put a smile on people’s faces while working very hard at refilling everyone’s beverages when they need it. Congratulations for a job well done.
By Willa Truelove
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) affects homeless people and people with incomes up to $42,646 a year. It is an important part of the national economic stimulus plan. EITC is an anti-poverty program that offers relief to low-income people.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “Families with two or more children receive an EITC equal to 40 cents for each dollar up to $11,340 earned, for a maximum benefit of $4,536.” Continue reading ‘Tax Credit Can Boost Refund’
By Stan Kapelewski and Adrienne Langlois
This month Street Sights is giving awards to all the volunteers and staff members responsible for restarting and maintaining the St. John’s City Meal Site on North Main Street, Providence.
Since its revival last October, the meal site has been operated by an army of fresh volunteers who joined the earlier volunteers, working side by side, devoting a lot of time and hard work. Continue reading ‘Corps of Workers Rekindle Meal Program at St. John’s’
Name: Fred Pece
Duration of Homelessness: Since 2006
Background: Worked at the Lincoln Greyhound racetrack
Interests: Music (country, jazz, Beethoven, rock ‘n’ roll)
What have you learned?: You have to be self-sufficient. If you want to get up and do something, do it.
Plans: To raise money to help the permanently homeless
Dreams: “I would like to see everyone off the streets and into a decent house.”
By David Eisenberger
I’m a staff writer for Street Sights. I’m a Vietnam era vet. I’m also unemployed and homeless. I live in a shelter, but I have a bed and a meal, so I don’t have it as bad as other homeless people.
This is a typical Tuesday for me:
♦ At the shelter, the lights go on at 6 a.m., which gives me about an hour to prepare myself for a day in the city.
♦ I’ll drop my belongings at Crossroads RI, so I don’t have to carry more weight than I can carry, and head off into the city. Continue reading ‘A Day in the Life of a Homeless Veteran’
By Amy Peters
Homeless people who need legal services are turning to the Office of the Public Defender as a result of its new program initiative, the Homeless Project. The official role of the public defender is to represent people in court who cannot afford private legal representation. The Homeless Project, however, will bring the office’s services to more homeless people. Continue reading ‘Public Defender is a Useful Ally’
By Brian Young
“Woman hit with stone, in serious condition” was the headline to an article in the May 23, 2007, Providence Journal.
The headline was about Lawshawnda Dennis, who decided that her injury was a signal to change her life. At that point, Dennis had been battling addiction for about 15 years. Continue reading ‘Injury Prodded Woman onto a Path of Recovery’
By David Eisenberger and Jenny DiTomasso
A new detox program is being devised at Miriam Hospital to fill a current gap in services. At present, Rhode Island Hospital’s emergency room does not have a policy for 911 call transports involving alcohol or drug use. So, a partnership of Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and the police are coming together to correct this oversight.
The plan, under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Zeller and Dr. Josiah Rich, will set up protocols to improve efficiency, care, and resources offered by Miriam Hospital. Continue reading ‘Diversion Plan Aims to Improve Detox Programs’
The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless will present awards to people who give outstanding service to the homeless community at its annual lunch on March 30. The event will include a keynote address from a homeless man who was the subject of the feature documentary “Lost in Woonstocket.”
Jim Ryczek, executive director of RICH, said, “Our awardees have helped thousands of homeless Rhode Islanders reach for and obtain a place to call home.” Award winners this year are Linda Barden, Kara Stein, Elizabeth McGrath, the Rhode Island Bar Association & Foundation, and Mario Hilario.
Ryczek said RICH and its staff are resolved in “their commitment to our homeless constituents and member organizations in order to achieve the systems reform and social and economic justice that homeless Rhode Islanders need and deserve.” Continue reading ‘Homeless Advocates Honored’