Profile: Joseph Coite

William K. Harter
Staff Writer

Joseph Coite is in his 50s and a resident of Newport and the McKinney shelter in downtown Newport.

How long have you been in shelters & how did you become homeless? I have been homeless about 40 years. I was abused as a child by my mom. I left home at 15 years old. Most of my time has been in Newport, but at 15 I went to Providence and returned to Newport around age 17.

What are your likes and dislikes about the shelters? They treat us OK. I have no problems. We are not bothered or harassed. I don’t like that we cannot use the kitchen facilities. I would like to cook some of my favorites at times, but we are not allowed to cook for ourselves. We can cook, but it must be for all of us, not for ourselves. Every once in a while I get a longing for something special and I would like to cook it, but can’t. I don’t spend much time here. I shave in the mornings and leave the building, hanging out in other places.

What are your goals for the future? Get out of here. Try to find a place to stay, but they are too costly. I want to avoid Providence. Too crazy there.

What are some of your dreams for the future? See our president elected for a third term even. Get the stimulus check I hear about once in a while that might come soon. Get out of here. See the kitchen open so we can cook individually if we want.

What are some things that happened in your life? I am a Veteran. I was in the Air Force. I have seizures, so am on disability insurance. I had been a painter for 27 years. I get no food stamps.