GOVERNOR MCKEE AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING AWARD ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO SUSTAIN WINTER HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE EFFORTS
Published on Wednesday, February 18, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing today announced additional funding totaling $233,350 for the continued support of three winter response projects that provide critical resources during the coldest months of the year, helping ensure Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness continue to have access to safe, warm, and accessible shelter.
Due to an extended period of severe winter weather this season, emergency winter shelter sites have operated at a high capacity for extended periods of time, exhausting originally allocated operating funds earlier than anticipated. This additional funding will allow project operators to maintain services through the remainder of the winter months.
“These additional investments reflect our continued commitment to keeping Rhode Islanders safe during the winter months,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By supporting our community partners, we are sustaining critical shelter capacity and ensuring that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have access to warm, safe spaces when they need them most.”
These awards build on the McKee Administration’s previous $1.8 million investment in winter preparedness efforts, which expanded emergency shelter capacity statewide, established low-barrier emergency pop-up sites, funded daytime and overnight warming centers, and strengthened coordination across the homelessness response system.
Of the total funding:
$150,000 has been awarded to the Rhode Island State Council of Churches to continue operating emergency pop-up sites in Providence.
$40,000 has been awarded to the Town of West Warwick to continue operating its emergency pop-up site.
$43,350 has been awarded to WARM to continue operating two seasonal family shelters in South County.
“We are grateful to our providers who work tirelessly every day to support Rhode Islanders in need,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “These additional funds will help sustain vital winter response operations while we continue advancing long-term housing solutions. When we see members of our community struggling during extreme cold, it underscores both the urgency of providing immediate, life-saving shelter and the importance of expanding access to stable and affordable housing. Our work remains focused on both.”
“During the recent 18-day cold spell, we welcomed an average of more than 20 guests each night, reflecting the importance of this project," said West Warwick Fire Chief Jeffrey Varone. "Last year, we operated 26 nights in total; this year, we’ve already been open 29 nights and we’re only halfway through February. This funding will help ensure we can continue providing safe, warm shelter and protecting our most vulnerable neighbors throughout the remainder of the winter season.”
A comprehensive list of available state-funded resources for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness is available on the Executive Office of Housing’s website at https://housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness
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