RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND AMOS HOUSE OPEN EMERGENCY TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR OLDER ADULTS
Published on Friday, February 14, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI— This week, the Rhode Island Department of Housing and Amos House officially opened the state’s only emergency shelter designed specifically for adults aged 55 and up. Located in Providence, the building was acquired by the state at the close of 2024 as part of a broader effort to expand emergency shelter capacity for Rhode Islanders in need.
The shelter will begin with 16 beds, with capacity set to reach 40 beds early March. This initiative is a crucial part of the McKee Administration’s strategy to address homelessness across the state, specifically catering to the needs of older Rhode Islanders.
"Last year, we made a strategic decision to acquire this property to better position the state to address homelessness in the long term—and we are already seeing positive results,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I thank Amos House for their continued partnership and commitment to serving Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness.”
“Ensuring that every Rhode Islander has access to safe, stable housing is a priority for the McKee Administration and the Department of Housing,” said Rhode Island Department of Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard. “Through the Consolidated Homeless Fund, we currently support approximately 1,400 emergency shelter beds to help our most vulnerable Rhode Islanders regain stability and transition into permanent housing. Expanding shelter capacity was the intended purpose of acquiring this property, and we are grateful to Amos House for their partnership in bringing this important project to fruition.”
The Department of Housing, through its FY25 Consolidated Homeless Fund application, awarded Amos House approximately $1.2M in funding to support operations and provide up to 40 beds for the new older adult's shelter. The program is housed in the same building as Rhode Island’s largest family emergency shelter, also operated by Amos House. Residents of the shelter receive meals, case management, medical support, and housing location assistance. The ultimate goal is to transition residents into permanent supportive housing as quickly as possible. Referrals for the shelter are processed through the state’s Coordinated Entry System.
“In the midst of our state’s housing crisis, certain demographics are more vulnerable due to their specific housing needs,” said Eileen Hayes, President & CEO of Amos House. “Many older adults needing emergency shelter can no longer live independently because of significant medical or behavioral health challenges. This often requires additional supports in the shelter and makes it more difficult to secure permanent housing.”
“We are committed to finding safe, secure housing for anyone who is unhoused,” Hayes continued. “This new program allows us to address the specific needs of this population and bring us closer to the goal that no one should have to live on the streets.”
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Since 1976, Amos House has provided direct support for persons in Rhode Island who are experiencing hunger, homelessness, and crisis. The nonprofit social services agency operates the largest soup kitchen in the state, serving more than 200,000 meals annually; provides emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing for more than 400 persons a night; runs job training, education, and employment programs; provides a wide array of social services; and operates social enterprises, More Than A Meal Catering and Amos House Builds. The agency assists more 15,000 people each year.