200 beds, more staffing for Armory in preparation for arctic blast

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Cranston Street Armory announced 200 beds and extra staffing will be brought in to help as many people as possible get shelter from the upcoming cold.

Eileen Hayes, director of The Amos House who oversees operations at the Armory, said they didn’t feel the need to have more beds come in for the weekend.

She said if the demand goes over 200 beds, then further accommodations will be made.

“We’ve been hovering around 180 to 190 people, we have about 160 people unhoused but that’s throughout the state,” Hayes said. “We think it is manageable but if I have to call in more people I will.”

Joaqim Ferreira is a homeless veteran who feels physical pain in the frigid cold.

“I got aches and pains everywhere, the colder it gets the more pains I have,” Ferreira said.

Both Ferreira and Hayes said the cold weather is another reminder that the state needs a long-term solution to the ongoing homeless crisis.

“We need a transitional plan this is not this our state needs to create smaller transitional shelters in the next 3-5 years,” Hayes said.

“I have a dog and wife, there should be no homeless veterans, they need housing for us,” Ferreira said.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency is working with cities and towns to offer warming centers during the arctic blast predicted for this weekend.

Those in need of assistance can call 211 for information on warming centers.