Rise in Homelessness in the Ocean State

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island lawmakers are examining what they call a growing homelessness “crisis” in Rhode Island.
      A Senate committee on Thursday heard from homeless advocates about the rise in numbers of homeless people seeking beds at the state's homeless shelters. Advocates told lawmakers they worry that crowded conditions at shelters will only worsen as the weather
grows colder.
      They say homelessness is rising partly due to the state's sagging economy.
      Mike Tondra, who heads the Office of Housing and Community Development, says his office is reviewing a list of vacant state buildings to see if some could be used for shelters.
      Nearly 4,400 people were homeless at some point last year in the state, according to the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless.