OpenDoors Shelter provides space for 12 families in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — 12 families have a new place to stay after OpenDoors opened a new shelter on Elmwood Avenue in Providence.

Staff at OpenDoors said they know it can be hard to find an open space at a shelter in Providence and opening a shelter that’s accessible for people with kids is a lifelong dream come true.

“Well I’ve wanted to do this for years. Probably about 15 years and like I said when I had my interview to come to OpenDoors they asked me what a goal was and I said that. And they helped make it happen, you know we’re doing it and it feels really good. I’m grateful,” said Deputy Director for OpenDoors Dina Bruce.

The shelter opened just before Christmas, has rooms for 12 families, free laundry, a library, and a playroom. They are also looking to expand the space to add a thirteenth family soon.

“Also for the kids, you know what I mean? Christmas was coming, I couldn’t imagine having children in the car on Christmas. I just wanted them to have a safe place, and a warm place for the holiday moving forward,” Bruce continued.

Bruce says the shelter provides options for formerly incarcerated people and families who have a harder time getting back on their feet.

Families at the shelter told ABC 6 that the space is life changing.

“I think like this is the first time I’ve been able to be a mom again in three months,” said Sarah Egan, who’s staying at the shelter. “To be able to hang out with my children and not focus on what they need or how we’re surviving that day. To be able to schedule their haircuts and not wonder if I’m going to have the money to do so.”

The shelter was filled within the first week of opening, but Bruce says there’s a lot of work still to be done.

“Well, I feel like if we get one family off the street you know that’s better than still having them out there. but the need is huge, this is just a small dent,” Bruce explained. “There’s a lot of families that are still out there. One of the first women that came in, she said she was really grateful, and she was just so happy that her and her children didn’t have to sleep in the car that night.”

If you’re in need of housing assistance, reach out to 401-277- 4316.