Long-awaited Echo Village opening ceremony to take place today

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After months of delays and criticism from homelessness advocates, the pallet shelters of Echo Village will finally open today.

The shelters are located off Victor Street in Providence next to 95 south.

The shelters were originally made in response to the increase in homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The village faced several setbacks, as officials worked to finalize electrical systems and test the power in each of the 45 structures.

When temperatures began to drop into the single digits, the governor refused to temporarily bypass any fire codes to get the shelters open sooner.

Instead, more temporary shelters were opened in Providence.

But the governor said that declaring a state of emergency, which would allow Echo Village to open sooner, was not a solution.

Mayor Brett Smiley expressed his frustration with these setbacks at a press conference last week.

“This is long overdue, I’m a little restrained to call this a celebration because this should’ve happened 9 months ago,” said Smiley.

“It is not gonna solve all of the challenges that we’re facing with respect to the unhoused but it has been a missing tool in the toolbox and I hope it is the first of several of these similar types of facilities or villages throughout the state.”

Local advocates say they can be a great option for residents who are hesitant to go to mass shelters.

Each of the 45 units is 70 square feet, has locking doors, a twin XL bed frame and mattress, and heat and AC.

These units are designed for individuals to stay from six to twelve months.

Health support and case management will also be available 24/7 from staff of House of Hope.

The opening ceremony will take place Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

There’s still no word on when the shelters will open up to community members who need it.