Temporary shelter in Burrillville closing, families residing there being transitioned

BURILLVILLE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Housing said that the shelter at the Eleanor Slater Hospital’s Zambarano unit in Burrillville will be closing on June 30.

Chief of Information and Public Relations Emily Marshall said that the department would be “ensuring” the 15 families currently staying at the shelter would be transitioned to new housing.

“While the facility was always intended as a temporary shelter, we were fortunate to extend its operation beyond the original timeline,” Marshall said. “As the closure date approaches, we are actively working with key stakeholders – including housing partners, support service agencies, and municipal representatives – through weekly meetings to identify stable and supportive relocation options for every resident. These discussions are ongoing, and our priority remains the well-being of those we serve.”

She added that the shelter would be turned into permanent supportive housing managed by the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals.

The shelter used “cottage-style” housing units and was originally proposed in 2023.