Cranston Street Armory to remain as warming center through May 15

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor announced Friday that the Cranston Armory will remain as a warming shelter through May 15.

The May 15 date is an extension from the previously announced April 30.

“We are ramping down the armory and are ramping up new locations and services,” said Pryor

Eileen Hayes of Amos House noted they are not taking any new clients, barring extenuating circumstances.

Pryor outlined that by May 8 they are hoping to reduce the capacity at the Cranston Armory to only 100 and be out of the armory by May 15.

“Work needs to be done over these couple of weeks to get there,” the secretary said.

Mayor Smiley commented that his office came to an agreement on a phased wind down of the shelter after being assured that additional capacity would be made available.

“As part of the wind down, on May 8 the State has set a target reduced capacity of 100 and the facility will be closed permanently on Monday, May 15,” Smiley said. “This will allow for an organized transition that will minimize impact on the surrounding neighborhood and the city.”

Pryor noted that his office have been working with providers and property owners to try to find locations and services for those experiencing homelessness.

He said several vendors are expected to have extra beds at warming shelters.

Pryor said he’s hopeful that 100 new beds will be created over the next few weeks across several locations in the state.

“We are appreciative of the incredibly hard work and compassion of the Amos House, and as a city we will continue to respond by providing security, park maintenance support, and connecting people to behavioral care,” Smiley said.