Homeless advocates hold demonstration protesting clearing of encampments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness said it organized a press conference outside Providence City Hall protesting the impending clearing of two homeless encampments.

The organization said that the camps were only given 48 hours notice and that up to 70 people would be left displaced.

“The decision to raid these encampments is counterproductive, shortsighted, and dangerous for those staying there,” Executive Director Kimberly Simmons said.

Advocates also called for the city to address issues like shelter capacity and lack of affordable housing.

“I strongly oppose the decision to shut down two of Providence’s largest encampments while shelters remain at capacity,” City Councilman Justin Roias said. “This move is not only wrong, immoral, and irresponsible, but it will undoubtedly worsen the instability in my neighborhood.”

A spokesperson for the City of Providence said that the city has “invested deeply in support housing for individuals experiencing homelessness” and the sites where the encampments were located have “serious safety concerns.”

Spokesperson Josh Estrella released the following statement:

“[The city sent two letters] to Better Lives R.I. last week while they and other outreach providers continue to assist the city and the state to provide shelter and housing to individuals who are currently located at 70 Houghton Street and 95 North at Branch Avenue. As the letters note and as folks have been made aware, these properties are extremely unsafe. One property is undergoing active site mitigation and exposure remains a serious safety concern. The other is located between a highway on ramp and off ramp. Both have received multiple complaints and concerns from neighbors.

As part of the city’s housing support process, we first work with providers prior to issuing any notices to vacate which have not been issued at this time. This provider is contracted by the State of Rhode Island but the city has utilized existing contracts that we have with providers at this location and our EMS teams for many months to provide outreach, support and services to the varying individuals that have occupied the property.”

Estrella added that the city has invested more than $5 million dollars in emergency programs to add or extend emergency shelter beds in the City as well as $29 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for production of new affordable housing.