Shekarchi bill would let cities and towns declare emergency for homelessness

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi introduced a bill Thursday that would enable cities and towns to make an emergency declaration.

The legislation specifically calls for emergencies related to homelessness, and natural, or man-made disasters.

It would allow the declaration to be in place for 180 days.

It would also allow for municipalities to construct “supportive and versatile emergency units.”

Shekarchi says the purpose of the bill is to provide temporary housing while leaders look for additional long-term solutions.