Flash! OpenDoors Woonsocket Will Remain Open with State/City Support
Extended lease will allow shelter to expand capacity and continue serving Woonsocket residents
Press Release: The OpenDoors shelter in Woonsocket, located at 181 Cumberland Street, will remain open and expand its capacity to serve more residents experiencing homelessness following an agreement with the City of Woonsocket to extend the shelter’s lease for another year with updated terms.
The new agreement follows a City Council meeting that took place on Monday, August 17, where Woonsocket residents, community members, and advocates spoke in support of keeping the shelter open, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to safe shelter and services.
“As the mayor of Woonsocket, I see what OpenDoors has done for members of our community,” said Woonsocket Mayor Chris Beauchamp. “It is vital we continue this relationship, as the shelter and the services made available are critical resources to help those in need move towards long term, stable housing. I’m encouraged by all the work that has been done, look forward to seeing it continue, and am grateful for this important partnership between the City of Woonsocket and OpenDoors.
The amended lease agreement, which is expected to receive final approval at the City Council’s September meeting, will allow OpenDoors to add 25 more beds, bringing the total number of individuals able to be served to 75; direct City resources from opioid settlement funds to support shelter operations and services for individuals struggling with addiction; require OpenDoors to invest dollars from their state-funded project budget in improvements to the city-owned building, including repairs to the elevator and HVAC system – which were required to extend capacity.
Councilwoman Valerie Gonzalez added, “Woonsocket has the heart, but we do not always have the funds. This conversation is bigger than one lease and bigger than OpenDoors. It is about creating a sustainable partnership in which the State, municipalities, and providers share both the responsibility and the cost of meeting needs that extend far beyond the borders of any one community.”
“Prior to the City Council meeting, our organization sent a memo to staff and residents announcing the planned closure of the shelter if OpenDoors and the City of Woonsocket could not reach an agreement,” said Dina Bruce, Deputy Director of OpenDoors. “The strong response to that announcement, including the many residents who came forward to share their experiences and speak at the City Council meeting, demonstrated the power of community engagement and what is possible when people show up, make their voices heard, and take part in the governmental process.”
Bruce continued, “I’m so proud of the many brave Woonsocket residents who came out and am grateful for the support from the Executive Office of Housing, the Woonsocket City Council, Mayor Beauchamp’s office, and everyone who continues to stand behind this project.”
The continued operation and expansion of the shelter represents a collaborative effort between the City of Woonsocket and OpenDoors, the two entities responsible for lease negotiations and the Executive Office of Housing, who is funding the project.
“The Executive Office of Housing supports and is funding this project because we recognize how important it is to both the City of Woonsocket and the State of Rhode Island,,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “The City Council, Mayor’s Office, and OpenDoors have shown a strong commitment to addressing homelessness in the community, and we are grateful for their partnership and leadership. Together, we are ensuring that Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness have access to a safe place to stay, wraparound services, and the support they need to move toward greater stability and permanent housing.”
