Woonsocket Council Advances Shelter Lease in Unanimous Vote Amidst Uncertainty for Residents

In a decisive 6-0 vote, the Woonsocket City Council advanced a lease extension for the city-owned homeless shelter at 181 Cumberland Street, a critical facility for approximately 50 residents. Despite this initial approval, the shelter’s operator has expressed an inability to sign the lease as currently drafted, citing significant concerns. The current lease is set to expire on September 30, and the ordinance requires a second passage in September for it to become law. Meanwhile, negotiations with the shelter operator are ongoing, as the council seeks a resolution that ensures the shelter’s continued operation.

Dina Bruce, deputy director of the nonprofit managing the shelter, highlighted the critical nature of the facility, noting that comparable beds are not available elsewhere in the state. She emphasized the dire consequences of failing to pass a lease that the operator can agree to, warning that without such an agreement, the shelter would have to close. This closure would not only impact the residents but also the five staff members whose livelihoods depend on the shelter’s operation.

The shelter’s executive director, who addressed the council, revealed that the organization had informed staff and residents of a potential closure last week. After reviewing the lease terms for the first time, the agency proposed an alternative version, accompanied by a memo. The executive director outlined that the proposed lease would leave the city with $100,000 in surplus revenue and $100,000 in building investment. However, he cautioned that passing the lease as currently posted, without any changes, would result in the shelter closing by October 1. He also noted that state funds, which had supplemented the project the previous year, are no longer available.

Councilor James C. Cournoyer provided a detailed explanation of the lease terms, which include an option for the operator to extend the lease for one, two, or three years, an increase in the permitted bed count from 50 to 75, unchanged rent, and a maintenance allowance of up to $75,000. This allowance is intended for essential repairs, including the elevator, HVAC system, and possibly the roof.

The council’s unanimous decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the shelter’s operations, aligning with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and uphold justice, as seen in Matthew 25:35. As negotiations continue, the community and its leaders are urged to seek a solution that honors the dignity and needs of all residents, ensuring that this vital resource remains a beacon of hope and support in Woonsocket.

Source: Read the original report