Woonsocket City Council approves lease for 50-bed homeless shelter on Cumberland Street

In the heart of Woonsocket's city hall, council members gathered for a pivotal meeting on May 5, 2025, where discussions centered on pressing community needs, particularly the growing issue of homelessness. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as council members debated ordinances aimed at addressing these challenges.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, revealing a split among council members on various issues. Notably, the council approved Ordinance 25 O 21 with a narrow vote of 4 to 3, setting the stage for further discussions. The focus quickly shifted to Ordinance 25 O 22, which proposed a new polling location for Rhode Island Energy. This ordinance passed unanimously, reflecting a collaborative spirit among the council.

However, the most significant topic of the evening was the proposal to lease city-owned property to Open Doors, a nonprofit organization, to operate a homeless shelter at 181 Cumberland Street. Councilman Dubois passionately advocated for the initiative, highlighting the urgent need for additional shelter beds as existing facilities faced seasonal closures. He emphasized that the new shelter would provide 50 beds, a crucial addition to the city’s existing resources.

Despite the positive strides, Dubois expressed frustration over external criticism, noting that some community members felt the city was not doing enough. He urged neighboring communities to contribute to the solution rather than solely relying on Woonsocket. The sentiment echoed throughout the council, with Councilwoman Fox voicing her support for the shelter while acknowledging the challenges of meeting public expectations.

As the council deliberated, it became clear that while the city was providing the building for the shelter, it would not be offering any financial support for improvements or operations. This point was reiterated by Councilman Kenoyer, who sought clarity on the city's financial stance. The solicitor confirmed that the lease would be executed without any funding from the city, a decision driven by budget constraints.

The council ultimately voted in favor of the lease, with a unanimous 7-0 approval, marking a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Woonsocket. Council members expressed a mix of pride and determination, recognizing that while the new shelter was a positive development, it was only a part of a larger, ongoing effort to support the community.

As the meeting concluded, the council members left with a renewed commitment to tackle the pressing issues facing their city, understanding that the road ahead would require continued collaboration and resilience. The discussions underscored a vital message: while progress is being made, the journey to effectively address homelessness and community needs is far from over.