PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island lawmakers are expected to discuss the effort to open ECHO Village, the state’s first pallet shelter community, in Providence on Thursday. This comes after homelessness advocates gathered outside the State House last month to demand action as the 45 new pallet shelters remain empty. ECHO Village, which is on Victor Street, was set to open this past spring, but the Department of Housing said it has taken more time to install necessary utilities like plumbing and electricity, and to meet fire and building codes. BACKGROUND: Providence pallet shelters remain empty, work continues A spokesperson said there have also been additional costs higher than anticipated. The budget for the project was set at $3.3 million. "We always knew it was going to be expensive. There is nothing not expensive," Gov. Dan McKee said last month. "We also knew that it requires local, fire code, building codes you have to follow. And that’s been a stumbling block, and it’s delayed it and has added cost to it in the end." The delays come at the same time a new report shows a 35% increase in homelessness last year. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. at the State House. No public testimony will be heard. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW