PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With a polar vortex causing frigid temperatures this week, some Rhode Islanders are urging the state to declare homelessness a public health emergency. The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness (RICEH) reports that there's been a sharp rise in homelessness since 2020, citing a lack of funding and overstretched infrastructure. RICEH oversees the Coordinated Entry System, which connects people with resources, including shelters and housing. The system has seen a 99.5% surge in calls over the past four years, according to Jennifer Barrera, RICEH's Chief Strategy Officer. "If anyone has had the opportunity in the past couple of nights to go out and walk their dog, or just even walk to their car ... they recognize how cold it is," Barrera said. "I just wish they would imagine how awful it would be to sleep outside in that weather for the entire night. I think that should be the driving force for everyone to get involved." 7-DAY FORECAST: Will it warm back up this week? RICEH Executive Director Kimberly Simmons said they are asking that homelessness be declared a public health emergency to unlock some of those funds to meet the growing demand. "You just can't do more with less. And that's what we're being asked to do," Simmons said. In the meantime, several shelters, including Crossroads in Providence, are opening their doors to those seeking refuge from the cold. "Folks can just come in, they can be safe, they can keep to themselves. They're not going to be questioned or asked to do anything. It's just really a safe place to be and have access to, obviously, bathrooms and showers and food and water if they need it," Crossroads President and CEO Michelle Wilcox said. While emergency warming centers and overnight shelters have been activated across the state, Barrera and Simmons stressed that this crisis extends beyond extreme weather and requires year-round action. "This has been going on for decades," she added. "Rhode Island as a state, across the board, state municipalities have failed to invest in the infrastructure to develop affordable housing at the rate that we need, keeping affordable housing healthy, and improving the capital improvements that are needed for affordable housing." RELATED: Smiley criticizes delays in Providence pallet shelters as frigid weather sets in Meanwhile, Gov. Dan McKee announced that additional overnight shelter capacity will open Tuesday night and remain available through the cold snap. No referral code is needed for access. "The safety of our residents, particularly those most vulnerable, is our top priority as we prepare for this intense cold," McKee said. "We are ensuring that more resources are available to provide shelter, warmth, and support to those who need it the most." Open emergency shelters: West Warwick: West Warwick Civic Center, 100 Factory St. – open 24 hours through 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 Westerly: WARM Center, 56 Spruce St. – open 24 hours during winter months Overnight shelters (drop-in basis): Providence: Crossroads Rhode Island, 162 Broad St. – open 4 p.m. Jan. 6 Providence: Emmanuel House, 239 Public St. – open 24 hours Jan. 7–8 South Kingstown: Welcome House of South County, 8 North Road, Peace Dale – open 24 hours Pawtucket: OpenDoors, 1139 Main St. – open 24 hours Winter hub hours are subject to change and will be updated on the R.I. Department of Housing website. 12 News has reached out to Gov. McKee's office for further comment but has not yet received a response. Providence City Councilors Justin Roias and Miguel Sanchez announced Tuesday evening that they'll be opening the city council chamber to host a "community gathering space away from the cold." They said trained volunteers will be on hand to provide help with needs such as accessing shelter beds and transportation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW