PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With the bitter cold looming, advocates in Rhode Island have been calling on Governor Dan McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency. Between 2017-2023, there has been 53.4% increase in homelessness in Rhode Island, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In a statement Wednesday, McKee acknowledged that homelessness is affecting communities across the country, but said declaring an emergency won't solve the problem. "It does not unlock any new funding," he said. "Similarly, if I were to use that emergency power to waive capacity limits in shelters or ignore other safety concerns such as sprinkler systems and adequate egress, I would be solving one problem by creating a new one. I am not going to do that." The push at the state level comes as Providence city leaders discuss their next steps, after two councilors opened the City Council chamber doors to those experiencing homelessness Tuesday night. "We opened up the City Council chambers so that people didn't freeze to death," Councilor Justin Roias said. "I truly believe we saved lives." RELATED: RI advocates call for homelessness emergency declaration Roias, who helped organize the surprise effort, told 12 News 31 people slept on the benches of the council chambers and there were no issues. But Providence Mayor Brett Smiley criticized the move, arguing that city hall does not have the resources to become a warming shelter. "Opening City Hall as a shelter disrespects the hard work of our community partners who have the expertise to adequately provide support for our community and this action distracts from the serious solutions the city and our qualified partners have been leading to support our unhoused populations," Smiley said in a statement. Roias and Councilor Miguel Sanchez announced that the temporary overnight warming shelter in the City Council chambers has been moved to the DaVinci Center with the mayor's approval. Councilors are also considering if they should weigh-in on declaring homelessness as a public health emergency. A resolution is scheduled to be introduced Thursday. McKee said the state should look at long-term solutions to solve the problem, but Roias warns inaction is going to cause people to lose their lives, especially with this stretch of bitter cold weather. "I just hope that our city and state leaders act fast because I think time is running out," he said. "There will be blood on their hands if they don't act fast." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW