PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — More than half of Rhode Island’s senators are urging Gov. Dan McKee to declare homelessness a state of emergency as the temperature outside drops, increasing pressure on state leadership to find immediate solutions. But what would an emergency declaration actually accomplish? RI advocates call for homelessness emergency declaration as cold snap hits Jake Bissaillon, chair of the Housing and Municipal Government Committee, explained that such a declaration would facilitate resource coordination to address homelessness. "What a state of emergency would allow, whether it relates to Echo Village or any other shelter in the state, is a coordination of resources and to get out from underneath any last-minute regulatory barriers that there may be for a shelter coming online," Bissaillon said. The opening of Providence's Echo Village, a pallet shelter community, has faced delays due to issues like meeting fire code requirements. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi is working on legislation to expedite the opening of the facility. "We need legislation to make sure that these pallets open up sooner. And I'm working on that. I hope to have that done as early as tomorrow or early next week for introduction," Shekarchi said. ‘It’s time to listen’: Protesters demand action on homelessness as pallet shelters sit empty Despite growing calls for an emergency declaration, McKee has resisted, arguing it wouldn’t address the root causes and could create safety concerns. However, Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson emphasized the need for immediate action. "What we need to do is put people who need shelter in there so that declaration would allow us to do that. And if need be, we can put an onsite fire detail there so people are protected," Lawson said. She also noted that the declaration would provide transportation for individuals to shelters via RIPTA. A joint Senate hearing to explore further homelessness solutions is scheduled for next Tuesday. Smiley criticizes delays in Providence pallet shelters as frigid weather sets in Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW