PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Dan McKee and Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard say additional funding is available to support the homeless during winter months. The Municipal Homelessness Support Initiative supports emergency winter hubs, extra winter shelter capacity and formula grants for cities and towns that apply to the program. West Warwick, Woonsocket, Westerly, Burrillville and Newport are among the cities and towns that recently received funding for this winter. After issuing the most recent grants, the Department of Housing has approximately $65,000 remaining. With the remaining sum, the Department will issue new awards to cities and towns that apply on a rolling basis until funds are used up or until February 14, 2025, whichever comes first. Cities and towns that apply must use the grants for public safety expenses and other local services that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Benefits provided by the city or town can be facilitated through partnerships with organizations and other stakeholders. Services could include emergency medical services, sanitation services, transportation for individuals within the shelter, meal programs, behavioral health services and substance use disorder services, housing resource counseling, emergency warming center costs and outreach services. “The Department of Housing is glad to be able to make this funding available to cities and towns to ensure Rhode Islanders have a safe place to be on cold nights,” said Secretary Deborah Goddard in a press release. “We will prioritize review of these applications within our office so that funding can go out as soon as possible.” The Municipal Homelessness Support Initiative is funded through State Fiscal Recovery Funds. Categories: News