The dedication ceremony for the Joyce House for homeless veterans in Providence. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

A new apartment house for homeless veterans was opened Monday in Providence, offering support services in addition to homes for a dozen veterans.

Run by The Providence Center, the Joyce House is dedicated to the memory of John Joyce, a homeless advocate who died earlier this year.

"This will be a peer support environment," said Dale Klatzker, President and Chief Executive of The Providence Center, which describes itself as a non-profit provider of behavioral health care programs and services.

"People will help each other, as well as us and the VA helping with the other services," said Klatzker.

"People will be able to live here, approximately up to a year or more, while we help them transition into the next phase of their lives, into permanent housing, while we provide education, job training, counseling, support. Whatever anybody needs, we will tailor services to people's needs," Klatzker said.

Governor Lincoln Chafee, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse all took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new house on River Avenue.

Klatzker and the officials all took note of John Joyce's advocacy and activism for the homeless community. He was instrumental in developing the "Homeless Bill of Rights", which became law last year, to prevent discrimination against the homeless.

"I hope that his name on this building and this plaque will serve to focus us all on what was the core of John's life," said his companion, Megan Smith. "To tirelessly stand with and advocate for those who are experiencing homelessness and other forms of oppression."