WPRO News

The Rhode Island Department of Housing Tuesday cleared its first hurdle in finding new housing for homeless residents of the soon-to-close Cranston Street armory.

Members of the Rhode Island state Properties Committee voted unanimously to authorize state House Secretary Stefan Pryor to open negotiations with a provider that would oversee a year-long placement of up to 10 individuals or families at three cottages at the state’s Zambarano property in Burrillville. The cottages were last used to house people during the COVID pandemic, said Pryor.

“Very much so,” Pryor replied, when asked whether he was pleased with the preliminary approval. “It’s so important that we provide new options and opportunities for families experiencing homelessness.”

Pryor expects it could take some weeks to negotiate a one-year agreement with Tri County Community Action Action to assess the condition of the cottages, make any improvements, and arrange security, meals, transportation and other needs with the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals which runs the campus.

“We’re aiming to complete negotiations within weeks rather than months,” he said. Chairman Marco Schiappa said the Properties Committee would meet again to review the plans and agreements before granting final approval. He said on Wednesday, the panel would meet to consider plans to extend the use of the Cranston Street armory.

Pryor on Friday said the state and City of Providence had reached agreement to extend the use of the Cranston Street armory as a homeless shelter to May 15, and while making arrangements to house about 250 homeless people at various locations around the state.

He also said the Department of Housing was in talks with the owners of the private Charlesgate apartments, who recently announced plans to close the Providence facility by the summer, for possible use to house homeless Rhode Islanders.