Diocese steps into center of circle to Rhode Islanders in need, where it’s always been

December 17, 2022/RINewsToday

Dispensing charity – Serving those in need – Advocating for justice

Every winter, they are there for people in Rhode Island. This year, the use of their homeless shelter for men, Emmanuel House, has positioned the Diocese of Providence at the forefront of social services to those in need. Somewhat off the grid, and not under the full thumb of the state of Rhode Island, Emmanuel House has been expanding to meet the needs of increasing numbers. Emmanuel has been doing this work for over 10 years now. One person managing Emmanuel has said, “we’ve always had availability this year – we won’t turn men away,” even as the now-known CES system has shown that no beds were available.

Emmanuel’s caveats is that they serve men only, and there can be no on-site use or possession of alcohol or drugs of any kind. Emmanuel does require people leave at 7am and return no earlier than 6pm, though times can vary depending upon the weather.

Their description on their website
Responding to the urgent need for additional emergency homeless shelters in December of 2010, Bishop Tobin opened a shelter in a former diocesan day care center to provide a warm place to sleep for those without a home. The former Carter Day Care Center would begin serving 16 individuals each night, then, in January of 2011, with the approval of the Providence Fire Department, expanded to 35 beds per night. The overflow shelter provided an immediate need as the demand for shelter beds exceeded availability.

Through the Catholic Charity Appeal, the Diocese covers the costs of insurance, maintenance, heating, electric and other utilities for Emmanuel House. In October of last year, the Diocese awarded additional resources from the Appeal for upgrades such as new restroom and shower facilities that are used by guests of Emmanuel House. The Appeal is funded by generous Catholics throughout the state who support more than 30 diocesan agencies that provide for the physical and spiritual needs of Rhode Islanders.

In early 2012, at the request of the City of Providence, a day shelter opened at Emmanuel House providing not only a safe place for the homeless to seek refuge, but also to obtain assistance in finding housing, employment or substance abuse counseling.

About the Shelter

Emmanuel House is a shelter located on 239 Public Street in Providence, RI.
Open: 7 days a week, nightly 7:00 pm – 7:00 am (Intakes done nightly on site)
Case Management Appointments Available: Tues & Thurs 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Please Note: Guests cannot be on property before 5:30 pm or leave the property before 5:00 am. Also, guests must carry their belongings with them.

Services Provided Shelter Guests Receive Assistance with:

SNAP (Food Stamps) Applications
Shower Facilities & Hygiene Products
Access to Clothing Room
ID Vouchers
Obtaining Health Insurance
Mental Health Referrals & Recovery Support
Employment Search & Resumes
Apartment Hunting & Applications
Referrals to Diocese’s Immigration Office
Case Management Services & After Care
Ability to take part in Community Garden

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Keep the Heat On

Keep the Heat On has been supplementing heating assistance funds for Rhode Islanders who have either used up all their heating assistance or may not qualify for the LIHEAP program run by the state with federal funds.

This month they announced that the Masse family – from Paul Masse Chevrolet in East Providence – donated $50,000 to the Keep the Heat On program, with another $50,000 to the Diocesan Assistance Fund, and $250,000 to benefit Catholic Charity funded ministries in the Diocese of Providence.

Their announcement of Masse family support:

On the Feast of Saint Nicholas, Dec. 6 the Masse family at Paul Masse Chevrolet in East Providence presented Bishop Thomas J. Tobin with a large donation to benefit vital ministries of the Diocese of Providence. The family donated $250,000 to the Catholic Charity Appeal, which through its many ministries, provides social, educational and spiritual support to thousands of Rhode Islanders each year. A gift of $50,000 was given to the Diocesan Assistance Fund which provides charitable support for a number of causes. And a gift of $50,000 to the “Keep the Heat On” program which helps families and individuals keep their homes warm throughout the winter.
Bishop Tobin thanked the Masse family for their “exceptional generosity” and helping the poor of Rhode Island, calling their gift an example of “faith in action.”

“This heating assistance program has truly been a ‘life-saver’ for many individuals and families in our region since it was founded 17 years ago, and I know that it will be once again this year,” said Bishop Tobin. “On behalf of the hundreds of households that will directly benefit from the Masse family’s generosity, I wish to convey to the Masse’s my own personal thanks,” said James Jahnz, Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, “the need for heating assistance is especially acute at this time of the year and this gift helps ensure that many of our neighbors’ homes will remain warm and safe throughout this Christmas season.”

Tim McCaig, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, said, “On behalf of the Catholic Charity Appeal, we are so grateful to the Masse family for their generous gift. It will not only bolster the daily work of Catholic Social Services, but also provide funding for numerous Catholic ministries that rely on the Appeal each year. Their donation serves as an incredible jumpstart to the 2023 campaign and places the Appeal in a great position to reach the goal of $7,000,000.”

The gift was spearheaded by Paul Masse, the president of Paul Masse Chevrolet. His son and vice president of Masse Chevrolet, Bob Masse, shared, “This time of year, he wanted to do something for people who are having a hard time, those struggling to pay the heating bill or to have heat. That’s what drew him to doing this. We wanted to do it as a company as well to pass along our good fortune to those less fortunate.”

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Catholic Charities and Social Ministries

The Diocese, through the support provided by individuals through Catholic Charities provides 28 assistance programs and services at 11 locations throughout the state. A private, nonprofit group, they serve and employ people of all faiths. Catholic Charities & Social Ministry brings the message of Christ’s love to the people of Rhode Island meeting their physical and spiritual needs while addressing injustice and advocating for change.

A full listing of services: