Homeless in RI: Open Doors, Pawtucket Warming Cooling Center expands, with improvements

Photo: OpenDoors staff from the 1139 Main Street Warming&Cooling Center, along with Rep. Jennifer Stewart

The Pawtucket Warming and Cooling Center at 1139 Main Street has undergone renovations to be able to increase capacity by 9 beds, bringing the total bed count from 31 to 40 beds to increase its service to Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness. The renovations included showers and additional bathrooms, increased bed space, a sprinkler system, and upgrades for fire code compliance – allowing the shelter to admit more people and provide residents with a more hospitable environment. The fire code renovations were required for the long term use of the building as a warming center.

“As the number of persons experiencing homelessness across the country has risen, it is heartening that partners like OpenDoors and the City of Pawtucket continue to work with the state to address the situation with capacity and dignity,” said Governor Dan Mckee.

In 2022, the State issued federal funds to the City of Pawtucket for the Pawtucket of Housing Authority to purchase the property, located at 1139 Main Street. Once the building was purchased, OpenDoors started leasing the property to provide temporary emergency shelter. In 2024, the Pawtucket Housing Authority applied through the State’s Consolidated Homeless Fund for funding to complete these necessary renovations to improve functionality of the building as a temporary emergency shelter.

“These improvements have significantly enhanced the quality of life for our residents during their stay,” said OpenDoors Deputy Director Dina Bruce. “Access to basic necessities, like showers and bathrooms, is essential in supporting individuals who are facing homelessness and helping them regain their stability.”

“The Department of Housing is pleased to have made significant investments for renovations and operations at the 1139 Main Street shelter this year, ensuring that more Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness have a warm, safe place to stay during the winter and a cool refuge in the summer,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “We are grateful for the support of the City of Pawtucket and the Pawtucket Housing Authority, whose partnership has been invaluable in addressing homelessness, as well as OpenDoors for their dedicated service. This collaboration serves as a reminder that continued partnership and collective action are crucial as we work to address homelessness.”

Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien stated, “The renovations of the 1139 Main Street Pawtucket Warming and Cooling Center is a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in our community.” He added, “We are deeply grateful for the collaboration and support of the Department of Housing, Pawtucket City Council, the Pawtucket Housing Authority, and OpenDoors in making this expansion a reality. These improvements not only increase the facility’s capacity but also ensure that individuals have access to safe and welcoming spaces during their time of need.”

The facility is owned by the Pawtucket Housing Authority, which managed the renovations. “The work entailed the Pawtucket Housing Authority to hire a RI Contractor to complete all the critical components to enhance the facility that now offers unhoused residents seeking shelter needs with access to services, facilities that are updated and safe,” said Pawtucket Housing Authority Executive Director Paula McFarland. “The overall cost of the project has been funded by the RI Department of Housing, City of Pawtucket, and the Pawtucket Housing Authority, with more than $1.8 million being invested through site acquisition and rehabilitation of the Warming and Cooling Center referred to as 1139 Main Street.”

Nick Horton, Co-Executive Director of OpenDoors, added, “As the number of Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness continues to rise, there is a greater need for infrastructure that can adequately support this population. Centers like 1139 in Pawtucket are crucial for providing supportive services, relief from dangerous weather conditions, and access to basic necessities. These new renovations will make it possible to provide a greater level of support to residents and make the shelter more viable in the long term. The impact of these services on our local community cannot be overstated, and we are grateful for all of the partners involved in this project who continue to make this work possible.”

1139 is one of the few 24-hour facilities in the state offering a safe refuge from the cold. The Warming and Cooling Center provides drop-in supportive services to anyone in need until 5:30 pm daily, and is open overnight to residents.

Use of the showers is available to anyone in need from 9:45 am -11:45 am.

In addition, the center continues to offer daily meals in partnership with the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, ensuring that those experiencing homelessness have access to both warmth and nourishment.

“While we are grateful for the completed renovations that have allowed us to expand our capacity, OpenDoors anticipates that we may still be unable to accommodate everyone in need of shelter this winter,” said Nick Horton, Co-Executive Director of OpenDoors. “To ensure that Rhode Islanders who cannot be sheltered at 1139 have means of warmth, we offer a limited supply of tents, sleeping bags, and body warmers. Your generous donations of these items—and any additional items that provide warmth, such as hats, coats, and gloves—are vital in helping us support those in need. Anything you can contribute is appreciated.”

Donations can be dropped off at 1139 Main St, Pawtucket. All support is welcome and makes an impact in providing comfort and care, and making a difference in someone’s life.