Saying, “At this time we are going off the list on the RIEMA website”, the RI Coalition to End Homelessness forwarded to RINewsToday contact info for the RI Emergency Management Agency which has a Cooling Center list for Rhode Island cities and towns. This comes as the state will enter a multi-day, unprecedented June emergency heating alert.
In addition to the reference to the RIEMA (reproduced below), the Coalition sent out a press release, via Advocacy Solutions, asking businesses to “step up and help” – HERE:
RI Coalition to End Homelessness Urgently Calls on Local Businesses to Donate Bottled Water, Supplies Ahead of Heat Wave
With temperatures expected to soar to nearly 100 degrees early next week, the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness is urgently calling on local businesses to step up and help protect the state’s unhoused residents during what could be a record-breaking heat wave.
“This isn’t just news about extreme weather coming our way––we’re terrified about the impact this will have on those living on the streets. We simply don’t have enough bottled water or supplies,” said Kimberly Simmons, Executive Director of the Coalition. “Last summer, we tragically lost Rhode Islanders living outside due to extreme heat. We cannot let that happen again. These are our neighbors. They deserve safety, dignity, and relief.”
The Coalition is coordinating with street outreach teams and working closely with shelter service partners to prepare, but supplies are critically needed. The Coalition is asking local businesses to consider donating items in emergent need:
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Bottled water
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Electrolyte drinks
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Sunscreen (unopened, non-expired)
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Portable, battery-powered fans
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Cooling towels
“These simple items can help save lives,” Simmons said. “If your business can contribute even a small supply, you’ll be helping vulnerable individuals get through an incredibly dangerous stretch of weather. This is a moment for our amazing Rhode Island businesses to show they care about Rhode Island people.”
Businesses or individuals interested in donating supplies can contact:
Lindsay Cutler at the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness by email (lindsay@rihomeless.org) to coordinate a suggested donation time, or can directly drop off supply donations at Coalition partner sites:
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OpenDoors (1139 Main Street, Pawtucket). Open 24/7.
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Crossroads Rhode Island (162 Broad St, Providence, RI). Open 24/7 for front desk drop-off. Please call ahead if the donation is a large supply (401-521-2255).
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Better Lives Rhode Island (12 Abbott Park Pl, Providence, RI). M-F 8:30 AM–4:30PM for drop off. Questions? Contact Paula Hudson (Phudson@betterlives.org or 401-454-7422).
Despite a difficult federal and state budget climate and increased pressure on resources, the need for immediate, compassionate response to the state’s homeless crisis remains. The Coalition is urging Rhode Islanders to remember that the most vulnerable among us face the harshest impacts, and that together, we can make a difference.
To learn more about the Coalition’s work and how to support further during this anticipated heat emergency, visit www.rihomeless.org.
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Cooling Centers listed on the RI EMA website:
https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) announces that due to forecasted extreme heat and/or humidity, the following communities will have cooling centers open to the public for those who need to seek shelter from extreme heat. If you do not see your community listed contact your local municipalities for more information. If you need additional assistance call 2-1-1.
Note that there are not many overnight shelters open – and many of the locations listed below are for mid-week.
BARRINGTON
Barrington Public Library: 281 County Rd
- Mon – Thurs: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Barrington Public Safety Building: 100 Federal Rd
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
BRISTOL
Roger’s Free Library: 525 Hope St
- Mon, Tue, Thu: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri& Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
Quinta-Gamelin Recreation Center: 101 Asylum Rd
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Sat & Sun: 8 AM – 2 PM
BURRILLVILLE
Jesse Smith Library: 100 Tinkham Lane
- Mon – Thu: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
If extended hours are needed, please contact Burrillville Dispatch at (401) 568-6255 for further information.
CENTRAL FALLS
Central Falls Housing Authority 30 Washington Street
CHARLESTOWN
Charlestown Community/Senior Center: 100 Park Lane
- Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Fri: 8:30 AM – 12 PM
- On standby for after hours
Charlestown Police Community Room: 4901 Old Post Rd
- Daily 7 AM – 5 PM
- After hours as needed
Charlestown Town Hall: 4540 South County Trail
COVENTRY
Any Police Station or Fire Station In Coventry:
Coventry Public Library: 1672 Flat River Road
- Mon – Thurs: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Coventry Senior & Resource Center: 50 Wood St
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
CRANSTON
Cranston Senior Center: 1070 Cranston St
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Central Public Library: 140 Sockanosset Cross Rd
CUMBERLAND
Cumberland Public Safety Complex: Community Room 1379 Diamond Hill Road
Cumberland Public Library: 1464 Diamond Hill Rd
- Mon -Thu: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sun: 1 PM – 4 PM
EAST GREENWICH
East Greenwich Police Station Community Room: 176 1st Ave
Swift Community Center: 121 Pierce St
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
East Greenwich Free Library: 82 Peirce St
- Mon: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Tue, Wed, Thu: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM
EAST PROVIDENCE
East Providence Senior Center: 610 Waterman Ave
Riverside Library: 475 Bullocks Point Ave
- Mon & Wed: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Tues & Thurs: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Weaver Library: 41 Grove Ave
- Mon – Thurs: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
EXETER
Exeter Library: 773 Ten Rod Rd
- Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tue & Thurs: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Exeter Town Hall: 675 Ten Rod Rd
FOSTER
South Foster Fire Company: 5 Mt Hygeia Rd
Foster Center Volunteer Fire Company: 86 Foster Center Rd
Moosup Valley Fire Department: 55 Moosup Valley Rd
Contact Foster dispatch at 401-397-3317 before arrival.
GLOCESTER
Glocester Manton Library: 1137 Putnam Pike
- Mon – Wed: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Glocester Senior Center: 1210 Putnam Pike
Glocester Town Hall: 1145 Putnam Pike
- ***Will be opened as needed, hours to be determined. This is not a standing Cooling Center. Regular hours Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 4:30 PM***
HARMONY
Harmony Library: 195 Putnam Pike
- Mon – Thu: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
HOPKINTON
Hopkinton Town Hall Council Chambers: 1 Town House Rd
Hopkinton Police Station: 406 Woodville Road
JAMESTOWN
Jamestown Police Department: 250 Conanicus Ave
JOHNSTON
Johnston Senior Center: 1291 Hartford Avenue
LITTLE COMPTON
Little Compton Community Center: 34 Commons Rd
Little Compton Wellness Center: 115 East Main Rd
Hours will be posted only when cooling centers are opened. Hours will differ by location.
LINCOLN
Lincoln Town Hall: 100 Old River Rd
Lincoln Public Library: 145 Old River Rd
Lincoln Senior Center: 150 Jenckes Hill Rd
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
MIDDLETOWN
Library: 700 W. Main Rd
- Mon – Thu: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Fri & Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Senior Center: 650 Green End Ave
NARRAGANSETT
Maury Loontjens Memorial Library: 25 Pier Marketplace
- Mon – Thurs: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Sat: 9:30 AM – 2 PM
Narragansett Community Center 53 Mumford Rd.
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
*Will extend hours as necessary*
NEWPORT
Newport Public Library: 300 Spring St (June 1st-June 30th)
- Mon: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
- Tues – Thurs: 9 AM – 8:30 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Seamen’s Church Institute: 18 Market Square
- Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 4 PM
- Sat & Sun 7 AM – 2 PM
NORTH KINGSTOWN
Senior Center: 44 Beach St
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
NORTH PROVIDENCE
Salvatore Mancini Resource & Activity Center: 2 Atlantic Blvd
North Providence Union Free Public Library: 1810 Mineral Spring Ave
- Mon – Thur: 9 AM – 7:45 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 4:45 PM
PAWTUCKET
The Leon Mathieu Senior Center: 420 Main St
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center: 175 Main St
Pawtucket Police Department Headquarters Lobby: 121 Roosevelt Ave
Pawtucket Public Library: 13 Summer St
- Mon – Thu: 9 AM – 8:45 PM
- Fri & Sat: 9 AM – 4:45 PM
PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth Free Public Library: 2658 East Main Road
- Mon – Tue: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Wed – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center: 110 Bristol Ferry Rd
PROVIDENCE
EMERGENCY COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS
Federal Hill House: 9 Courtland St
Emmanuel House: 239 Public St
Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston St
- Open 24/7 during high heat conditions
LIBRARY BRANCHES:
Residents may also seek shelter from the heat at the following Providence Community Library Branches.
Mt. Pleasant Library: 315 Academy Ave. / 401-272-0106
- Mon – Thurs: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
- Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square / 401-421-4084
- Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wed: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
Providence Public Library: 150 Empire Street / 401-455-8000
- Mon – Wed: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
- Thurs: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Rochambeau Library: 708 Hope Street / 401-272-3780
- Mon – Thurs: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
- Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Smith Hill Library: 31 Candace Street / 401-272-4140
- Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wed: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue / 401-467-2619
- Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tues: 1 PM – 8:00 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
Wanskuck Library: 233 Veazie Street / 401-274-4145
- Mon – Wed: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thurs: 1 PM -8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
Washington Park Library: 1316 Broad Street / 401-781-3136
- Mon – Wed: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thurs: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Fri: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
*Visit www.providenceri.gov/pema/providence-cooling-centers/ for their 2024 waterparks and pool schedule*
RICHMOND
Clark Memorial Library: 7 Pinehurst Dr, Carolina
- Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tues & Thurs: 1 PM – 7 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 2 PM
Chopmist Hill Senior Center: 1315 Chopmist Hill Rd
- Wed – Fri: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Hope Public Library: 374 North Rd. Hope, RI 02831
NORTH SCITUATE
North Scituate Public Library: 606 West Greenville Rd. North Scituate, RI 02857
- Mon – Thur 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fri & Sat 10 AM – 4 PM
SMITHFIELD
Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink: 109 Pleasant View Ave
Smithfield Senior Center: 1 William J. Hawkins Trail
For those needing immediate assistance due to extreme heat after regular cooling center hours, please contact Smithfield EMA at 401-233-1033. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1
SOUTH KINGSTOWN
Peace Dale Library: 1057 Kingstown Rd
- Mon: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Tue – Thu: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Kingston Library: 2605 Kingstown Road
- Mon & Tue: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Wed: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Thu: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 12 PM
Robeert Beverly Hale Library: 2601 Commodore Perry Hwy
- Mon: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tue: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Wed – Fri: 1 PM – 5 PM
Summer Hours, beginning Monday, June 23rd, 2025
TIVERTON
Tiverton Public Library: 34 Roosevelt Ave
- Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
WARREN
Andreozzi Hall: 20 Libby Ln
- Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
George Hail Library: 530 Main St
- Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Police Department Lobby: 1 Joyce St
WARWICK
Pilgrim Senior Center: 27 Pilgrim Parkway
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Warwick Public Library – Central Library: 600 Sandy Ln
- Mon, Tue, Wed: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Thu, Fri, Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
WEST WARWICK
West Warwick Public Library: 1043 Main St
- Mon, Thurs, Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Tue & Wed: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
WEST GREENWICH
West Greenwich Town Hall: 280 Victory Highway
WESTERLY
Westerly Senior Center: 39 State St
- Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
WOONSOCKET
Woonsocket Senior Center: 84 Social St
Woonsocket Police Station Lobby Area: 242 Clinton St
- Weekends and Library/Senior Center Off Hours
Woonsocket Harris Public Library: 303 Clinton Street
- Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Tues & Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Mt. St. Charles Ice Arena: 800 Logee St
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Sat & Sun: 9 AM – 12 PM
This is a developing story and information and resources will be added and updated.
