Homeless RI: A call for community engagement – Vincent Marzullo

by Vincent Marzullo – commentary to RINewsToday

The night before Tuesday’s Charles Street Tent Encampment demonstration I received an email from RI Department of Transportation (DOT) Director, Peter Alviti, suggesting that my advocacy has contributed to RI’s public handling of homelessness.

I responded to Mr. Alviti by stating: “this is on your boss, our Governor, who’s in denial and has delayed now for a few years to move forward aggressively with ARPA funds to develop more affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, and increased shelter capacity.   It’s also apparent that Rhode Island lacks the leadership and integrity to work collaboratively in a multi-jurisdictional manner with the appropriate community stakeholders.  As a former Federal administrator who has aided FEMA response operations, FEMA would never run a disaster relief operation in the way that the Governor & you have conducted the public’s business.  This Administration makes F Troop look like an elite SWAT Team.”

I further stated that “rather than try to deflect and change the narrative, you and the Governor should get more serious and responsible and bring everyone together, including the faith-based community. Perhaps, Pastor Chris can find some assignment that he can truly assist.”

I went on to say “just to be clear — my motivation has been to protect the safety and life of Carol Phipps (formerly homeless, now a Charles Place resident) who called me on June 22 seeking assistance because she was “in fear for her life” due to physical abuse, harassment, constant threats, surrounded by illegal drug activity, and having some of her personal possessions stolen.  

Initially, the police refused to take her complaint — it took almost 3 weeks before a complaint was taken – and aided as well by Rep. Nathan Biah.  Rep. Biah has continued to follow-up with Ms. Phipps as well as with a few other Charles Place residents that have described a disturbing living environment.”

Lastly, I stated “I wish to remind you of your phone call to me the week June 26 – you indicated that the Charles Place tent encampment would be handled in an intentional, compassionate manner as well as its adverse impact on the residents of the HUD subsidized facility.  Carol Phipps, the good residents of Charles Place, the tent campers, and the Charles Street community have all been on standby. When, if at all, will that neighborhood be restored with dignity, peace, and order?”

On Tuesday night the Providence Police made a drug arrest at Charles Place with the intent to sell.  Last month, a car used by a homeless couple was firebombed by 3 individuals after a late evening dispute at Charles Place.

I asked Mr. Alviti to inform the Governor of my willingness to provide a more humane solution. This is an opportunity for compassionate community building rather than dividing us. Let’s ask the Governor to issue a Call to Action and get all stakeholders at the table to create greater housing and support capacity in our collective effort to end homelessness in Rhode Island.

Vincent Marzullo – recently completed a 2-month assignment as the Interim Executive Director of the DaVinci Community Center in Providence.  During COVID he completed 30 mission assignments as a RI Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) member and for the past 6 years Vin has been a playroom volunteer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.  He served for 31 years as a federal civil rights/social justice Director in RI with the Corporation for National & Community Service.  Vin is a Past President of AARP RI and currently serves on the Board of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI.  Deployed several times as a Federal Disaster Cadre Coordinator when Presidential Disaster Declarations were issued, he supervised AmeriCorps humanitarian support and long-term recovery assistance to aid FEMA response operations to State/local governments and key local partners.  Vin served three Rhode Island Governors and is the Founder of USA Compassion Corps.