Rhode Island lawmakers are pressing Governor McKee to declare homelessness a public emergency this winter to protect vulnerable residents
Providence: About 62% of lawmakers in Rhode Island are pushing Governor Dan McKee to declare a state of emergency for the homeless this winter. Nearly 50 state lawmakers joined the call before the weekend, and more added their names on Monday.
Senate leaders emphasized the need for immediate action to protect Rhode Islanders from the harsh winter. They urged McKee to tackle the housing crisis using resources from the General Assembly.
They believe declaring an emergency would help the governor mobilize resources and provide quick relief to those experiencing homelessness. However, McKee has been hesitant.
He mentioned that declaring an emergency wouldn’t necessarily unlock more federal funds, which is a common misconception. His administration has faced criticism for not having enough emergency shelters as a polar vortex hit the state recently.
Senators suggested allowing temporary fire code exemptions to help open ECHO Village, a community of 45 pallet shelter cabins in Providence. Delays in fire safety installations have pushed back its opening.
McKee expressed concerns about waiving fire safety regulations, recalling the tragic Station Nightclub fire in 2003 that claimed many lives. He stressed the importance of safety regulations.
Senate leaders also want the governor to work with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to provide free transit for unhoused individuals to shelters with available beds.
On Friday, 46 legislators signed a petition urging McKee to reconsider his stance. They highlighted the tragic loss of 54 Rhode Islanders who died outside in the past year due to the elements.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, while not signing the petition, encouraged McKee to think about the emergency declaration. He noted that people are suffering in the cold.
The Providence City Council has also joined the effort, passing a resolution calling for the governor to issue the declaration to support those experiencing homelessness.
City Council President Rachel Miller stressed the need for immediate investment in short-term solutions to address systemic failures. Further inaction, she warned, could cost lives.
In addition to the emergency declaration, Senate leaders are planning a joint hearing to review the state’s homelessness plan. They want to discuss the Department of Housing’s response and the progress of ECHO Village.
The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee will also call for an emergency declaration at an event before McKee’s State of the State address.
