PROVIDENCE, RI – In an effort to support stable housing, opportunity, and dignity for all, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined McAuley House in Providence to deliver a $110,000 federal earmark he secured to help reimagine the organization’s afternoon programming, expand its feeding program, and engage more Rhode Islanders who are experiencing homelessness.

Senator Reed toured McAuley House with Barbara Haynes, executive director of McAuley Ministries, to meet with staff and guests, and to get a preview of how the organization’s afternoon enrichment programs and expanded offerings serve Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness and food insecurity who visit McAuley House each day.

“The team at McAuley House is on the frontlines of addressing the homelessness crisis here in Rhode Island.  In order to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness, we must employ a strategy that addresses root causes and helps to put people on the path to self-sufficiency. McAuley House’s afternoon programs will help Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness unlock self-expression, find new passions, make new connections, and advance their healing,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  “I’m proud to support the great work of McAuley House and deliver this federal earmark to strengthen afternoon enrichment programs and give more people access to new activities and supports.”  

The federal earmark secured by Senator Reed in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law will help McAuley House serve up to forty individuals each day and open access to new program offerings, including art classes and art therapy, stress management, health care, entertainment, and access to computers, printers, and phone charging stations. McAuley House expects to hold these programs from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day from Monday through Friday.

“The needs of those we serve are many, and having the opportunity to expand the supports we offer will go a long way toward providing hope to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Barbara Haynes, executive director of McAuley Ministries. “We could not be more appreciative to Senator Reed and our entire congressional delegation for their commitment to helping those who truly need it most, while also embracing the importance of doing so with dignity, compassion, and respect.”

Spaces at McAuley House used for afternoon programs will also serve as year-round cooling and warming centers. A trained McAuley House case worker will operate the programs and assist participants with services and referrals to address challenges that exist in accessing housing, nutrition, health care, transportation, and other services.

Additionally, the earmark will help support McAuley House’s feeding program which helps to address the needs of Rhode Islanders experiencing food insecurity and who lack access to nutritious food. McAuley House provides breakfast, a nourishing lunch, and full take-away dinner meals for up to 300 people each weekday.

McAuley House is the meal site and social services center of McAuley Ministries, a nearly 50-year-old nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Mercy, and which provides the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, health services, and guidance to the most vulnerable in the community.