Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joined elected officials and a collection of community members, business owners, social service providers and interfaith community representatives Thursday to announce what is described as “increased investment and support for citywide health and safety.”
“The issues we are addressing today are not unique to Providence. They are complex and multifaceted, but by coming together as community, we have the opportunity to make lasting change,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “By addressing this issue creatively, collaboratively and compassionately while incorporating best practices from throughout the country, Providence can become a model for the entire nation.”
In addition to continuing an increased police presence in the Downtown neighborhood, the Mayor announced a partnership with the City Council to allocate resources to launch a day center. The center will offer services that connects individuals to community resources.
“I’m excited to work with Mayor Elorza to address these sensitive challenges with compassion and collaboration. Poverty is a problem that extends far beyond Kennedy Plaza,” said Council President Louis Aponte. “Poverty is bigger than Providence, and we need all hands on deck to make meaningful change.”
“Simply put, people need a place to go. I’d like to thank Mayor Elorza and my City Council colleagues—especially Council President Aponte and Finance Chairman Igliozzi— for listening to the needs of the Eleventh Ward, and for working with me to bring a day center and services to the people of Providence in greatest need,” added Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris.
The mayor also announced that the city of Providence will also provide support directly to Amos House, a local organization that aims to address issues of hunger, homelessness, and poverty. Amos House’s pilot program, “A Hand Up”, is designed to provide work opportunities for people who are underemployed or unemployed and look to panhandling as a main source of income. In addition to ‘A Hand Up’, the mayor said that the city will work to support the efforts by The Providence Center and collaborative work already being done to launch the “Emmanuel House”, a diversion center that will provide critical assistance to people who are struggling with substance abuse.
“Keeping the public safe is our first and foremost duty and it’s important that we are able to do that with compassion,” added Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré. “Additionally, increased resources towards substance abuse and mental health treatment will supplement the work our officers do every day and increase their capacity to protect our city.”
Mayor Elorza also announced a new program called PVD GIVES, which is designed to combine an interactive website with “giving meters” placed throughout the city to encourage those who want to donate to give to the meters instead of individuals directly. Funding from meters is to be allocated to proven successful social supports. Supplemented by a public education campaign, PVD GIVES will allow targeted outreach to connect residents in need with easy to access, much needed services.
