Diocese stands ready to assist during cold snap

(Providence, RI) - With frigid temperatures preparing to settle into Rhode Island, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence stands by ready to assist those in need. Through the ‘Keep the Heat On’ heating assistance program, the diocese provides a much-needed lifeline to those who have exhausted all other public and private means of assistance. Since it was established in 2005, the program has raised and provided more than $2.5 million in heating assistance to more than 12,000 Rhode Island households in need. 

The diocesan homeless shelter for men, Emmanuel House, located at 239 Public Street in Providence, provides a warm safe place to seek refuge from the bitter cold.  The shelter, which will make certain that no one is turned away during this brutal cold, provides 35 beds per night for those who have no place to call home. 

“In the frigid, even dangerous weather we have coming our way, I pray that everyone will be safe and secure,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. “I encourage our parishes to be aware of the needs of their neighbors, especially the elderly and those who live alone, and to provide whatever assistance they can. And I remind everyone of the special services provided by the Diocese of Providence – particularly the Emmanuel House Emergency Shelter for the homeless, and the ‘Keep the Heat On’ heating assistance program,” said Bishop Tobin.

If you would like to help fellow Rhode Islanders stay warm this winter, especially during this cold snap, please consider making a secure donation to the ‘Keep the Heat On’ program. There are several ways to make a donation. You may mail a contribution to ‘Keep the Heat On’, One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903. A text donation of $10 may also be made by texting the word HEAT to 27722 or a $25 donation by texting the word HEATRI to 27722. If you, or someone you know is in need of assistance please visit the web site www.heatri.com or call (401) 421-7833 for additional information.