The River UMC Is Seeking Tents For The Homeless

Sanctuary — the only winter shelter for men in the city, at Main Street's , is closed for the season, but spring is still a little harsh for Woonsocket's homeless.

That's why the people at are collecting tents and sleeping bags to give out. So far, they've got about half a dozen sleeping bags, and one tent. The tent was purchased by James Lambert, a parishioner at the church, also husband to Pastor Rebecca Lambert.

They've run a collection for tents and sleeping bags every year, said Rebecca, for the last two years. The first time, they'd collected 100 tents, and gave them all away. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for everyone who needed one, Rebecca said. "That's when we realized how serious the homeless issue is," she said.

Of the 4,410 people who spent at least one night in a homeless shelter last year, 304 were from Woonsocket. It's not all men, either — there are a lot of homeless families in the city, Rebecca said. In fact, according to the RI Coalition for the Homeless, one out of every four homeless people in the state is a child. 

With most churches, she said, they'd be asking their congregants for donations to help out. But, "Most of our congregation is the homeless," she said.

So, they'll need outside help to provide tents and sleeping bags to everyone who needs them. Anyone who'd like to make a donation can show up at the church Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or, you can call 401-765-2412 to make an appointment. Rebecca said they'll have the paperwork all set so you can make the donation count for your taxes, too.