Warming/Cooling Center
Throughout the entire year we are open as a drop-in center, a place to get out of the heat or out of the cold, receive case management services, to charge your phone, have a meal, visit our clothing boutique, receive hygiene and personal care items, and rest.
Current Hours
- Sundays: 9 AM Bible Study, 10 AM Worship Service
- Sunday - 5:30am - 2:00pm
- Monday - 9:00am - 2:00pm
- Tuesday - Closed
- Wednesday - 9:00am - 2:00pm
- Thursday - 9:00 am - 2:00pm
- Friday - 134 Collaborative/BLRI Dinner 3:00pm - 5:30pm
- Saturday- 9:00am - 2:00pm
Emergency Shelter
Once again this winter we will be used as an emergency overnight hypothermia shelter on nights when the temperature dips below the state-determined threshold.
Emergency Housing and Housing Support
We assist people in crisis with emergency hotel stays. We also help with rental support and sponsor individuals entering sober living communities and recovery housing.
Identification and Document Support
We work with the DMV and other agencies to obtain or replace lost state ID cards, drivers licenses, birth certificates, and other vital forms of identification that are necessary to take positive steps forward.
Meals
Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday we serve a light breakfast, followed by a hot lunch. Sundays feature a Breakfast at 8:00am.
Resume Writing and Job Searching
We have long worked with our friends to find stable employment. Providing rides to and clothing for job interviews is just one of the things we do on a regular basis. Recently we paid for forklift certifications for two individuals.
Furniture Support
Since 2012, finding quality donated furniture and household goods, and helping our friends move into stable housing has been one of the more joyous tasks that we undertake!.
Medical Clinics and Public Health Events
For years, we have been an ideal host site for a variety of public health service events. These include foot care clinics, vision and dental clinics, and more. In 2021 the state fully vaccinated nearly 175 unhoused individuals with the Covid vaccine here. Most recently we hosted an oral cancer screening clinic for all of our Sunday guests. Collaborations with the Johnson and Wales University School of Nursing and other institutions of higher education are growing.
SNAP and health insurance applications
Our staff works tirelessly helping our friends apply for SNAP benefits or health insurance through the DHS website.
Recovery Meetings and Services
Coming in 2026, through a two-year grant from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Opioid Settlement Program, we will be hiring our first peer recovery specialist. This individual will re-establish AA and NA meetings in the building and provide many other recovery services to our community.
Advocacy and Organizing
We host weekly organizing meetings that are centered around social justice issues. The Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project along with other groups use our space to advocate for positive change across our state.
Public Restrooms
Our bathrooms are open for public use! At Mathewson Street Church we are committed to radical hospitality , which has led us to open our doors during the week to share our restrooms with those in need.
Clothing & Toiletry Ministries
Our clothing and toiletry ministries are available throughout the week. Our clothing room is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.