Homeless Awareness Day provides food, entertainment, information

The Cranston Herald ·

By MERI R. KENNEDY The Rhode Island Dream Center hosted the annual Homeless Awareness Day at Praise Tabernacle Church, located at 330 Park Ave., Cranston, on Nov. 5.

The event, held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered those in need a meal and entertainment, and many booths were set up for them to learn more the services that are available. Buses from Praise Tabernacle were sent into Kennedy Square in Providence to bring attendees to the event.

The gathering included food, drinks, goodies, raffles, and a very special musical guest, Soul Street Experience. There were approximately 15 community resource tables set up to assist those in need, including veterans. Flu shots were also available through Walgreens and Dr. Sarah Skov, registered pharmacist.

The hot meal for the homeless was donated by Corvias Foundation. Approximately 20 volunteers stepped up to cook and serve the meal. The cold meal for the homeless in the form of bagged lunches was provided by Help the Homeless RI. They also provided dessert.

The Dream Center, a non-profit organization, works to restore the lives of the homeless and impoverished in the Rhode Island community. Each year they supply more than 500 people with fully stocked winter survival backpacks. Their goal is to deliver the backpacks at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 on the lawn of the State House in Providence.

They need donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrushes, winter gloves, hats, and scarves, lip balm, shaving cream, ponchos, and shampoo. All donations should be dropped off at Praise Tabernacle Church.