“When it came to baseball and exercise with my coaches… I’m not going to be modest here; I was good.”

Bill has always measured his life in innings and seasons. Growing up in Burrillville, he was a proud Bronco with a powerful left arm—good enough to earn a tryout with the Yankees in Ft. Lauderdale. Like many Rhode Islanders, his love of sports began in childhood and never let go.

But while his arm was strong, his lungs were not.

“They let me slack off a little when it came to running, so I wouldn’t get out of breath and stuff. I had asthma as a young, young boy.”

As Bill grew older, things got worse. He took a job making aircraft parts, working every day with harsh chemicals.

“I worked with cyanide, hydrochloric acid, boric acid… that’s when my lungs, I think…” he remembers. “My nose would be leaking like a faucet. I was having a hard time breathing.”

When he finally saw a doctor at Rhode Island Hospital, the damage was obvious.

“The doctor goes up my nose with this instrument… then he slams the door loudly and comes back. He says, ‘I’m going to ask you something. How long you been doing cocaine?’

I went right to his face: ‘I don’t do drugs.’

Next question: ‘What do you do for work?’

I work with cyanide, phleboric acid, hydrochloric acid…’

‘That explains it.’

He said, ‘See your nose, right here? You have a thin, narrow bone divider for your nostrils. You’re in the midst right now of burning a hole through that bone.’

Bill had surgery and received a settlement, but his lungs never fully recovered. Then, in 2009, a massive layoff cost him his job. Without a steady income, his life began to unravel.

For more than eight years, Bill was unhoused.

“I had about 10 or 12 different spots. I knew it was going to rain—nobody knows the forecast better than me, that’s true. So I had a couple of spots with overhangs. But then it got to the point where I was just sleeping out in it. And that’s why I think this COPD came in—with all the inclement weather, the winter, the summer, the heat, humidity, sleeping out.”

Bill was getting older, weaker, and more out of breath. The long nights outside were catching up with him.

That’s when House of Hope stepped in.

It was his House of Hope case manager, Christina, who finally helped him get answers—and a path forward.

“I found out about my COPD with Christina taking me to doctor’s appointments—Rhode Island Hospital, here and there, running all these tests on me, stress tests, and all this stuff.

And I guess they concluded, ‘Mr. Labree, you’re out of breath now.’

I said, ‘Gee, I think I’m dying. You’re supposed to be helping me, right?’ Christina was at my side, chuckling at my response.”

With support from House of Hope, Bill received his COPD diagnosis, the necessary medical care, and assistance in securing disability benefits. But most importantly, he got something else back:

A home.

Today, Bill lives in a one-bedroom apartment in Woonsocket. After years of sleeping outside, he finally has warmth, safety, and space that’s his.

His home tells his story: Steelers and Celtics gear on the walls, coffee table books about Bobby Orr and Ted Williams, and a 26-inch TV—his window to every game.

“Hockey started training camp, and then in November basketball starts—oh yeah, I’m glued to that TV,” he says with a grin.

Like every good sports fan, Bill knows no one wins alone.

He talks about House of Hope the way he talks about a great team—steadfast, there when it counts, doing the small things that change the score.

His only regret?

“Don’t wait as long as I did for help. It’s out there. Because it’ll catch up with you—the elements, sleeping outside and everything else. Get some help. It’s out there for you.”

A lifelong Rhode Islander, Rob is as fiercely independent as they come. When his mother’s long illness left him destitute, he landed on the streets of Providence, piecing together odd jobs and sleeping wherever he could. In Kennedy Plaza, he heard about someone who could help.

“I didn’t know Megan Smith at the time, but all the people I knew out there, the homeless, said: if you need a bus pass, if you need to get to meals—ask Megan. ‘That’s the lady.’”

Life outside took its toll. Like many forced to survive on the streets, Rob developed a substance use disorder. One morning, after a week of hard work, he woke up with just three dollars in his pocket. That was the turning point. He knew he had to get away to get clean.

With a landowner’s permission, Rob and seven friends built small, sober structures deep in the West Warwick woods. No drugs. No drama. Just eight people are clinging to stability and focused on getting housed.

“All we needed was that safe spot to get our things together. Not to be told, ‘Move along. Find another spot. You can’t stay here.’”

As autumn stripped the trees bare, the hidden camp drew complaints. Then winter hit hard. Rob spent 48 days in the hospital with double pneumonia and a mild heart attack. When he finally made it back to the woods, everything was gone—shelter, clothes, IDs, birth certificates—cleared away without a trace. “I said, please don’t take all my stuff. That’s everything I own. They didn’t care. I got out of the hospital 50 days later. I went back to my spot. There wasn’t a cigarette butt on the ground. There was nothing.”

That could have been the end of Rob’s story. Instead, House of Hope stepped in. Megan Smith negotiated a contract between the town and the landowner, securing the group one year of stability. It made all the difference.

“And within that year, we all pretty much got out of there… By the time everybody got housed, all eight people.” Today, Rob lives less than a mile from where he grew up in West Warwick. He’s celebrating his eighth year of being housed. He shares his home with three cats and an improbably large indoor plant. Things aren’t perfect—but for the first time in a long time, Rob’s life is about more than survival.

“If it weren’t for House of Hope and the people that do the things they do, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be breathing today. Sleeping in a corner that you know somebody’s urinated in is not the way to live, man.”

Stability saves lives. Rob’s story shows how a single year of safety can become the runway to housing—for him and seven of his neighbors—and how simple outreach, from a bus pass to a trusted advocate, can be a lifeline. IDs and birth certificates aren’t just “stuff”; they’re the keys back into healthcare, work, and home. Share Rob’s story to honor the power of a safe place, and support the outreach that meets people where they are and walks with them home—so we can turn “move along” into “welcome home.”

Dear Friends:

This winter, as cold winds settle over our communities, the weight of uncertainty still feels heavy. Though the government shutdown has ended, the delays and disruptions to crucial federal funding have left thousands of our neighbors hanging in the balance — people who rely on House of Hope for warmth, safety, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

For more than three decades, House of Hope has been a place of refuge for those with nowhere else to turn. But today, our mission faces a crisis unlike any we’ve seen before. Eighty percent of our operating budget comes from federal funding, which means that each delay and cut has devastating consequences for our programs — and the people who depend on them.

Let’s be clear: this is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet.

A disruption in funding is a matter of life and death for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Now, more than ever before, we need you — our community of supporters, advocates, and believers in human dignity — to stand with us.

Through our Belonging Project, we’ve made a commitment to help every person who walks through our doors feel seen, valued, and loved — to know they belong in this community. Because everyone deserves a place to call home and a circle of care that doesn’t give up on them.

The Belonging Project

Our Strength is in Our Shared Humanity

We see the power of that belonging every single day.

This month, we celebrated a milestone that captures what your support makes possible.

Emily, the very first resident of our ECHO program, moved into her own permanent home in Woonsocket through a housing voucher.

When Emily arrived at ECHO, she was scared, exhausted, and overwhelmed. She cried simply because she finally had a warm, safe bed to sleep in. The road that followed wasn’t easy — there were challenges with her health, her stability, and her hope. But our team never gave up. After nine months of unwavering care, patience, and teamwork, Emily began to heal. Today, she is thriving in her new apartment — confident, safe, and planning her future.

That’s what belonging looks like.

That’s what your gift makes possible.

But without immediate support from individuals like you, that progress — that hope — is at risk. Every contribution today keeps our doors open to someone like Emily tomorrow.

Your generosity ensures that no one is turned away, that no one is left in the cold, and that our neighbors most in need continue to find safety, community, and belonging.

Please, make your year-end gift today. Help us weather this storm and continue the vital work of restoring dignity, stability, and hope.

Together, we can ensure that House of Hope remains a place where everyone belongs.

Are you ready to stand with us in kinship? CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY (link to donation page)

More information about The Belonging Project

The Belonging Project

Our Strength is in Our Shared Humanity

Building a kinder, stronger, more hopeful community

House of Hope is excited to launch ‘The Belonging Project: Our Strength is our Shared Humanity.’

In response to the uncertainty that accompanied the Government Shutdown, House of Hope launched a new initiative in October called “The Belonging Project: Our Strength is our Shared Humanity.”  Although the government has since reopened, at House of Hope, we are still facing a lot of uncertainty and changes in federal regulations that will be deeply detrimental to those we serve. Changes in Washington put the stability of our programs and those we serve at even higher risk – 85% of our budget comes from federal funding.

But those we serve can’t wait. Families experiencing homelessness, neighbors seeking dignity through a hot shower, and individuals taking first steps from homelessness into housing need us today.

And so, we continue on.

We keep fighting for those who need someone in their corner—until they are strong enough to fight for themselves. We will keep showing up every day to provide life-saving and life-changing programs.

But we cannot do it alone.

This moment of instability makes clear how much we need our community—now more than ever. There are simple ways to make a big impact, no matter your political beliefs. Politics don’t matter when it comes to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. What matters is people—and our shared humanity.

We completely understand that these are scary/tense/challenging times for many, but if you are looking for inspiration or action, we invite you to be apart of ‘The Belonging Project’ as we strive to build a kinder, stronger, more hopeful community. ‘The Belonging Project’ is our invitation to turn feelings of helplessness and uncertainty into action and action into lasting change – so hope stays stead, strong, and real for the people we serve. 

Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll share ways you can be a part of The Belonging Project, supporting both those we serve and those doing this vital work.

How you can help-

Over the next weeks and months, we will be sharing more detail about each of these opportunities!

• Give today: Bridge funding gaps so showers stay hot, meals are served, and doors stay open.
• Become a Monthly Belonger: Your steady gift protects services if federal funds are delayed.
• Sponsor a Day of Dignity: Cover a day of showers, meals, or shelter in honor of someone you love.
• Volunteer with purpose: Host a meal, assemble hygiene kits, or through staff support.
• Partner with us: Businesses, faith groups, and community orgs can co-sponsor services or matches.
• Adopt a nonprofit through February: Commit your support to House of Hope—or another organization close to your heart—through the end of February for a stronger, lasting impact.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to support through monetary contributions and volunteer activities, and see the real stories, needs, and results your support makes possible.

For the latest updates on The Belonging Project and how you can be a part of this movement, sign up for our E-newsletter by emailing melissa@thehouseofhopecdc.org.

To support today visit – https://givebutter.com/2MNqnL

Every person has a story worth hearing. Our new Humans of Hope series shares the powerful journeys of those we serve—stories of resilience, courage, and hope. Together, we can break down stigma and see the humanity behind homelessness.

When ECHO Village opened its doors in February, Ralph was one of the very first guests to move in. He didn’t come alone—he brought with him his two loyal companions, Smokey and Willow. To Ralph, they’re more than dogs. They’re his children, his family, and the reason he has endured eleven years on the streets. “There was absolutely no way I would ever give them up,” Ralph says firmly.

For more than a decade, Ralph’s life revolved around keeping his small family together. Apartments that allowed pets were far beyond reach, and Ralph chose homelessness over separation. His love for animals runs deep—Smokey, he says, has saved his life four times. His devotion has often come with challenges; Ralph admits that his temper can flare if anyone dares to mistreat his dogs.

Before ECHO Village, Ralph lived in his truck, and later in an encampment deep in the woods. He built what he proudly called a “house made out of wooden pallets,” complete with solar panels, a generator, and running water. For eight years, it was his home—until one day he returned to find it destroyed by police. “I kept it clean. I still don’t understand why they tore it down, especially without warning,” he recalls, shaking his head. With nowhere else to go, he and the dogs sometimes slept in friends’ garages. “There are some good people out there,” Ralph reflects, “but more often than not, people say they’ll help and never follow through.”

Ralph is a Vietnam veteran. He entered the service at just 17 and completed two tours. The scars of war still shape his life.
The trauma, the PTSD, the hair-trigger responses—he knows they all trace back to Vietnam. “They sent us over there and
taught us to fight and kill. Then they sent us home and expected us to just readjust, with no support,” he says. Sometimes he wonders if his life might have looked different had there been real help for veterans when he came home. When
Ralph first heard about ECHO Village, he braced himself for disappointment. He thought the rules would make life
impossible for him and his dogs. Instead, he staff worked closely with him to ensure a smooth transition. The day we
sat down with Ralph, he had just been discharged from the hospital. His health is fragile, and he admits that without
ECHO Village, he likely wouldn’t be alive today. “If I were still out on the streets or in my truck, I wouldn’t have made it,” he says.

At ECHO, Ralph has found more than a roof over his head—he’s found support. Case workers go above and beyond, not only for him but for every guest who lives there. Terri, one of the case managers Ralph works closely with, drives him to doctor’s appointments so he doesn’t have to face his health struggles alone. “Sometimes they drive me crazy making sure I take my medicines on time,” Ralph laughs, “but deep down I know it’s because they care.”

Since moving into his unit, Ralph says his life has changed for the better. He sleeps through the night. He’s made new friends. He’s learning, little by little, to trust again. “As challenging as it is at times, you need to learn to trust people to get the help you need,” he reflects. His shelter may be small, but it’s his. “Having a door that locks is something so many take for granted,” he says. “It gives me protection. Of course, the dogs usually take care of that too,” he adds with a smile.

Even as his health declines, Ralph tries to live one day at a time. Still, one fear lingers: “My biggest fear is that when I do go, what will happen to my dogs?” It’s a thought that weighs heavily on him. But Terri has given him peace of mind, promising that Smokey andWillow will be cared for when he can no longer. “I’m on my way out,” Ralph admits quietly, “but it makes me happy knowing the dogs will be taken care of—for all the times they’ve taken care of me.” Smokey and Willow are beloved not just by Ralph but by the whole community. During our interview, neighbors stopped by often to greet the dogs, offering them pats and smiles.

Ralph himself has become part of the community too—he proudly points to the flowers blooming around the Village. “I helped plant those,” he says. “I’m a country boy, so I enjoyed it.” Reflecting on his journey, Ralph doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of homelessness. “A lot of the time, people think we’re all shit-bags,” he says bluntly. “But we’re not. We’re people too. And homelessness could happen to anyone.” Since our conversation in July, Ralph’s health has worsened, and he has begun receiving hospice care. When offered a room at the hospice center, he declined. Instead, he asked to remain at ECHO Village, in the pallet he now calls home, with his dogs by his side. Without hesitation, the staff agreed. In his final
chapter, Ralph takes comfort knowing he is exactly where he belongs—surrounded by his dogs, his community, and his House of Hope family.

Demand for emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness has quadrupled since the onset of the COVID – 19 Pandemic while physical distancing requirements reduced shelter capacity by 40%. Since then, the amount of unsheltered individuals has continued to rise. Many are sleeping outside, in tents or in cars and on any given night, there are more than 3,800 unsheltered individuals. In addition, there is a percentage of those experiencing homelessness that are sometimes resistant to the congregate shelter system and interventions such as hotels & motels are costly.

Solution Proposed

ECHO Village – Emergency COVID Housing Opportunities – offers a safe and dignified shelter alternative. This large, innovative project addresses gaps within the shelter system that cannot be filled by traditional shelters or emergency hotel rooms. While ECHO Village is not the only solution to increasing bed capacity within the shelter system – it meets the immediate need in providing shelter options for those who have been failed by or refuse to use the traditional shelter system.

ECHO Village Vision

ECHO Village, a completely fenced in area will include 45 rapidly deployable units, each designated for single occupancy serving adult individuals and couples experiencing homelessness, prioritized by their unsheltered status. The unique nature of this program and House of Hope’s expertise, will make this an ideal shelter program for those with an established history of challenges to and/or high barriers in congregate or night-to-night settings. ECHO Village will be available to serve individuals statewide through the Coordinated Outreach System as well as those encountered through regular Street Outreach efforts. ECHO Village will be staffed by House of Hope employees on a 24/7 basis, providing diverse, innovative, and person-centered programming to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island.

See site video HERE

• Rapidly deployable units providing a safe & cost-effective temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness
• Built & maintained at a fraction of the cost of traditional shelters
• A dignified, safe & private space for individuals transitioning into permanent housing
• Community features 45 individual free standing, one-room units, 4 free standing offices, 3 restrooms (2 regular, 1 ADA) 2 showers and 2 laundry units
• Large central community unit to be used for meals & gatherings ·
• Staffed 24/7 and offering onsite case management services and health related supports
• Designed for 6-12 month stays for those that face challenges or are resistant to the congregant shelter settings
• 70 square feet of space
• Locking door
• Twin XL bed frame and mattress
• Heat & AC
• Residential windows w/ insulated glass
• Integrated customizable wire shelving system
• 3 – 120V convenience plugs
• Interior LED lighting
• Smoke & CO2 detector
• Fire extinguisher
• Shelters constructed with non-organic materials reducing mold, mildew and pests
• Located on state-owned land off Victor Street, Providence
• Spanning less than one acre of land – within a four-acre open field
• Close proximity to transportation, services, and amenities
• Entire site will be securely fenced with access facilitated through Victor Street

It was a former colleague who first introduced Jesse to House of Hope and its Peer Mentor/Community Health Worker Employment & Training Program. Even while navigating the challenges of homelessness, she saw the program as an opportunity—a chance to turn her past struggles into a source of strength for others.

For Jesse, the barriers to rebuilding her life felt overwhelming. Affordable housing was scarce, and her record made securing employment nearly impossible. But she was determined. She didn’t want just any job—she wanted a career with meaning. House of Hope gave her that chance.

In April 2024, Jesse proudly graduated from the Peer Mentor/Community Health Worker Employment & Training Program, a pivotal moment that set her on a new path. Through the program, she secured an internship at Weber Renew, where she proved herself with unwavering dedication and hard work. Initially brought on for six weeks, Jesse so impressed the team that they extended her internship by two additional weeks—long enough to complete the hiring process. What started as a part-time opportunity soon became a full-time position. Today, Jesse is a Basic Needs Coordinator, a role that allows her to provide direct support to those in need.

Her commitment didn’t stop there. She now leads a women’s group, has earned her certification as a Community Health Worker, and is preparing to take the state exam to become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. She is living proof that change is possible, no matter the odds.

Jesse’s success wasn’t just about employment—it was about stability. Through a partnership between House of Hope and Sojourner House, Jesse was able to secure housing through the rapid reentry program for survivors of domestic violence. Having a safe place to call home allowed her to fully embrace the opportunities before her.

Even after completing the Peer Mentor/Community Health Worker Employment & Training Program, Jesse continues to speak about its impact on her life. She credits Kayla, the program director, with creating a space where participants were not only supported but also empowered.

“Kayla provided a safe space for us, but she also gave us the tools to take what we went through and use it to help others. She didn’t just tell us what to do—she guided us, prepared us, and taught us the skills we needed to face any challenge. She is a gentle soul who would do anything for any of us.”

Today, Jesse is making a profound impact. Through her women’s group, she has helped participants secure housing, find employment, and access shelter. One of her proudest moments came when three women from her group were hired at ECHO Village, bringing her journey full circle—giving back to the very organization that helped her regain her footing.

Another success story close to Jesse’s heart is a woman battling addiction, struggling to find a way forward. Jesse helped her enter rehab, transition into a sober living home, and recently celebrate four months of sobriety.

When asked what advice she would give to others facing similar challenges, Jesse shared:
“Try to get in touch with your higher power, whoever that may be. Once you do, it will help you put one foot in front of the other and follow a straight path. And at the end, you will see a rainbow.”

Jesse is also passionate about breaking down the stigma surrounding homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles. She urges the community to look past circumstances and see the person underneath.
“Break down the stigmas—look past what led someone here and see who they truly are. Then, guide them the best way you can.”

Looking ahead, Jesse’s ambitions continue to grow. Her ultimate goal is to become a licensed social worker, dedicating her life to lifting others up, just as House of Hope once lifted her.

“I love Peer-to-Peer mentoring. I find joy in helping people find their second chance—just like I found mine.”

Jesse’s story is one of hope, redemption, and the power of second chances. And through her work, she is ensuring that others have the same opportunity to rewrite their stories, just as she did.

Click the title to see the full article.

Manny has since moved into permanent housing and keeps busy doing landscaping and helping neighbors. He does so much for his community that he has become known as the Mayor of Apponaug. Manny also served on the Board of Directors for House of Hope from 2012 through 2015.

A work release agreement as a janitor brought Deb to House of Hope’s tiny shelter on Shippen Avenue. This opportunity with House of Hope encouraged Deb, but not enough to help her yet. When her sister was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, Deb decided she had to get back on her feet. After being released from her latest stay at the Adult Correctional Institution, Deb was chosen for a permanent apartment.

Jean Johnson had confirmed that she was a good candidate for one of the Wheeler House’s five apartments. For Deb, this was her opportunity to get back on her feet and to be successful on her own. This milestone in Deb’s life wouldn’t have been possible without the help of House of Hope.

Supportive housing helped Deb find a place to call home, and now it is a place that she can maintain on her own. Deb appreciates what they have done for her so much and does everything she can to give back.  “They are little acts of love, to show them I really don’t take for granted being here – not for one second.”