Welcome House of South County to Host Events to Support Homelessness, Hunger Awareness

The Welcome House of South County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit homeless shelter, soup kitchen, case management and housing organization serving the residents of South County since 1987, will hold two upcoming events to increase awareness for homelessness and hunger in South County.

From 6 p.m. on Nov. 22 to 8 a.m. the following morning, the Welcome House has organized a “Camping for a Cause” event where the public is invited to spend a night in a cardboard box or tent alongside board members and staff at Old Mountain Field in Wakefield. This fundraising event will raise awareness to the dangerous conditions surrounding homelessness in the northeast, especially with the onset of winter. 

According to Welcome House staff, shelter facilities are typically at capacity throughout the year, but winter conditions heighten the need for shelter and warmth for those who cannot afford to live in their own apartment.

The Nov. 22 event will include youth activities, basketball, campfire, food from the “Pizza By Fire” truck, breakfast, and general discussions regarding homelessness by board members and staff. The event is also being coordinated with the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 16-24). 

“Welcome House has provided emergency shelter and supportive housing for South County residents for over 25 years”, said Ken Burke, chair of Welcome House. “Over the past several years we have experienced some very cold winters and high demand for shelter beds, as well as increased heating costs in our rental apartments. It is increasingly more and more difficult to attend to the needs of the community during these cold winters, and our goal is to increase the public’s awareness of our needs." 

The second event is a winter fundraiser scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Spain of Narragansett restaurant (1144 Ocean Rd., Narragansett). The evening will include a full meal, drinks, coffee, dessert and entertainment from Dennis Costa of Wakefield Music. As it is sponsored by anonymous donors, 100% of the event's proceeds will go directly to supporting the emergency shelter operations with an emphasis on our heating costs. Tickets are $50 per person. and may be purchased at the shelter or by phone at 284-0122 or 782-4770.

Those interested in purchasing tickets, participating in or attending either event can contact Robin Ehle-Meyer at the shelter at 8 North Road in Peace Dale, or by phone at 284-0122 or 782-4770.

Click here to view the Nov. 22 "Camping for a Cause" flyer/registration form, here to view the Dec. 11 Spain of Narragansett event flyer, or download the attached documents.