Welcome House of South County provides transitional housing and emergency shelter

A charity created in the late 1980s has since been a welcome partner to Washington County.  Initially developed as an overnight shelter supported by churches, the organization now helps residents move on to transitional housing opportunities as they try to return to self-sufficiency.

Washington residents who find that they cannot afford the sky high rents of the Greater Narragansett area might otherwise find themselves in real trouble if something happens that keeps them from having all of their rent payments. If not for Welcome House, some of these evicted tenants might otherwise become homeless.

What Welcome House does is to provide recently evicted or otherwise homeless adults with a safe housing situation and a support network for improving their situation. If you believe that you fit their eligibility requirements, you should contact Welcome House at 401-782-4770.

A case manager will evaluate your situation and help you develop short-term and long-term goals. You must have income, although SSI or SSDI are acceptable sources. All residents are expected to be free of alcohol or drug dependency, with at least 90 days of sobriety. Finally, your case manager will require some sign that you are working to improve your situation, either through education or by pursuing a better job.

Transitional housing is available at a reduced rental rate, and all utilities are included. Up to 10 single adults may stay in the three housing units dedicated to sobriety. Additional dwellings are available for families to meet both transitional and permanent housing needs.

Staff will not judge you; rather they are there to help you become a better person. Their goal is to have you living on your own and meeting all of your financial obligations in two years or less.

While you will be required to demonstrate personal responsibility as a resident of Welcome House, you will also be provided with enough support to make sure that your needs are met. Furthermore, you will have a supportive environment in which to pursue your goals without all of the high costs that come with renting an apartment or home at market rates.

The transitional and permanent housing provided by Welcome House provide much needed affordable housing in the Greater South Kingstown area. When you are ready, make the call and solidify your commitment to getting better. You can do it!