But what makes Rhode Island unique, Hirsch says, is the state's response to the problem. On Thursday night, a mother, father, their three children, and two grandchildren slept on couches and on the floor at Travelers Aid because all of the state's shelters were full. The Desper family had lost their Providence home a few days after Christmas when the city shut down the building due to code violations. It was the family's second overnight stay at Travelers Aid in less than two weeks. Disgusting, she used to think.
Homelessness can happen to anyone.
Linton says being homeless hurts in small ways. The Linton's youngest son doesn't seem bothered by being homeless, but their teenager daughter worries what other people think. When a group of Christmas carolers came to the Warwick Shelter, she backed away from the door, fearing someone might recognize her. He refuses to admit he's homeless, his mother says. It's not his responsibility.