In 1984, Lucy's Hearth opened its doors as an overnight shelter with a one-person staff and shoestring budget of about $20,000.

Today, in a rented space once occupied by the St. Lucy's Church Convent, a dedicated three-person staff, a core group of volunteers and community donations help Lucy's Hearth provide 24-hour emergency and transitional shelter services to mothers and their children who are homeless due to economic hardship, family crisis, divorce, eviction or a lack of safe, affordable housing in the area.

The shelter can accomodate nine families at a time, each with their own separate bedroom.  Residents share a living room, dining room, large kitchen, library, playroom and meeting room for classes, workshops and special events.  A secure backyard provides a safe play area for the children.

Additionally, the Hearth maintains three transitional apartments and provides outreach services to former residents.

Donations:

• Lucy's Hearth accepts donations of new and used items that help support operations at the shelter or assist residents in furnishing their own apartments in their transition.
• Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends by appointment only. Please call ahead at (401) 847-2021.
• Donors are strongly encouraged to call ahead prior to drop-offs, due to limited storage space and varying needs of residents.

Holiday Needs:

Thanksgiving: Turkeys or preferably gift cards for a turkey, fresh vegetables (potatoes, squash, celery, green beans, corn,) stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, pies, nuts, olives.

Christmas: Each year, the Hearth is grateful for the ability to provide Christmas gifts for our 9 families at the shelter as well as over 80 other former resident families, made possible by the generosity of the community.