Rhode Island

Rhode Island city gets bus to help house its homeless population

Published

11 months ago

June 8, 2023

Rhode Island city gets bus to help house its homeless population

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — One Rhode Island city has found a creative way to combat homelessness in the community.

Monday night, the Woonsocket city council approved the purchase of a 45-foot coach bus, which will be turned into a miniature shelter.

For months, Woonsocket council members have been working to secure what’s called a “Dignity Bus.”

The bus was originally found and pursued by the state, but the process was held up.

“I was a little bit upset about it,” City Council Vice President Valerie Gonzalez recalled. “We had been working on it for quite a bit.”

Gonzalez was on vacation in Florida when she got the news the bus was falling through, so she took matters into her own hands.

“When I woke up, I was just, ‘Oh my God, the bus is in Florida and so am I,’” she added. “So I made a few phone calls and was able to meet with the organization ‘The Source.’”

She was able to convince the company to sell directly to the city instead of working with the state.

She said that will be a huge advantage to the city’s homeless population.

“We can house our citizens first,” Gonzalez said. “Sometimes having the need right in the backyard of your community; these social workers get frustrated seeing the need right in front of them. They can qualify the people for assistance, but they can’t help them because they aren’t the next on the priority list.”

The $150,000 Dignity Bus can house up to 20 people, more than half of Woonsocket’s estimated homeless population.

Each double-decker bunk has its own bed, privacy curtain, and phone charger. The temperature-controlled bus also features TVs, as well as storage for belongings and even pets.

Story continues below slideshow.

The Source CEO Anthony Zorbaugh said homeless people were involved in the design and build of the bus.

“It’s different when somebody’s going through it to then be part of the process and really listening to them and giving them the tools they need to move forward,” Zorbaugh explained.

Woonsocket is only the second community in the country that will own a Dignity Bus.

Gonzalez expects the bus to arrive in mid-July. There will then be a two-day training by The Source for those who will be working on it.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island Businesses to Benefit from New Tangible Tax Exemption Starting in July – Newport Buzz

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

Rhode Island Businesses to Benefit from New Tangible Tax Exemption Starting in July – Newport Buzz

Rhode Island business owners are set to see significant savings on their annual tax bills as a new statewide exemption on the tangible tax rate takes effect in July. The program, introduced by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee last year, provides a $50,000 exemption for all tangible tax accounts beginning with the 2024 tax year, which starts on July 1st.

This exemption applies to all tangible personal property used in daily business operations, including items such as furniture, fixtures, and equipment. For businesses with more than $50,000 worth of tangible or personal property, taxes will only be applied to the value exceeding $50,000, still providing a substantial relief.

The City of Newport’s Tax Assessor’s Office reports approximately 2,000 tangible tax accounts on file. With the new exemption, the majority of these businesses are expected to pay nothing in tangible taxes, while the rest will benefit from the first $50,000 being exempt from their tax bills.

The Governor’s Office assures that the program will be budget neutral. The state will reimburse the city for the loss in revenue, following a model similar to the reimbursement for the phase-out of the vehicle excise tax.

Business owners with questions regarding the City’s tangible tax are encouraged to reach out to the Tax Assessor’s Office at assessorsinfo@cityofnewport.com.

This initiative marks a significant step in reducing the tax burden on Newport businesses, fostering a more business-friendly environment in the city.

Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!

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Rhode Island

RI City Getting Its Own Monopoly Version; A Lottery Win: PM Patch RI

Published

10 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Press Room

RI City Getting Its Own Monopoly Version; A Lottery Win: PM Patch RI

RHODE ISLAND — Here are some share-worthy stories from the Rhode Island Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.

This post features stories and information published in the last 24 hours.

Thank you for reading Patch.com in Rhode Island.

Here are some more Rhode Island Patch headlines you may have missed:

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.

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Rhode Island

Introducing Coventry’s New ScrubaDub: Rhode Island’s Premier State-of-the-Art Car Wash

Published

17 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Press Room

Introducing Coventry’s New ScrubaDub: Rhode Island’s Premier State-of-the-Art Car Wash

COVENTRY, R.I., May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ScrubaDub, New England’s leading car wash company since 1966, is excited to announce the grand opening of their Coventry, RI location at 2305 New London Turnpike (next to Wendy’s). The newest facility features a cutting-edge, eco-friendly exterior car wash tunnel with innovative design and convenient flat conveyor belt for easy vehicle loading. “As part of our commitment to customer satisfaction, every visitor enjoys ScrubaDub’s renowned complimentary offerings including pretzels, stickers for kids, dog treats, and access to our Satisfaction Center for those final finishing touches. All ScrubaDub services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” said Mathew Paisner, Director of Business Development.

Coventry's New ScrubaDub: Rhode Island's Premier State-of-the-Art Car Wash — Coventry’s New ScrubaDub: Rhode Island’s Premier State-of-the-Art Car Wash

Customers who join ScrubaDub’s Unlimited car wash membership can wash anytime they like across 20+ New England ScrubaDub locations and receive access to free self-service vacuums, mat cleaning, gas discounts, and more! For a limited time, new Coventry customers can join ScrubaDub Unlimited for only $5 for the first month!

ScrubaDub Coventry will celebrate its grand opening with giveaways and events including a Ribbon Cutting on May 17th hosted by the Central RI Chamber of Commerce. As well as a Customer Appreciation event on Saturday, July 13th 12pm-2pm with the WPRO-FM Radio Street Team, morning show host Bekah Berger, and free drinks from Del’s All Natural Lemonade.

“As a third-generation family business, we look forward to providing the Coventry, Rhode Island community with the highest quality car wash experience,” said Danny Paisner, President.

About ScrubaDub Auto Wash
Family-owned and operated since 1966, ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers is New England’s leading car wash company, ranking among the top auto wash chains in the USA. ScrubaDub offers all formats of car washing as well as detail centers, gasoline stations, and convenience stores. For more information, visit https://www.scrubadub.com/.

SOURCE ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers

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