By Ralph Davis
Finally, there is somewhere else to go to escape the elements and spend time in a warm and friendly atmosphere: the newly opened Love and Compassion Center in Pawtucket. They serve breakfast and lunch six days per week. The Center had opened only a few weeks prior to my visit, and there were already a few dozen people there for breakfast and to relax. One day, I was told, 49 people came in and out of the Center.
As you enter the building, you are greeted with a warm smile by Christine, the volunteer receptionist who directs you to sign in. Tent dwellers, she and her husband Gary, and daughter Jackie volunteer their time each day. Gary takes care of the maintenance and upkeep. Prior to health issues, Gary was a union mason. Christine said that she used to specialize in training horses.
Center Director Mario Mancebo possesses a Master’s degree in Education and Administration from Rhode Island College. He worked for 19 years as a secondary school teacher teaching science and math. Tired of spending his time in classrooms, he decided to strike out and begin helping people in need. His passion is evident in the determined manner in which he presents himself.
From speaking with Mario, I was impressed with his ability to not only look at the situations before him but rather at what could be. For example, when Mario sees all the empty factories and abandoned buildings in Pawtucket, he envisions a city where these buildings are open 24/7 to the public and are converted into affordable housing.
Doriana Traducion is one of two CNA’s at the center. The nurse’s office has a supply of basic first aid supplies and over-the-counter medications. Doriana can check vital signs and advise those feeling ill. She is also instrumental in doing intakes for those new to the Center.
The kitchen is large; adequate to produce two meals per day for everyone. There are many tables and chairs to dine on. There are three large screen TV’s and numerous comfortable couches and chairs to relax in. There were a few men dozing off on the chairs. In addition, there is a barbershop/beauty salon! The shop boasts four barber chairs. Doriana said that they are hoping to have a barber come in once per week.
But even with all these amenities, perhaps the most important feature of the Center is that there is a shower! One homeless individual, Shane, had come to shower and he said that there is ample hot water. Aside from chatting with Shane, I spent some time speaking with some of the other guests there.
US Army veteran Rocky is an artist of sorts. He has been homeless for about one year. His last employment was at the CVS main warehouse where he worked for 15 years. He proudly displays his artwork. He said that the days go by so slowly that “ten hours seem like twenty hours,” which is why it is so critical centers like this exist. He likes it there because it is a safe place with nice, caring people overseeing it. When he leaves the Center he likes to spend his time at the library or the WMCA while he waits for the shelter at St. Paul’s church to open.
Belinda, homeless for four years, said the also resides in a tent. She stays at the St. Paul’s shelter when there is availability. She likes the Love and Compassion Day Center because it is a place where she can take a shower, rest, and enjoy breakfast and lunch.
Antonio has been homeless for over six years. He likes the atmosphere and to be able to take a shower. He said that he is interested in sending in some of his artwork to be published on the Street Sights creative page!
Chrystal likes the Center because it gives her a chance to kick back, read, and charge her phone. The Love and Compassion Center needs towels, clothing, winter items, and personal hygiene products. Located at 92 East Avenue in Pawtucket, the Center is open daily from 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. Breakfast is served at 9 am and lunch at 12:30 pm. RIPTA bus #71 will take you there.
Christine, the volunteer receptionist at L&C.
Center Director Mario Mancebo.
Rocky, US Army veteran, likes L&C because it is a safe place with caring people.
Belinda comes to L&C so she can take a shower, rest, and enjoy breakfast and lunch.
Photos by Ralph Davis
Street Sights 