RI-CAN in trouble

RI-CAN almost out of money, needs help now

By Will Collette

Dave Smith broke the story in the Westerly Sun that RI-CAN (“Rhode Island Center Assisting Those in Need”) is in serious trouble due to delays in payment of two $8,000 - $16,000 total – in overdue federal grant funds. Thank you, Republican members of Congress for the sequester!

RI-CAN operates on a very tight budget and converts almost all of its income into direct support for the hundreds of Charlestown area families who need help.

RI-CAN is also Charlestown’s de facto “welfare department.” Charlestown pays RI-CAN director Deb Nigrelli a stipend of $8000 to act as Charlestown’s welfare director and there’s another $8500 in the new budget that takes effect on July 1 for direct aid.

Charlestown’s own law requires the town to have a Department of Public Assistance and a Director to run it. In a desperate situation like that described in Dave Smith’s Sun article, Charlestown has some legal, and certainly moral, obligation to make sure RI-CAN stays afloat.

RI-CAN director Deb Nigrelli accepts grant check from Rep. Donna Walsh

RI-CAN also gets other grants (they’re in line to get a Community Development Block Grant and Rep. Donna Walsh secured two legislative grants for RI-CAN this past year).

It’s not enough though, as Charlestown continues to suffer from high unemployment (annual unemployment is running at 11.4%). 

You can donate through their website or send a check to RI-CAN, PO Box 204, Charlestown RI. You can also drop off food, clothing and other practical use items at their headquarters at the junction of Routes 112 and 91 in Charlestown.

Donations to RI-CAN are tax deductible.