MISSION & LEADERSHIP

Our Mission

Welcome House of South County is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping end homelessness in Washington County since 1987. We offer emergency shelter, a soup kitchen, transitional and supportive permanent housing as well as case management and advocacy for neighbors in need.

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Our Programs

Our main facility is a 3-story, historic rooming house that is home to 17 formerly homeless men and women. Our shelter guests are offered free breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Lunch is open to the public and is served Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 12:00 p.m – 1:00 p.m. Meals are prepared by volunteers and staff in our commercial kitchen. We offer a safe, sober environment coupled with supportive services aimed at stabilization and permanent housing. A typical stay at Welcome House is 30-90 days, with extended outreach services always available beyond. 

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Our efforts are made possible by volunteer support, individual gifts, foundation grants, government assistance, corporate donations, fundraising events and community resource partnerships.

Staff

James Kern, Executive Director
Email: jkern@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org
Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 6

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Jane Potter, Bookkeeper & Administrative Assistant
Email: jpotter@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org
Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 4

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Justin Souliere, Clinical Director & Program Director

Email: justin@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org

Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 3

Paula Whitford, Case Manager

Email: paula@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org

Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 2

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Christina Taylor, Case Manager

Email: christina@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org

Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 2

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Evan Douglas, Case Manager

Email: evan@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org

Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 2

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Stefani Favali, Case Manager

Email: stefani@welcomehouseofsouthcounty.org

Phone: (401) 782-4770 ext. 2

Board of Directors

Kate Brewster, Vice Chair

Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale

Emily Cummiskey, Chair

Community College of RI

Helen Drew 

Retired - RI Department of Health

Ian Knowles, Secretary

RICARES

Diane Lemay

Keller Williams Realty

Robert Monnes, Treasurer

AmWINS Group Inc.

Leslie Pierini

Edward Jones Investments

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Peter Pezzelli

Woonsocket Health & Rehab Centre

Matthew Roman

Thundermist Health Center

Roberta Richman

Retired - RI Department of Corrections

Walter Young

Retired - National Education Association