$300k to food, shelter charities

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Rhode Island Foundation is giving some emergency end-of-the-year grants to four local organizations that serve basic human needs for many Rhode Islanders.

The emergency grants benefit Crossroads Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Salvation Army Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and the Westerly Area Rest Meals, or "WARM" Center.

"It's said over and over again that the measure of a society is how it treats those most in need," said Daniel Kertzner of the Rhode Island Foundation. "Together, your four organizations work tirelessly to make sure there *IS* a safety net."

The Food Bank and Crossroads each received $100,000; The Good Neighbor Energy Fund and the WARM Center received $50,000 each.

Kertzner made the presentation of the grants Tuesday morning at the Crossroads complex in Providence and Grace United Methodist Church in Westerly.

The foundation's grant comes after Rhode Island has seen unprecedented demand for emergency shelter, utility and food assistance in recent months.