In line with our core value of meeting people where they are at, our staff do daily street outreach throughout Providence and Pawtucket. We use outreach to distribute basic needs, safer use and safer sex supplies, as well as to spread the word about the services available through our drop-in centers and programs.
The Project Weber drop-in center provides a nonjudgmental space for enrolled individuals to relax, connect to resources, and be in a community with people who share their experiences.
Who:
Project Weber is a peer support program for men who engage in sex work or have done so in the past. (We define sex work as exchanging sex for money, goods, drugs, or a place to stay.)
What:
For more information on all things Project Weber, please reach out to Project Weber Program Manager Rich Holcomb at rholcomb@weberrenew.org.
Please note: Clients who qualify for both programs can be simultaneously enrolled in both Project Weber and Project Break.
Our Beyond program, which was named by clients and is short for “Beyond the Understanding of Gender,” provides support to trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming clients and offers a space to be in community with others who share these identities.
Who:
Anyone who identifies as trans, non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or as a member of the trans community.
What:
The core of this program is our weekly support group, which meets Wednesdays from 3:30-5 p.m. at our drop-in center at 640 Broad St. in Providence. Activities at the group range from arts and crafts to hairstyling events to presentations about safe recovery housing options for trans people.
The Beyond program also offers case management. We can help clients:
To learn more about Beyond, contact Trans Program Manager Sidney Lane Smith at ssmith@weberrenew.org.
Project Break serves people who are at risk for HIV or hepatitis C and who want to reduce their usage or take a “break” from substance use—specifically stimulants. The program provides a range of services, including mental health counseling.
Who:
The majority of people supported by Project Break are cis men who have sex with men and use stimulants, such as meth or cocaine. These individuals may also currently engage or formerly have been engaged in sex work. Those who identify as trans may also qualify. While most Project Break clients use stimulants, people who fit the above demographics but who primarily use opioids may qualify on a case-by-case basis.
What:
Access to mental health services are what make Project Break unique. Participants receive funding for up to an hour of clinical care per week, and they may get additional referrals if they need a specific type of counseling. In addition, Project Break clients may receive food, transportation to detox, and financial support to pay for recovery housing.
For more information about this program, contact Project Break Coordinator Denniss Berganza at dberganza@weberrenew.org.
Please note: Clients can be simultaneously enrolled in Project Weber and Project Break if they qualify for both programs.
Case management at PWR goes beyond serving clients of our specific programs. Visit any of our drop-in centers and you will be able to make an appointment with a case manager who can help address your needs, such as finding safe housing or accessing medical care. You’ll also be welcomed by our basic needs associates and offered items such as food, water, clean clothes, and hygiene products while you wait. Case management services are currently available in English and Spanish.
A collaborative effort between Sojourner House and Project Weber/RENEW, the THEIA Project provides safe shelter and supportive services to survivors of human trafficking. (THEIA stands for “Trafficking, Housing, Empowerment & Immigration Advocacy.”)
Who qualifies:
Someone who is a survivor of human trafficking.
What:
The goals of THEIA Project are:
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking occurs when someone is being forced or intimidated into doing work they do not want to do, including sex work. Having a pimp, or someone above you who takes a cut of your money, or being taken across state lines to perform forced labor can be considered human trafficking.
For more information, contact Robin Greene at rgreene@weberrenew.org.
Project Weber/RENEW is Rhode Island's center for harm reduction and recovery support services.
