© Copyright 2024 Jack Kaplan

Woonsocket Rhode Island. A three part profile.

While being Rhode Island's third most populated city, Woonsocket attracts little to no tourism or local consumerism, additionally, there are no easily accessible supermarkets in this city of 43,000 people, and plans for a “food hub” fell through. This multi-part story, for the Boston Globe, profiles non-profit leaders, business owners, social advocates, high school and college students, and residents to examine the unfortunate and, at times, dire conditions of Woonsocket R.I.

“We’re all really struggling with that reality that we just don’t have enough to help the people who come in,” said Christa Thomas-Sowers, the coordinator at the city’s Community Care Alliance, a non-profit organization that offers more than 40 service programs to people facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and addiction. - Jack Kaplan
“We’re all really struggling with that reality that we just don’t have enough to help the people who come in,” said Christa Thomas-Sowers, the coordinator at the city’s Community Care Alliance, a non-profit organization that offers more than 40 service programs to people facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and addiction.
A cracked and broken windowpane, among an array of dilapidated and dying buildings, reflects in it The Blackstone Valley Polar Express, one of the city's preeminent tourist attractions. - Jack Kaplan
A cracked and broken windowpane, among an array of dilapidated and dying buildings, reflects in it The Blackstone Valley Polar Express, one of the city's preeminent tourist attractions.
Jeanne Michon, 58, prepares a plate of pasta and salad for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution initiative she runs and operates out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. “We’re not doing our job for the money we get. Honey, I’m making less than a burger-flipper,” Michon said. - Jack Kaplan
Jeanne Michon, 58, prepares a plate of pasta and salad for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution initiative she runs and operates out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. “We’re not doing our job for the money we get. Honey, I’m making less than a burger-flipper,” Michon said.
(L-R) Jeanne Michon, Tom Guay, Cherly Rock, and Henry Lambert prepare the food for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution service that Michoon runs out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. Fan favorites include her beef chop suey and classic meatloaf. - Jack Kaplan
(L-R) Jeanne Michon, Tom Guay, Cherly Rock, and Henry Lambert prepare the food for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution service that Michoon runs out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. Fan favorites include her beef chop suey and classic meatloaf.
Dennis Tancrell, a Woonsocket native and facilities director for the theatre, poses against the ticket booth. “I see other towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts that on a random Thursday night, that main street is hustling and bustling," Tancrell said. - Jack Kaplan
Dennis Tancrell, a Woonsocket native and facilities director for the theatre, poses against the ticket booth. “I see other towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts that on a random Thursday night, that main street is hustling and bustling," Tancrell said.
Woonsocket Rhode Island - Jack Kaplan
Woonsocket Rhode Island - Jack Kaplan
"I think we're in a depressed city," said Frank Irwin, the owner of Timeless Antiques & Collectibles, a shop in downtown Woonsocket, R.I., which has an extensive collection of early American antiques. - Jack Kaplan
"I think we're in a depressed city," said Frank Irwin, the owner of Timeless Antiques & Collectibles, a shop in downtown Woonsocket, R.I., which has an extensive collection of early American antiques.
Grey buildings, shops mostly closed, and little activity on a warm Wednesday afternoon in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island's sixth most populated city. - Jack Kaplan
Grey buildings, shops mostly closed, and little activity on a warm Wednesday afternoon in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island's sixth most populated city.
A boy rides his bike in front of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company Building which is now graffitied and unoccupied just outside the heart of downtown Woonsocket. The Trust Company Building is now offered for sale by Seyboth Real Estate Team for 1.1 million dollars. - Jack Kaplan
A boy rides his bike in front of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company Building which is now graffitied and unoccupied just outside the heart of downtown Woonsocket. The Trust Company Building is now offered for sale by Seyboth Real Estate Team for 1.1 million dollars.
A man and woman walk in front of New York Lunch, a restaurant specializing in American cuisine, especially hot dogs, on Woonsocket’s Main St. - Jack Kaplan
A man and woman walk in front of New York Lunch, a restaurant specializing in American cuisine, especially hot dogs, on Woonsocket’s Main St.
“We’re all really struggling with that reality that we just don’t have enough to help the people who come in,” said Christa Thomas-Sowers, the coordinator at the city’s Community Care Alliance, a non-profit organization that offers more than 40 service programs to people facing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and addiction. - Jack Kaplan
A cracked and broken windowpane, among an array of dilapidated and dying buildings, reflects in it The Blackstone Valley Polar Express, one of the city's preeminent tourist attractions. - Jack Kaplan
Jeanne Michon, 58, prepares a plate of pasta and salad for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution initiative she runs and operates out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. “We’re not doing our job for the money we get. Honey, I’m making less than a burger-flipper,” Michon said. - Jack Kaplan
(L-R) Jeanne Michon, Tom Guay, Cherly Rock, and Henry Lambert prepare the food for New Beginnings, a meal site and distribution service that Michoon runs out of St. James Episcopal Church Monday through Thursday each week. Fan favorites include her beef chop suey and classic meatloaf. - Jack Kaplan
Dennis Tancrell, a Woonsocket native and facilities director for the theatre, poses against the ticket booth. “I see other towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts that on a random Thursday night, that main street is hustling and bustling," Tancrell said. - Jack Kaplan
Woonsocket Rhode Island - Jack Kaplan
Woonsocket Rhode Island - Jack Kaplan
"I think we're in a depressed city," said Frank Irwin, the owner of Timeless Antiques & Collectibles, a shop in downtown Woonsocket, R.I., which has an extensive collection of early American antiques. - Jack Kaplan
Grey buildings, shops mostly closed, and little activity on a warm Wednesday afternoon in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island's sixth most populated city. - Jack Kaplan
A boy rides his bike in front of the Rhode Island Hospital Trust Company Building which is now graffitied and unoccupied just outside the heart of downtown Woonsocket. The Trust Company Building is now offered for sale by Seyboth Real Estate Team for 1.1 million dollars. - Jack Kaplan
A man and woman walk in front of New York Lunch, a restaurant specializing in American cuisine, especially hot dogs, on Woonsocket’s Main St. - Jack Kaplan

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