Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) partnered with ONE Neighborhood Builders and their Central Providence Health Equity Zone on Friday, June 5, 2020, to pick up masks to be distributed in the community to neighbors, nursing homes, and other public service organizations.

“ONE Neighborhood Builders has time after time stepped up to the plate to help our neighbors during times of need,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “Their leadership in acquiring and donating these 50,000 masks speaks volumes to their commitment to public service. I want to thank their team for their generosity and for their dedication to the residents of Providence.”

Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia and City Council staff were on hand Friday to pick up 50,000 masks on behalf of the City Council. These masks will be distributed to constituents, local businesses, organizations, and nursing homes to help meet the high demand for face coverings.

“The City of Providence is beginning to re-open again, and now more than ever, it is crucial that masks are made available to businesses and organizations to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. I’m thankful to our partners at ONE Neighborhood Builders who continually work to ensure that our community’s needs are met,” added Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.

ONE Neighborhood Builders convenes the Central Providence Health Equity Zone (HEZ). HEZs are collaboratives of residents, community organizations, health professionals, and others who come together to address the root causes of health disparities. This work requires eliminating racism and discrimination and removing barriers to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, affordable housing, and safe environments.

HEZs works to improve health outcomes in targeted areas of Rhode Island. The 02909 Zip Code, where ONE Neighborhood Builders is located and the area represented by the Central Providence HEZ, has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus.

Allegra Scharff, Health Equity Project Manager, shared, “The 02909 area has been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19; our HEZ works to end these health disparities. Being able to distribute free masks may be a small contribution, but it is vital to help our neighbors stay safe. We are so grateful to the City Council and all of the other amazing organizations who partnered with us to get these masks out into the community.”

Several community organizations took part, picking up large amounts of masks to distribute throughout the community. Other participants in this mask drive included SVDP Rhode Island, Family Services of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Nearly 100,000 masks were picked up in total to be distributed to constituents and business owners.

Council President Matos continued, “On behalf of the residents of Providence, we owe a debt of gratitude to ONENeighborhood Builders, Central Providence HEZ, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and our City Council staff that helped facilitate Friday’s distribution program.”

For more information on ONE Neighborhood Builders, visit them online here: ONE Neighborhood Builders

For more information on the Central Providence Health Equity Zone, visit them online here: HEZ