‘Keep the Heat On,’ Emmanuel House programs to serve as Lumen Gentium Award Banquet beneficiaries

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PROVIDENCE — There is one week remaining until the deadline to recognize the efforts of individuals and groups throughout the Diocese of Providence who work selflessly in support of the work of the Church in their parishes and other ministries. Nominations for the 2020 Lumen Gentium service award are being accepted online through Thursday, Feb. 13 at 4:30 p.m. Nominations may be made on the diocesan website by visiting www.dioceseofprovidence.org/make-a-nomination.
The two beneficiaries chosen this year to receive the proceeds from the 2020 Lumen Gentium Awards Dinner are “Keep the Heat On,” the diocesan emergency heating assistance program, and Emmanuel House, the diocesan emergency homeless shelter in South Providence.
“We are so excited and couldn’t be happier to be chosen to receive the proceeds of this year’s Lumen Gentium Awards banquet,” said James Jahnz, supervisor of Catholic Social Services, whose office oversees both diocesan outreach ministries.
“Certainly, the proceeds directed to ‘Keep the Heat On’ will help address keeping Rhode Island households warm throughout the colder months and those funds directed towards the Emmanuel House Shelter will allow us to provide for a more comfortable and restful experience for the men as well as allow us to address some minor upkeep and repairs on the property,” Jahnz said.
“Keep the Heat On,” the diocesan heating assistance program which helps households with nowhere else to turn for help staying warm in the winter, has raised $3.1 million since 2005 and offers a much-needed lifeline to more than 14,000 households, individuals and families.
Emmanuel House opened in 2010, three days before Christmas, after the diocese renovated a shuttered day care center on Public Street, in the city’s South Side, for this purpose. Since then, there has been rarely a night when the 50-bed shelter has not been at or above capacity, and in times of inclement weather it has remained open around the clock to provide a safe, warm place for guests.
“On behalf of the thousands of Rhode Islanders that will keep warm through “Keep the Heat On” and the hundreds of men utilizing the Emmanuel House for nightly shelter I am so appreciative to Bishop Tobin and the Lumen Gentium Committee for their decision to further fund these needed ministries,” Jahnz said.
Bishop Tobin will present the honors, which will be bestowed in nine categories, during the Lumen Gentium Awards Dinner, which will be held at Twin River Event Center on May 13.
Since 2013, when the Lumen Gentium awards were first presented, the Diocese of Providence has recognized 89 individuals and groups, representing 54 parishes. The awards banquets have raised more than $450,000 in support of various ministries.