On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, the Olneyville Resilience Hub hosted the highly anticipated Fiesta Del Barrio, and what a party it was! Over 200 community members gathered on Hyat Street in Providence from noon to 3PM, for the grand re-launch of the Olneyville Resilience Hub. Families and neighbors enjoyed an afternoon of laughter, music, good food, community,  and celebrating Olneyville!

The event featured activities for all ages, making it a memorable day for everyone who attended. DJ Mambo kept the energy high as kids and adults alike enjoyed face painting, life-size games, and a special appearance by none other than Spider-Man! Children were especially thrilled to meet the superhero, proudly donning their new masks.

The food offerings were a hit, with delicious plates served up by local favorites. Providence Canteen offered up classic burgers and hotdogs, while Rico Pollo and Tienda y Taqueria Puebla brought flavorful empanadas and tacos that satisfied every taste. It was a true feast for the entire community.

Beyond the fun, the event highlighted important resources for the community. During the block party, over 50 water filters were distributed to households in the 02909 and 02908 area codes, ensuring access to clean drinking water. Visitors were treated to tours of the Olneyville Resilience Hub, providing a closer look at this crucial community space. The Fiesta Del Barrio also served as a platform for connecting with valuable services through a resource fair, where organizations shared information on lead safety, emergency preparedness, voter registration, asthma management, and more. Partners like CPO-HEZ, Zero Waste Providence, and the Department of Human Services offered their expertise, helping residents build a safer and more resilient Olneyville.

Overall, Fiesta Del Barrio was a huge success, blending fun with resources to empower the community. With over 200 people in attendance, it was a day filled with joy, learning, and a shared commitment to a safe and thriving Olneyville. We can’t wait to see what next year’s block party has in store!

What is the Olneyville Resilience Hub?

The Olneyville Resilience Hub (ORH) is a dependable community space dedicated to hosting programs and workshops related to environmental justice, disaster preparedness, and public health. It serves as a vital resource for the community, providing tools and services that help residents navigate challenges and build long-term resilience.

  • Environmental Justice: ORH partners with local groups like Zero Waste Providence to host composting workshops and holds flood mitigation workshops aimed at preparing the community for climate change impacts.
  • Disaster Preparedness: The Hub collaborates with Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to offer disaster preparedness training and hazard mitigation strategies. At the block party, PEMA provided essential information to attendees. Additionally, ORH is preparing to officially launch as a warming center this winter, offering a safe, heated space for neighbors—especially for those unhoused or lacking proper heating at home.
  • Public Health: Public health is another key focus of ORH. During the Fiesta Del Barrio, it was announced that the Hub will host a free vaccine clinic on November 13th in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The Hub will also begin hosting community health talks, with the first session scheduled for November 28th.

The Olneyville Resilience Hub is made possible through the efforts of three backbone agencies, grassroots community groups, and engaged resident leaders who emerged from local climate justice leadership and empowerment programs. In November 2023, the backbone agencies—the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), The City of Providence Office of Sustainability, and Providence Emergency Management Agency—along with resident champions, hired the Hub’s first manager, Pedro Espinal. Pedro brings decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and management experience to his role, along with a deep commitment to positive change for the community.

The Hub is also available for community groups and organizations to host their own free, open-to-the-public events. For more information or to inquire about using the space, please contact [EMAIL].

Special Thanks

A huge thank you goes out to Leadership Rhode Island for their incredible support in organizing the event, as well as for providing volunteer help and donating materials that made the day possible.

Special thanks to Kevin Proft from the Sustainability Department, Pedro Espinal, the Olneyville Resilience Hub Manager, and Jenny Mercado for their efforts, especially during the brief speaking engagement and ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Olneyville Resilience Hub.

We also extend our gratitude to Kevin Spoke, Pedro Espinal, Jenny Mercado, Yuselly Mendoza from ONA, and our wonderful MC for the afternoon, David Morales, who helped ensure the day’s events ran smoothly and were enjoyable for all.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Councilman Juan Pichardo for his support and presence during this special celebration.