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About the MÃE Organization for the Homeless

LOVE · INCLUSION · FAITH · EMPOWER

Martinha

Martinha Javid, Founder
MÃE Foundation

Founded in 2008 by Martinha Javid, MAE Organization for the Homeless is dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing stable housing through innovative, holistic approaches. Operated by a passionate and committed team—primarily volunteers led by our small but mighty internal staff—we strive to provide compassionate, effective solutions for individuals in need.

Recognizing the growing demand for essential services, MAE has expanded its programs to offer critical support across Rhode Island. We provide hot meals, bagged lunches, clothing, and hygiene essentials in strategic locations, assist individuals in transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, and support job placement by partnering with businesses to train and employ at-risk individuals. Additionally, we coordinate detox services and offer a range of other resources to help our clients achieve long-term stability.

Our work is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, corporate contributions, grants, and the sale of our themed products. With continued support, we aim to expand our capacity, enhance our current programs, and develop new initiatives that align with our mission—promoting mental health and holistic wellness for homeless and at-risk communities throughout Rhode Island.

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  • Our Mission

    The MÃE Organization for the Homeless fosters healing and wellness for at-risk individuals and those experiencing homelessness by providing essential needs—food, shelter, and support—while uplifting the spirit through therapeutic, wellness-focused services.

  • Our Vision

    We envision a world where everyone has a place to call home, where compassion drives action, and where homelessness is no longer a reality. Through our programs, we empower at-risk individuals to break the cycle of homelessness, regain stability, and thrive as self-sufficient members of their communities.

  • Our Tomorrow

    Through newfound skills and the spirit of giving back, those we serve become contributors to their communities. Together, we create a future where hope replaces despair, empowerment overcomes helplessness, and every person finds their path to a brighter tomorrow.

What’s in a Name?

MÃE derives its name from the Portuguese word “Mãe,” meaning “Mother.” This name embodies the nurturing essence of our organization, symbolizing our commitment to providing care, support, and shelter to those in need.

Accomplishing our Mission is dependent on our philosophy and values:

  • We believe that everyone deserves the tools, encouragement, and time to repair the root causes of pain, self-doubt, and trauma to fully heal and start the journey of a new and fulfilling life experience
  • We believe that every individual deserves to be seen, respected, and treated with dignity.
  • We believe that if a person is to become a productive, functioning, and successful contributing member of our fast-paced world and societal environment, one must first be healed emotionally and physically.
  • We support and empower our homeless population to become self-sufficient and get off homelessness, not enablers of street living.
  • We understand the complexity of homelessness and show compassion for the homeless.
  • We welcome and help all people equally and with love.
  • We advocate and provide a voice for the homeless population to help end hunger and poverty in our society.
  • We secure the most amazing and loving volunteers to support our mission.
  • We promote and establish community engagement through partnerships with other agencies and volunteer opportunities.

We express our Mission in terms of three broad goals

  1. Our resources and dedication will provide quality multifaceted programs strategically designed to help the homeless population become self-sufficient.
  2. To run a Wellness retreat like center as a place of respite and enlightenment. Individuals will experience sense of self-worth, forgiveness and understanding with the assurance of safety and no judgment, through our holistic approaches.,
  3. The homeless population will learn trade skills which will ensure them jobs once they are ready to transition into apartment living and become productive members of society sharing their unique gifts with the world.

  • WELLNESS

    Is what fuels our vision and drives us, and those around us, towards our goal.

  • ASSISTANCE

    Is providing basic life needs to homeless and food insecure individuals and families, while making long lasting friendships between our clients and our volunteers.

  • EMPOWER

    Is empowering people to become self-sufficient and get out of homelessness – not enablers of street living.

Board of Directors

  • Martinha Javid (Founder)
  • Ana Isabel dos Reis-Couto (President)
  • Rob Levine (Secretary)
  • Paul Harris (Treasurer)
  • Cristina Amedeo
  • Celine Bibeault
  • Marie Boutin
  • Rosa Ciunci
  • Marianne Phelan

CONTACT

1221 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

1-833-4-MAEORG
1-833-462-3674
info@maeorganization.org

CENTER HOURS

Hours as of 9/1/26

Monday 10-4

Tuesday 10-2

Wednesday 10-2  

Thursday 10-12

Closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday

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© 2026 MÃE Organization For The Homeless All Rights Reserved | Registered EIN Number : 36-4836852