External Resources

Crossroads Rhode Island
"Help for the journey called life." State's largest homeless services provider. www.crossroadsri.org

GrowSmart RI
"Strengthening our cities, preserving our countryside." For: community revitalization, preservation. Against: sprawl. Online: News, well-stocked toolbox, legislative briefs, research, a Yellow Pages. Free monthly e-newsletter is required reading for anyone in housing, preservation, planning and conservation. www.growsmartri.com

Housing Network
Member organization for RI's nonprofit affordable housing developers, founded 1992. Mission: "rebuilding communities, house by house, neighborhood by neighborhood." www.housingnetworkri.org

LISC Rhode Island
Providing cash, training and other technical assistance to communities and nonprofit developers, LISC has been among the state's most important catalysts for low-income housing since the local branch opened in 1991. LISC is a national organization devoted to transforming "distressed neighborhoods into healthy communities." www.lisc.org/rhode_island/

The Poverty Institute at the Rhode Island College School of Social Work
Rigorous, independent tax and policy analysis. Takes the position that state government can grow the economy (and contain taxes) while still helping Rhode Island's poorest families achieve a decent standard of living. www.povertyinstitute.org/

Rhode Island Association of Realtors
Home sales and rental listings. www.riliving.com

Rhode Island Builders Association
Representing the state's construction industry. www.ribuilders.org

Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association
"Making great communities happen." Association of town and other professional planners. Includes links to 32 RI municipal websites. www.riapa.org

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless
More than 100 organizations working together to end homelessness in Rhode Island. And they have a plan: "Building Homes, building hope, a blueprint for ending homelessness in RI" (downloadable). The Coalition advocates, tracks homeless data, trains case managers, provides legal assistance. www.rihomeless.com

Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
Makes the state's case to potential employers, spurs job growth. Sees affordable workforce housing as a top priority. Site includes community profiles (with departments and officials listed). www.riedc.com

Rhode Island Green Building Council
Offers an array of educational and outreach events statewide on the merits of green building and energy efficiency. Their website features a virtual green marketplace. www.usgbcri.org/

Rhode Island Housing
The state's principal housing agency. "Since 1973, we have helped 175,000 Rhode Islanders find houses and apartments they can afford." RI Housing finances homeownership for low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders, as well as construction. Online: info on loans, programs, grants and tax credits; RI State Consolidated Plan (2005-2009); info related to RI's Low and Moderate Income Housing Act; the Developers Handbook, "the bible" for anyone developing affordable rental property. www.rhodeislandhousing.org

Rhode Island Foundation
Heavily invested in solving the state's housing crisis. www.rifoundation.org

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
Everything there is to know about the health, housing, education and well-being of RI's children and their families. Consolidates data from dozens of sources. Publishes its annual Factbook, the 'bible' for policymakers and children's advocates. www.rikidscount.org

United Way of Rhode Island
Heavily invested in solving the state's housing crisis. www.uwri.org