Public investment in affordable homes has provided a strategic stimulus to Rhode Island's economy.

In 2007 and 2008, 31% of building permits in Rhode Island were for developments supported by the Building Homes Rhode Island program.

Affordable homes often follow smart growth, environmentally friendly design principals.

Affordable homes take into account the surroundings and the neighborhood. They are often designed to improve the overall character of the community where they are built.

Key Studies have quantified the economic impact and multiplier effect of investing in affordable homes.

In Rhode Island, the initial $25 million invested in the Building Homes Rhode Island program generated $393.9 million in total economic activity - $15.80 per $1 of funding deployed.

Architectural standards and adequate maintenance strongly influence property values.

Properly maintained affordable housing developments, designed and built with sensitivity to the architectural and aesthetic standards desired by the community, may even increase property values.

Negative effects are being felt in communities that don’t have an adequate supply of affordable homes.

Businesses in these communities struggle to fill vacant jobs and a growing number of workers cannot afford to live in the communities they serve.