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Enews Archives

January 30, 2006

HousingWorks RI releases 2006 policy platform

The 2006 HousingWorks RI policy platform represents a down payment on ending Rhode Island’s housing crisis. The platform supports:

A $75 million bond issue to jumpstart the production of affordable housing, subject to voter approval in November 2006. The bond would leverage significant private and other public resources, spur private investment and demonstrate to local communities the state’s commitment to solving the affordable housing shortage.
$7.5 million for the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP) for the production of affordable housing. The program was funded at $7.5 million through bonding last year; we want to see it as a budget line item this year.
$350,000 for Year 2 of the Supportive Services Pilot Program, which gives chronically homeless Rhode Islanders an opportunity for stability and independence in permanent supportive housing.
Establishment of a permanent dedicated funding stream for affordable housing.
Preservation of a strong State Historic Tax Credit to stimulate the production of affordable housing.

It is clear that Rhode Island has a long way to go toward ending the affordable housing crisis, but this platform is an important and necessary next step. The Governor is expected to release his budget this week, and HousingWorks RI will be looking for the inclusion of these items. “We consider this the minimum the state should do for its residents,” said Ari Matusiak, HousingWorks RI acting director.

HousingWorks RI is also supporting $400,000 to expand the capacity of nonprofit community development corporations to build more affordable housing. Two HousingWorks RI members, LISC and the Housing Network of RI, will take the lead on this legislation.

You will hear much more about the HousingWorks RI platform – and ways you can get involved to support the platform – in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, feel free to spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues – and encourage them to join us (click here) in this important effort.

To read HousingWorks RI's press release announcing the platform,
click here.