New report proves rental unaffordability in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the eighth most expensive state for renters, according to a new report.

Renters must earn $19.36/hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the state, according to Out of Reach 2006, the annual survey of rental affordability released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. A household needs the equivalent of almost three full-time minimum wager earners to afford the rent.

Believe it or not, the report actually understates the problem. The national coalition used “fair market rents,” which are set by the federal government. Rhode Island Housing’s 2005 rental survey found that the average two-bedroom unit advertised for $1,147, significantly higher than the fair market rent of $1,007. HousingWorks RI’s analysis of affordability used the local data and found that Rhode Islanders must earn $22.06 to afford the average two-bedroom apartment (which would make Rhode Island the fourth least affordable state).

Check out the Out of Reach report or the Providence Journal’s coverage of the report.

Governor announces plan to end homelessness
The state has announced a new plan to end homelessness within ten years. The plan is part of a national initiative headed up by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and incorporates local and statewide services, programs, and advocacy efforts.

Rhode Island’s “Action Plan to End Homelessness” calls for the creation of at least 600 homes for the homeless, closely linked to a coordinated, easily-accessbile service system. The plan will be implemented and monitored by the Housing Resources Commission’s Office of Homelessness and Emergency Assistance.

Read the plan and the Providence Journal story on its release.

New affordable NOP apartments
Officials unveiled 25 apartments in Woonsocket affordable for residents earning as little as 40 percent of the city’s median income. The Neighborhood Opportunities Program provided $175,000 for the conversion of two buildings that housed the former St. Ann’s Rectory and School.

Read the Woonsocket Call's coverage of the event.