HousingWorks RI today released its annual Fact Book on housing. The 2011 Fact Book features the overwhelming success of the state’s housing bond, also known as Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI).

Passed in 2006 by majorities of voters in every city and town, the $50 million housing bond resulted in the development of 1,255 long-term affordable homes for Rhode Islanders in 30 communities – that’s 255 more than expected. 80 percent of the long-term affordable homes developed were rental, and 20 percent were home-ownership.

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The Partnership for Community Development is a partnership between Roger Williams University School of Continuing Studies and the Housing Network of Rhode Island. The Partnership is committed to raising awareness about community development issues, to strengthening the professional skills of the housing and community development industry, and to attracting a new generation of professionals to the field.

The Partnership offers a five-course Professional Certificate and/or a concentration in the Bachelor of General Studies in Community Development through the School of Continuing Studies.

Fall course offerings include:

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HousingWorks RI has added new data points to each of our city and town data pages. This year we have expanded our city and town fact sheets to include figures on actual foreclosures in every city and town along with housing affordability figures.

These data points offer a sneak preview to an even more in-depth affordability analysis HousingWorks RI will offer in the 2011 Fact Book on housing, to be released in September. We’re confident these expanded data points will help you understand the complete housing affordability picture for your community.

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Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI), the program established by the State's Housing Resources Commission (HRC) to distribute Rhode Island's housing bond, has just awarded its final year of funds. Approved in 2006 by a majority of voters in every city and town, BHRI has made it possible for low- and moderate-income families - many whom represent critical occupations - to rent or buy a home in Rhode Island.

In its four years, BHRI has surpassed expectations by creating over 1,250 long-term affordable homes in 30 communities throughout the state. Economic analyses of BHRI investments have proven:

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HousingWorks RI this week released a three-minute animated short to raise awareness about the need for long-term affordable housing in Rhode Island.

The script was written in-house and the organization worked with local company They’re Using Tools, owned by RISD alum Melinda Rainsberger, to bring the storyboard to life. The result may seem like pure entertainment, but the messaging still depicts the seriousness of the issue.

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On Monday, May 9th at 8:30 a.m., join Rhode Island enforcement and housing organizations at a Consumer Awareness & Protection Workshop: National and State Solutions to Foreclosure.

This workshop is being held to discuss what's being done to address the foreclosure crisis at the national, state, and local levels to point out the warning signs of scams and raise awareness about assistance available for homeowners.

Speakers will include: Peter Kilmartin, RI Attorney General; Richard Staples of Fannie Mae; Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing; Chris Hannifan, Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island, Scott Avedisian, Mayor of the City of Warwick and several others.

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The availability of $3.1 million for lead paint hazard control and lead awareness programs in Rhode Island was announced at a news conference Monday morning at Rhode Island Housing. Attending alongside the many supporters present were U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative David Cicilline.

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HousingWorks RI today released its second annual Special Report on Foreclosures in Rhode Island. The report looks at the number of foreclosures from January 2009 through December 2010 in each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns and resulting negative impacts.

Key Findings:

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A national study released today by the Washington-based Center for Housing Policy shows Rhode Island as one of the most severely cost-burdened housing markets in the country. The report, titled Housing Landscape 2011, provides an in-depth look at housing affordability trends for working households between 2008 and 2009 focusing on the effects of employment, income and housing costs.

In Rhode Island, the report shows that a disproportionate number of working families are spending more than 50 percent of their incomes on housing costs, including mortgage or rent payments, insurance, and utilities. 

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Rhode Island Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) recently released their 2010 Report to the Community. The report highlights the successful initiatives at work in Rhode Island to improve the quality of life in some of the most challenged neighborhoods.

2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the organization, which has invested nearly $300 million to create 7,000 affordable homes, child care programs for more than 6,500 children, and thousands of jobs for Rhode Islanders. You can learn more about LISC RI by visiting their website.

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