The availability of quality, affordable homes is critical to Rhode Island's economic wellbeing. Yet, certain factors such as location, aesthetics, environmental and community impact must be considered for thoughtful future development. Rhode Island's municipal planners play a critical role, and are a vital part of the conversation as we work together to increase the supply of quality, affordable homes.

BARRINGTON — Barrington Land Conservation Trust will host Ginger Brown’s illustrated presentation “Dragonhunters, Skimmers and Emeralds — Dragonflies and Damselflies in Your Backyard Their Natural History, Ecology, and Conservation” at its annual meeting on Tuesday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barrington Public Library auditorium.

On Friday, June 25, 2010 from 9:30am -12:30pm at Atria Bay Spring Village (147 Bay Spring Avenue in Barrington), a workshop will be held for affordable housing volunteers entitled Creating Affordable Homes in Your Community: How to Build Support.

The availability of safe, quality affordable homes for Rhode Islanders is a vital component of our state's economy. As many communities work to achieve their affordable housing goals, many questions may still exist - What defines affordable homes, how do they fit in with my community, where can I obtain data regarding my community's housing needs, and more.

On Tuesday, June 29 from 12:00-2:00 pm, Housing Network of Rhode Island is hosting a Lunch-N-Learn entitled What CDCs Should Know about Refugee Housing. This program will be held at their office, 1070 Main Street in Pawtucket, RI.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, Blogs, Flickr... social media seems to be popping up everywhere! For nonprofits, these can be important communication tools - they are free, flexible, and enable organizations to engage with large numbers of existing and prospective supporters, both regionally and globally, fast! And most importantly, social media are some of the most cost-effective marketing tools on the planet. Learn if these tools are a fit for your organization and if so, how your organization can put social networks to work to accomplish your goals and objectives.

On Thursday, July 15 at 2:00pm, the White House will be hosting a live chat to talk about the progress that the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (HUD/DOT/EPA) has made. Derek Douglas, Special Assistant to the President on Urban Policy at the White House, will moderate the chat. Participants are invited to ask questions live at www.WhiteHouse.gov/live, or you can submit questions in advance through an online partner at www.Planetizen.com.

Join HousingWorks RI as we unveil the 2010 Fact Book and kickoff a discussion on the future of affordable homes in Rhode Island.

This event will take place on Tuesday, August 31 from
8:00 - 9:15 am at the Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Avenue in Warwick, RI.

For more information, email events@HousingWorksRI.org, call (401) 274-4564 (x4177) 

Register online for this event.

On Wednesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m., Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, Dimeo Properties and Rhode Island Housing, along with their community partners, will host the groundbreaking for Visions II, a development that will bring 52 vibrant and affordable rental homes to the Smith Hill neighborhood.

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Housing Network of RI will host their 19th Annual Meeting. The Housing Network is proud to highlight their members and the important work in community development that they do. This year, they are highlighting East Bay Community Development Corporation's Sweetbriar Development in Barrington.

This event will be held rain or shine at Sweetbriar, 167 Washington Road, Barrington, RI 02806.