HousingWorks RI 2010 Candidate Toolkit

Published on October 7, 2010

With the general election around the corner, HousingWorks RI has put together a Candidate Toolkit to better inform each candidate of the important role affordable homes play in growing Rhode Island’s economy.

The tool kit includes:

• 2010 Fact Book on Housing with everything you need to know on the state of affordable homes in Rhode Island as well as examples of how sustainable design for affordable homes is making an impact on residents’ monthly budget and our green economy.
• Special Report: Measuring the Economic Impact of Affordable Housing in Rhode Island. This report highlights the success of Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI), the state program established to disburse the $50 million housing bond approved by voters in 2006. To date, the program has funded 828 homes in 28 communities.
• Fact sheets: Voter support for affordable homes, Proven Solutions, Housing Terms and Resources, Frequently Asked Questions. These are intended to provide quick information on affordable housing programs in Rhode Island.
• Homeless in Rhode Island: An overview of the homeless crisis and proposed solutions. An informative document on homelessness in our state by our colleagues at RI Coalition for the Homeless, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Housing Action Coalition and Housing Network of RI.

HousingWorks RI's research consistently shows that the need for affordable housing in Rhode Island has not dissipated. A HousingWorks RI telephone survey of 500 likely voters conducted this year by Hart Research Associates, showed that voters are understandably concerned about the economy. However, 83% of the voters surveyed think having an adequate supply of affordable housing is critical to getting Rhode Island’s economy back on its feet.

It is clear that a continued state investment in the development of affordable homes is important to voters across Rhode Island. As candidates develop policies to improve the state’s economy, we urge them to heed voter sentiment and integrate effective affordable housing policies into their  comprehensive economic development strategy.