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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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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HousingWorks RI now has an additional way for you to connect with us! We have created a new Facebook Page designed to give you the latest information about what's happening in long-term affordable housing here in Rhode Island and across the country. The address is: www.facebook.com/HousingWorksRI

What can you expect by connecting with us on Facebook?

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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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HousingWorks RI is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors ­– Ian Lang, Noreen Shawcross, and George Zainyeh.
 

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For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau has released 5-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates and the data confirm a persistent housing affordability crisis for Rhode Islanders. HousingWorks RI's analysis of the data indicates that Rhode Island is the most housing cost-burdened state in New England.

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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:

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