Crossroad Rhode Island’s Pine Street development proposal closer to reality

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — To help curb homelessness in the Ocean State, Crossroads Rhode Island proposed to develop new apartments in Providence. Those plans have now been approved.

Karen Santilli, CEO of Crossroad Rhode Island, said that on Tuesday night, the Providence City Plan Commission unanimous approved the 371 Pine Street development.

Santilli said this development will be the state’s first “permanent support apartments” meant for “medically vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness.” It will create 35 new apartments.

“Housing is healthcare,” she said in part in a release. “The City Plan Commission took an important step yesterday to save lives.”

Aside from the 35 apartments, Santilli said the building will include laundry facilities, common areas, a healing garden, and parking. There will also be office space for lease to mental health or other providers who want to provide co-located services.

Santilli said those living in the apartments will have access to 24/7 case management services.

Work at the site is expected to start later this year. It will be done by early 2025.

Earlier this month, Gov. Dan McKee and the Department of Housing proposed a budget amendment for $29 million in new resources as well as a new state-level low-income housing tax credit.

Projects like Pine Street fall under that budget amendment.