Rhode Island Department of Housing awards $10M to combat homelessness

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Housing said that it issued $10 million in funding to 27 organizations in order to prevent and respond to homelessness in the state.

The department said that the 66 projects that will receive funding include efforts to provide emergency shelter, street outreach operations, housing problem solving, supportive services, and rent assistance through rapid rehousing.

The funding comes from the Consolidated Homeless Fund, which aims to allow the state to maintain shelter bed capacity.

“As the winter approaches, we are significantly increasing our commitment to programs addressing homelessness in Rhode Island – including the expansion of funding for shelters and services throughout the state,” Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor said.

Pryor added that the funding is part of a “broader plan to address homelessness and offer shelter services” ahead of the winter, and that Gov. Dan McKee will hold a briefing on the plan in the next two weeks.