Housing

Community Challenges

According to the 2010 HousingWorks RI Factbook, the average cost of rent in Rhode Island has increased by 54% over the past decade, making rental affordability a major concern for people struggling to make ends meet. Thankfully, programs such as Building Homes Rhode Island have made significant strides in creating more affordable housing for our most vulnerable population.

United Way in Action

Nellie Gorbea of HousingWorks RI and Barbara Silvis of FM Global, in partnership with United Way of Rhode Island, advocate for the creation of more affordable housing in our community, which will help more people find a safe, affordable place to live for the long term.

By all measures, the $50 million affordable housing bond overwhelmingly approved by Rhode Island voters, has been a significant economic force, bringing in $450 million in private investment and creating or saving 3,000 jobs. We are advocating for the creation of another 1,000 units.

Our other housing goal is that we help double supportive housing opportunities for chronically homeless individuals. Data shows that if we stabilize housing, and provide supportive services, we can stop expensive cycles of crisis that lead to repeated use of emergency rooms, health care facilities and jails, saving about $10,000 per person, per year. With your continued help we can eliminate chronic homelessness in our state.

Impacting Our Community

• In 2006, United Way of Rhode Island helped lead the "Yes on 9" Campaign, which resulted in passage of a $50 million bond to fund the production of affordable housing units.
• As a result, long-term affordable housing through the Building Homes Rhode Island program has yielded more than 1,000 affordable homes.
• The $50 million invested in the Building Homes Rhode Island program generated nearly $800 million in total economic activity - $15.80 per $1 of funding deployed.
• More than 400 individuals were placed in permanent housing.
• United Way of Rhode Island provided funding for temporary emergency winter shelters.
• The Rhode Island Emergency Food & Shelter Program, which is administered by United Way of Rhode Island, provided funding for the purchase of supplies for temporary winter shelters across the state.

We are making progress, thanks to people like you. Yet, we also know that many in our community still need help. So, please LIVE UNITED by making a contribution to United Way of Rhode Island's Community Impact Fund today.

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