State and Local Governments Award Funds for Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing
Providence, RI – October 6, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The State of Rhode Island, along with the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket today announced the distribution of $6.9 million for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds will prevent homelessness, due to the loss of housing and jobs, and will provide assistance to move from emergency shelters into stable housing.
Governor Donald Carcieri noted that with the state’s high unemployment rate, agencies are seeing individuals and families who are desperate for assistance. “We will be able to help people before they become homeless and get those who are homeless back on their feet. With winter approaching and our shelters at capacity, this program comes at the right time.”
The State of Rhode Island and the cities of Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket received a total of $6.6 million dollars in funding to enable community based agencies to provide an unprecedented level of financial assistance and services. Forming a unique partnership the communities joined in a statewide coordinate approach to disbursement of funds and program implementation.
“As families struggle with the high unemployment rate and record foreclosures, it’s critically important that we do everything we can to prevent families from falling through the cracks,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline. “This coordinated effort enables us to maximize our resources to reach more families in need.”
Mayor James Doyle expressed support for the coordination that would assure the “most efficient use of resources so that we provide permanent solutions for people in crisis.” Human service agencies and the City of Woonsocket have been working closely together, and this program will provide them with the tools necessary to help with housing problems” according to Mayor Susan Menard.
The following agencies will be lead agencies for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program: Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center; Blackstone Valley Community Action; Comprehensive Community Action; Community Mediation Center of Rhode Island; Crossroads Rhode Island; East Bay Community Action; Family Service of Rhode Island; the House of Hope CDC; Lucy’s Hearth; McAuley House; Mental Health Association of Rhode Island; New Hope for Families; Operation Stand Down; Project Hope; Rhode Island Legal Services; Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless; South County Community Action; Tri-Town Community Action; and West Bay Community Action. Each will collaborate with a number of other agencies to offer financial counseling and assistance, case management and legal services.
