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Homeless in RI: 2,000 homeless children – RFPs – May issue of Street Sights, by and for homeless
RI Kids Count on homeless children in Rhode Island
Nearly 2,000 children in Rhode Island’s public schools were identified as homeless in the 2023-24 school year, a sharp increase of 35 percent from two years earlier, according to the latest Kids’ Count Factbook, which was released on May 5th. Kids’ Count defines homelessness as children living in emergency transitional shelters, couch surfing in homes with relatives and friends, living in hotels and motels, cars, campsites, parks, and other public places.
Read the full report – HERE – https://rikidscount.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/housing-instability-and-homelessness-among-rhode-island-children-november-2021.pdf
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RFP for Homelessness Programs
The Rhode Island Department of Housing, in collaboration with the Consolidated Homeless Fund Partnership, has released the FY26 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Consolidated Homelessness Fund. This statewide funding opportunity seeks qualified providers to advance Rhode Island’s coordinated response to homelessness through innovative, person-first, housing-focused programs.
This is aligned with Governor McKee’s housing stability section in the RI 2030 long-range strategic plan for the state.
Over the past three years, the Consolidated Homelessness Fund was bolstered by one-time federal investments through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As those temporary funds wind down FY26 marks a key transition toward a more sustainable, long-term funding structure.
Approximately $19 million in funding is anticipated for the upcoming program year, running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, contingent on final approval of Governor McKee’s FY26 budget. The Governor’s budget proposal introduces two new dedicated revenue streams for homelessness response—estimated to provide $4.4 million in FY26 and $8.1 million annually thereafter—offering a more stable, recurring funding base for future years.
Funded projects are expected to prioritize diversion and rapid exit strategies that reduce reliance on emergency shelters and help individuals quickly reconnect to safe, stable housing. Providers must participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), focus on measurable outcomes, and incorporate system navigation to improve access and coordination across services.
Funding is available for the following project types:
- Street Outreach & Regional Access Points
- Emergency Shelter
- Housing Problem Solving (Diversion, Prevention, Rapid Exit)
- Rapid Rehousing
- Supportive Services Only
The full RFP is available on the Department of Housing website. Applications will be accepted through the eCIVIS portal beginning Friday, May 9th, 2025, and will be accepted through Monday, June 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
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Utilizing KIDS COUNT’s published data, comparing school enrollment and homelessness data over a four year period (2019-20 SY to 2023-24 SY) the following facts come to light:
1. RI’s school enrollment decreased by 5.2% yet child homelessness increased 28.4% (from 1,531 in 2020 to 1,966 in 20, an increase of 435).
2. RI’s 4 Core Cities (Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and Providence) saw a 13.7% decrease in enrollment and a 41.4% increase in child homelessness (from 669 in 2020 to 946 om 2024).
3. The rest of Rhode Island saw a 5.3% decrease in enrollment and a 16.7% increase in child homelessness.
4. 25 out of Rhode Island’s 36 school districts has counted homeless children.
The State’s Housing 2030 Plan has the goal of providing 2,250 affordable rental units, only 500 of which will be for extremely low-income households. This represents only 2.1% of the total need. According to HOMESRI, there are a total of 24,054 extremely low-income housing units needed.