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Homeless in RI: Participate in the State’s Homelessness Plan – Bernard Beaudreau
by Bernie Beaudreau, contributing writer
Opportunities for meaningful citizen participation are needed now to help guide the development of the state’s immediate action plans and budget for housing programs to address the homelessness crisis.
There seem to be just a few times for the public’s voice to be heard. One opportunity is coming up on Wednesday, May 13, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 1 Capitol Hill, Administration Building in room 2E regarding the state’s Executive Office of Housing (EOH)’s Annual Action Plan. This is an important plan for July 2026 through June 2027 that accounts for more than $42 million in state and federal funds to address housing needs in the state.
Addressing the needs of the unhoused population should be one of the state government’s top priorities. Homelessness impacts all Rhode Island communities. For individuals it has damaging mental and physical health consequences and is often life-threatening. The meeting on May 13th is focused on guiding next year’s programs and public participation and input is very important.
In addition, The Executive Office of Housing (EOH) has just launched a strategic planning process for addressing homelessness that will begin soon, according to Secretary Goddard. This planning process for the homeless has been talked about for over a year and is just now getting organized. We anticipate that there will be many opportunities for the public to participate in this planning process, so let’s stay informed of next steps.
There are some questions about the homelessness strategic planning project:
- How long will this planning process take?
- Will the strategic plan impact next year’s budget?
- How much will the plan cost the state for the consultant, staff time, other costs?
- What stakeholders will be involved? How will advocates, tax payers and those with lived experience and homeless people participate?
While it has been anticipated for a long while, the strategic plan for ending homelessness offers a fresh opportunity to consider new goals. Now is the time for advocates to participate and be heard.
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The Housing 2030 Plan has the goal of permitting 2,250 units of affordable rental homes, of which 375 will be permanent supportive housing units and 500 units affordable to people with extremely low incomes. The footnote indicates that extremely low income is up to 30 percent of AMI, or approximately $25,000/year for an individual or $36,000 for a family of four. This income range includes levels of the homeless but the programs will be likely focused on those at risk of homelessness, and just a small portion of people who are currently homeless.
It is reasonable to conclude that the anticipated Strategic Plan for Ending Homelessness will have housing unit production goals that are commensurate with the need, in the thousands of units to house the homeless. Our state Legislature and Governor need to gear up to invest a funding plan commensurate to accomplish the goal of ending homelessness.
Governor McKee and Secretary Goddard specifically request the public’s engagement and comment. Let’s make sure we do just that.
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by Bernie Beaudreau, community advocate, contributing writer