Woonsocket homeowners at risk of tax sale, or with liens: Statewide RI Housing program resumes

Madeline Walker Program resumes in Woonsocket, offering help to homeowners

RIHousing has announced that the Madeline Walker Program, which is authorized by state law and designed to help homeowners who have fallen behind on their taxes or other liens avoid the loss of their home at tax sale, has resumed in Woonsocket. The program, run by RIHousing, has recommenced thanks to the support and assistance of Mayor Beauchamp and the Woonsocket City Council.

With the resumption in Woonsocket, the Madeline Walker program is once more available in all municipalities in Rhode Island, as it stems from the state’s Madeline Walker Act. During the time when RIHousing was not administering the program in Woonsocket, it was still available to homeowners in all other cities and towns. We’re happy to offer this resource once more to homeowners living in Woonsocket. The program can be accessed in all Municipalities that have Tax Sales, how many delinquent accounts they have and the balances on them.

“We are delighted to be part of the Madeline Walker Program, which aims to support our most
vulnerable homeowner populations, including low-income households, older adults, and the disabled,”
said Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp. “This program is proactive and tailored to meet
community needs by aiming to educate, counsel, and prevent homeowners from losing their homes
rather than waiting until foreclosure is imminent. Earlier interventions will help us achieve more
effective and fair solutions.”

The Madeline Walker Act is named for the 81-year-old woman who was evicted from her Providence home of more than 50 years in 2005 over an unknowingly unpaid sewer bill.

Under the Act, RIHousing has the right to purchase delinquent liens on 1-3 unit owner-occupied properties before they go to tax sale. Cities, towns, and other taxing authorities notify RIHousing of delinquent liens well in advance of tax sales. RIHousing then determines which homeowners are eligible for the program and reaches out to them to offer assistance.

“The unanimous approval to reinstate our partnership with RIHousing through the Madeline Walker
Program is a testament to our community’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens,” said
Woonsocket City Council President John Ward. “By helping struggling homeowners obtain much-
needed assistance, we are honored to contribute to the well-being of some of our neediest residents.”

When a lien is purchased at a tax sale by a private investor, the homeowner has one year to pay the
delinquent tax money plus interest and fees in order to keep their home, otherwise the investor may
foreclose and take ownership or title of the property. When RIHousing purchases a lien, the agency
must hold the lien for five years. During that time, RIHousing offers a range of support for homeowners,
including enrollment in a payment plan, connecting homeowners to housing counseling, and directing
them towards other community resources.

“The Madeline Walker Act gives qualified Rhode Islanders the time and assistance they need to keep
their homes,” said Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing. “We’re happy to be able to help
make a difference for Woonsocket homeowners struggling to pay their housing expenses.”

Homeowners at risk of losing their home to tax sale and who would like to take advantage of the
assistance offered through the Madeline Walker Act must reach out to RIHousing at least 20 days prior
to the scheduled tax sale in order to participate in the program.

For more information, visit https://www.rihousing.com/homeowner-assistance/ or email Susan
Denomme: [email protected]

About RIHousing
RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home
that meets their needs. RIHousing provides loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode
Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973,
RIHousing is a self-sustaining corporation and receives no state funding for operations. For more
information regarding RIHousing, visit RIHousing.com or follow us @RIHousing on Facebook, X (formerly
Twitter) and Instagram.