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Hello, Homes RI supporter!

Thank you for supporting the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act in the Senate last week!

Our work is not done - the bill is headed to the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing on Tuesday. Will you voice your support? Learn more below.

House Committee on Municipal Government & Housing

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - Rise of the House

State House Room 101

What does the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act do?

This bill enhances the ability of qualified nonprofit organizations to purchase older multi-family properties to produce or preserve affordable homes. Qualified nonprofits include Community Development Corporations (CDCs), nonprofit affordable housing developers, and Public Housing Authorities.

How would Rhode Islanders benefit?

Enhancing the ability of mission-driven, community-based nonprofit housing providers to purchase existing multi-family properties helps to increase and preserve affordable housing in communities across Rhode Island. Buildings that might otherwise sold for market-rate, luxury residential or commercial use may be developed into long-term affordable homes or community spaces by qualified nonprofits with a stake in the communities and neighborhoods they are located in or serve.    

You can help by testifying in support of House Bill 7655, either in-person or in writing before the hearing.

Testify at the hearing in-person:

• In-person testimony will happen at the Rise of the House in Committee Room 101.

Submit written testimony via email:

• Written testimony can be submitted to the clerk (Dawn Huntley), at [email protected]. To submit your testimony in advance of the hearing please try to submit it by 2:30 p.m. Please include the bill number in the subject of the email and your position on the bill.

State House Accessibility: There is accessible parking available in the State lots and basement level of the State House. The basement level (enter on from Smith Street) has a wheelchair accessible entrance and elevator. There is an elevator on the first floor of the State House. Both entrances have metal detectors.

Parking: State lots are open after 3 p.m. and free to park. Metered parking is also available on the streets around the State House and at the Providence Place Mall (about a 10 minute walk from Francis St. to the Smith St. entrance).



RIPTA buses 55, 56, 58 and 72 go by the State House. Map your route here.

Homes RI is a collaborative effort of local nonprofits, housing organizations, and community stakeholders, created to shine a spotlight on the need for increased investments in community development and affordable homes across Rhode Island.

Homes RI is coordinated by the Housing Network of Rhode Island.

For questions about Homes RI, contact Katie West.

Homes RI | www.homesri.org | [email protected]