Dear Homes RI Supporters,

Thank you all for your engagement and actions this past month! We can't let up now. Last week, federal supports ended, increasing the threat of poverty and homelessness for millions of people. In the meantime, Rhode Island has an unprecedented opportunity to increase housing investments in the state budget. Legislators need to know that this is a priority for our health and economic recovery.

We need your help and hope we can count on you to take action this week to support safe, healthy and affordable homes.

Sincerely,

Homes RI Team
TUESDAY 8/4
SAY YES TO INVEST
Rhode Island does not have enough affordable homes to meet residents needs. The state's economy is facing tremendous shocks as a result of COVID-19 and thousands of Rhode Islanders at risk of losing their homes.

An expanded affordable housing bond responds to the state's pre-existing shortage of affordable homes and provides a much needed economic stimulus as we recover from the pandemic. We also need a dedicated funding stream for housing - we are the only state in the Northeast without one.

Last week the House Finance Committee held a hearing on the expanded bond items, including affordable housing. It will now be heard in the Senate. Take action to let them know that our state budget must include critical housing investments!

  1. Make a call to the Senate Finance Committee Chair and your Senator.
  2. Send an email to your Rep and Senator.
  3. Share on social why housing investments are critical! Graphics here. Use the hashtags #SayYesToInvest and #SustainedHousingFunding.
WEDNESDAY 8/5
BE A VOTER 
There is less than one week to register to vote in the Rhode Island State Primary! The Primary Election on September 8 is as important as the November General Election. Candidates on the ballot in November are determined by who wins their party primary in September. How can you prepare to #BeAVoter in the Primary Election? 

  1. Verify your voter registration info or register to vote: You can register online, or download the paper form and submit it to your local Board of Canvassers. The deadline to register to vote in the Statewide Primary is Sunday August 9! 
  2. Apply for your mail ballot now if you plan to Vote By Mail (request one from your Board of Canvassers or print & return application form). Your mail ballot application must be received by the Secretary of State by 4:00 PM on August 18, 2020.
  3. Tell 5 people in your circle to check their voter registration on the Secretary of State's website.
  4. Tell 5 people in your circle to fill out their mail ballot application if they want to vote by mail in the State Primary.
  5. Share your voting actions on social media or in person! Voting is most meaningful when everyone has a say, and being a #VisibleVoter increases awareness as well as participation rates. Help friends, family, and neighbors in your community be civically empowered! Use our social graphics and use the hashtags #BeAVoter and #OurHomesOurVotes2020!

Do you want to learn more about voting in upcoming elections in RI? Watch the recorded info session.
THURSDAY 8/6
RENT RELIEF NOW
We would like to thank our Congressional delegation for their support of the essential housing provisions in the HEROES Act, including $100 billion in emergency rental assistance, $11.5 billion to fund homeless shelters and services, and a national uniform eviction moratorium.

Yet, we still do not have a COVID-19 relief package. Between 19 million and 23 million renters may lose their homes in the coming months without significant and sustained federal intervention. Ensuring everyone has a home and shelter during and after the pandemic is a moral imperative and public health necessity.

We need to continue to impress upon lawmakers that it is absolutely critical that the housing provisions in the HEROES Act are part of any final bill.

  1. Call your Representative and Senators today.
  2. Post about the need for #RentReliefNow on social media using the sample posts and graphics.
FRIDAY 8/7
OPPOSE BIGOTRY
On July 22, HUD proposed a rule change that would remove protections against discrimination of transgender and gender non-conforming people experiencing homelessness, severely limiting their ability to access emergency shelters and services. The LGBTQ+ community, especially trans women and trans and non-binary people of color, already experience systemic barriers and discrimination in accessing safe and affordable homes. According to NLIHC, 1 in 5 trans people experience homelessness in their lifetime. In 2018, 18% of non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness nationally were sheltered, while 82% were unsheltered.
Forty percent (40%) of homeless youth are queer or trans. 

The proposed rule is the latest in a series of attacks by the Trump administration against trans people and the queer community. No matter how you identify, you have the right to a safe, healthy home and access to safe shelter and emergency services.

  1. Take action and submit a comment to HUD today.
  2. Use our social media graphics to raise awareness and use the hashtags #HousingSavesLives and #OpposeBigotry.
TELL US HOW IT WENT!
If you took any of the actions above, we'd love to hear how it went!
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 managed by the Housing Network of Rhode Island.

For questions about Homes RI, contact Katie West.
Homes RI | www.homesri.org | info@homesri.org