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Friends of the Housing Network,



This October, we see the convergance of data, advocacy, and community support and how they are shaping Rhode Island's housing future. The latest Fact Book numbers remind us why advocacy is so important, and why investments in housing, like Question 2, are so important. Thanks for being part of the work to expand access to safe, healthy, affordable homes across our state. Join us to raise a glass in support of our collective efforts on November 12th!

-The Housing Network of RI team

HousingWorks RI Releases 2026 Housing Fact Book

HousingWorks RI at RWU has released the 2026 Housing Fact Book, and the numbers reflect what so many Rhode Islanders are feeling: affordable homes feel out of reach for too many of us.

There is not a single community in R.I. where the average household can afford to purchase a home or rent an apartment. The Fact Book examines housing affordability across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns, including rising cost burdens, the housing needs of older adults, the relationship of housing and transit, and the need for reliable funding to support affordable homes across the state. Check out the Fact Book and explore what the findings mean for Rhode Island’s present and future housing landscape.

Make a plan to vote and Vote Yes on Question 2!

This election, housing is on the ballot! Question 2 is a $120 million housing bond to create and preserve long-term affordable homes. One in three Rhode Islanders struggle with housing costs, and this year's bond question represents an opportunity for voters to approve continued investments in critically needed affordable homes. Thousands of Rhode Islanders have already cast their ballot, thanks to early voting and mail-in ballots. Make your plan to vote today!

Raise a glass for housing and support good brew for a good cause!

The Housing Network was selected by Lawson’s Finest Liquids to be the Rhode Island beneficiary of this year’s “Good Brew for a Cause” beer of the year called Cosmic Shift. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this beer in R.I. will benefit HNRI, along with other housing-focused nonprofits across the region. Learn more here!

On Thurs. November 12, celebrate the launch of Cosmic Shift with us and our friends at Lawson's Finest Liquids at Providence G Pub, 5 - 7 pm. RSVP today!

This month's legislative commission hearings

On October 19, Women's Development Corporation held a groundbreaking ceremony for 183 Washington Street in West Warwick. The project will transform a vacant former furniture store into 30 apartments with supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. The site will also include space for service providers and two commercial suites.

On October 21, Church Community Housing Corporation celebrated the grand opening of Ade Bethune House and the brand new Portsmouth Senior Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Ade Bethune House brings 54 apartments for low-income older adults to Portsmouth, co-located with a senior center that offers opportunities for programs, activities, and social connection.

HNRI congratulates the development teams, partners, and communities who helped bring these innovative projects to life.

Partner with HNRI

Annual and Event Sponsorships Now Available

This month, HNRI has rolled out new sponsorship packages for organizations, businesses, and individuals that want partner with HNRI in support our mission to increase and preserve the supply of high-quality affordable homes across Rhode Island. Explore our new menu of options - we look forward to your partnership!

Learn more | Purchase sponsorship

Work with Us

HNRI is seeking a Lived Experience and Policy Hub Evaluation Consultant to support our Housing Policy Hub project. Visit our page to learn more.

Oppose harmful OMB changes to federal grantmaking and protect federal housing programs

Earlier this year, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed sweeping changes to overhaul the set of rules, known as the Uniform Guidance, governing federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other monetary awards to nonprofits, state and local governments, and other grantees. Nearly 500,000 public comments were submitted, nearly all of which were submitted in opposition to the proposal; and Congress recently voted to temporarily delay the regulation through Dec. 11. 

The National Council of Nonprofits has reopened a national letter opposing the changes so that more organizations can sign on, and they plan to send it to Congress in November. Take action:

1. Share the national sign on letter widely! Nearly 2,000 organizations are already on the letter, but we would love for more local, state, and national groups to join us! The deadline is Nov. 11. Sign on to the Campaign for Housing and Development Funding letter, which specifically highlights harms to federal affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs here.
2. Call or email your Members of Congress and urging them to block the proposed changes and to protect our communities.
3. Mark your calendar for a Day of Action on Nov. 10. Join advocates across the nation by contacting your members of Congress and posting on social media.

Sign up for our Weekly Digest

On Fridays, we share an update in the Homes RI Google Group that includes the most recent housing headlines, hiring updates from our partners, local meetings with housing on the agenda, upcoming events/trainings, resources and more. We also invite our partners to share relevant updates to the group directly.

To join our Google Group, send an email to our Communications Manager, Nicole, at ndotzenrod@housingnetworkri.org.

Join our monthly meetings

Register to join our Monthly Alliance Meetings, the third Wednesday of every month. Our next meeting is 1:00pm November 18.

Meeting space available

The Housing Network offers use of its meeting space to member organizations, partners, and collaborators whose work aligns with our mission to increase and preserve the supply of high-quality affordable homes across Rhode Island. The space is designed to foster collaboration, learning, and shared action among housing and community development stakeholders.

Available Space & Features:

• Location: 2181 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
• Conference room (upstairs) & board room (downstairs)
• Capacity: Downstairs: 12 with board room set-up; Upstairs: 20 with board room/square set-up, 30 classroom style
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, projector/screen, conference phone, whiteboard, easel, kitchenette access, restrooms
• Accessibility: Free parking, located on RIPTA bus line, front door has steps, ramp in rear of building

For availability and pricing, reach out to Barbara at batilano@housingnetworkri.org.

The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) works to increase and preserve the supply of high-quality affordable homes across Rhode Island through coalition building, increasing public support, and policy advocacy. Our vision is that all Rhode Islanders live in safe, healthy, and affordable homes in thriving communities.