PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — As the housing crisis worsens, more people are experiencing homelessness.
Crossroads Rhode Island is hosting its second-largest fundraiser of the year on Tuesday, Oct. 1, called “ Neighbors Helping Neighbors .” The money raised through the event goes directly to programs helping Rhode Islanders with housing insecurity.
“All of those resources will go toward supporting our critical services and housing programs,” President and CEO Michelle Wilcox said.
One example is the construction happening on Summer Street in Providence. It’s been in the works since 2020 and will provide 176 one-bedroom apartments for those who have just gotten back on their feet.
“Everything that you need to do in life is made better and easier if you have a home to do it from,” Wilcox said. “Imagine sending your kid to school from an emergency shelter, imagine figuring out your work schedule, getting necessary medical care, getting treatment for a mental illness or substance use.”
Wilcox said residents do pay, but no more than a third of what they make. In 2019, she said they helped about 4,000 Rhode Islanders, and this year that number is expected to be higher than 7,000.