In a significant development, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD), recently announced over $15.7 million in federal Continuum of Care (CoC) grants for Rhode Island. These funds aim to address and ultimately end homelessness in the state by supporting coordinated services and housing initiatives for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Senator Reed played a pivotal role in securing a substantial $2.6 million increase over the 2023 funding level, highlighting his commitment to addressing the urgent issue of homelessness. The federal funds come at a crucial time, coinciding with Rhode Island’s annual “Point in Time Count” survey, conducted by the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness. Last year’s survey revealed that over 1,800 Rhode Islanders were experiencing homelessness on any given night.
The funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be instrumental in assisting local nonprofits and community partners in delivering safe, affordable housing and supportive services. The allocation will also contribute to the renewal of existing projects under Rhode Island’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and the initiation of four new projects focusing on rapid rehousing and the expansion of permanent housing programs.