News

44 Central Street is a vital part of the redevelopment of the Central Street neighborhood

Central Falls, RI – Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, members of the General Assembly, housing officials, and advocates joined the Housing Network of Rhode Island and Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCF Development) for a special construction tour of 44 Central Street and nearby redevelopment projects. The tour provided an inside look at the ongoing development of 62 new and preserved income-restricted rental homes across 12 properties that are part of a vital effort by PCF Development to bring new life and opportunity to the Central Street neighborhood. 

“The development at 44 Central Street is exactly the type of project we need more of in Rhode Island: mixed-use, affordable, and inclusive housing, with services and resources for residents,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “It is also noteworthy that the City of Central Falls has been supportive of this development, and the resulting partnership will create beautiful, safe homes for working families.”

The Central Street redevelopment includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom rental units with affordable rents starting at $800 with options up to $1,900. 44 Central Street is situated in the heart of Central Falls, within walking distance of local schools, shops, and parks, and offers easy access to public transportation. The property will also feature two community commercial spaces, including a Homeownership and Financial Education Center. 

“44 Central Street shows what we can achieve when we come together to address the housing crisis,” said Melina Lodge, Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island. “This development is a great example of how affordable housing can change neighborhoods and give families the chance to thrive. It offers easy access to shops, restaurants, public transportation, parks, and services, along with community spaces and an accessible design that makes it welcoming for everyone. By strategically focusing state investments in developments like this statewide, we can help ensure that everyone in Rhode Island has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home, along with the support they need to build a better future for themselves.”

44 Central incorporates key accessible design features including wider doorways and hallways, lever door handles, accessible light switches, and thermostats. Roll-in showers will be installed in at least one out of every five accessible units, and in-wall blocking is included to support future grab bar installations. These thoughtful elements prioritize safety, convenience, and accessibility for all residents.

“At PCF Development, we are deeply committed to the residents of Pawtucket and Central Falls,” said Linda Weisinger, Executive Director of Pawtucket Central Falls Development. “44 Central Street represents our dedication to revitalizing neighborhoods and providing affordable, quality housing for our community. This project is not just about building homes—it’s about creating a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood where families can grow and thrive for years to come. The impact of these new and revitalized homes will be felt for generations, and

PAWTUCKET, RI – “The overwhelming passage of Question 3 is a huge win for Rhode Island and clearly demonstrates that housing is a top priority for voters. These resources are crucial for building and preserving the affordable homes all Rhode Island communities urgently need. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is fundamental to the health and physical, social and economic well-being of individuals, families, municipalities and our state as a whole. Today’s vote brings us one step closer to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have a place to call home that they can afford.”

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The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) is the state’s membership organization for agencies committed to developing affordable housing and vital communities. Currently composed of 19 community development corporations and affordable housing developers, our members have created thousands of affordable housing units from Westerly to Woonsocket and are leading community revitalization and economic development efforts across our state. Their wide array of activities– including real estate development, financial asset building, housing counseling, resident empowerment, and engagement, and much more– create tangible community change and transform the lives of Rhode Islanders.

HNRI members include: Church Community Housing Corporation, Crossroads Rhode Island, Foster Forward, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, House of Hope Community Development Corporation, Jonnycake Center, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Omni Development Corporation, One Neighborhood Builders, Pawtucket Central Falls Development, Pawtucket Housing Authority, Providence Revolving Fund, Sojourner House, South County Habitat for Humanity, SWAP (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property) Inc., Valley Affordable Housing Corporation, WARM Center, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation & Women’s Development Corporation.

Homes RI is a cross-sector coalition of organizations coordinated by HNRI working together to increase and preserve the supply of safe, healthy and affordable homes throughout Rhode Island. We believe Rhode Island can and should be a state where all residents are able to live in safe, healthy and sustainable homes in thriving communities. Learn more at www.homesri.org

RI voters can act now by voting “Yes on 3” to approve $120 million housing bond 

PAWTUCKET, RI – “The latest HousingWorks RI Fact Book reveals a stark reality: no Rhode Island community is affordable for buyers earning under $100,000 per year, and renters must earn $75,000 annually to afford the average 2-bedroom rental, which is almost $30,000 more than the median income for renter households,” said Melina lodge, Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island. 

“This crisis demands urgent action and with early voting already underway and Election Day fast approaching, every RI voter can act now by voting “Yes on 3.” “Yes on 3” will approve a $120 million housing bond, which will provide the resources needed to develop affordable homes for all Rhode Islanders. This bond is crucial—not just for building new affordable housing—but also for preserving existing homes and ensuring stability for those at risk of losing their homes.

Rhode Island cannot truly thrive and prosper without its residents having access to safe, decent and affordable homes. The data released in today’s Fact Book shows that we must take comprehensive action now to increase housing affordability, and every RI voter can play a part in that in this election.”

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The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) is the state’s membership organization for agencies committed to developing affordable housing and vital communities. Currently composed of 19 community development corporations and affordable housing developers, our members have created thousands of affordable housing units from Westerly to Woonsocket and are leading community revitalization and economic development efforts across our state. Their wide array of activities– including real estate development, financial asset building, housing counseling, resident empowerment, and engagement, and much more– create tangible community change and transform the lives of Rhode Islanders. 

HNRI members include: Church Community Housing Corporation, Crossroads Rhode Island, Foster Forward, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, House of Hope Community Development Corporation, Jonnycake Center, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Omni Development Corporation, One Neighborhood Builders, Pawtucket Central Falls Development, Pawtucket Housing Authority, Providence Revolving Fund, Sojourner House, South County Habitat for Humanity, SWAP (Stop Wasting Abandoned Property) Inc., Valley Affordable Housing Corporation, WARM Center, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation & Women’s Development Corporation.

Pawtucket, RI— Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) and Homes RI coalition proudly joined the campaign encouraging Rhode Islanders to vote “Yes on 3” to support the state’s affordable housing production efforts. With a crisis of rising rental and home costs, limited affordable options, and increasing homelessness, this bond is crucial for creating affordable homes our communities urgently need.

“Having access to safe, decent housing can have a profound impact on shaping our lives,” said Melina Lodge, Executive Director of HNRI. “Our mental and physical health, social wellbeing, and economic stability and security are all influenced by the ability or inability to secure housing that is affordable to us. When we individually thrive, our neighborhoods, communities and state also thrive. The data is clear – the cost of housing in Rhode Island, either for rent or for sale, is out of reach for far too many Rhode Islanders. Rhode Island urgently needs more affordable housing, and this bond will ensure that the resources to develop those homes are available.” 

The Housing Network of Rhode Island is the state’s membership association of 20 agencies committed to developing affordable housing and vital communities. Members of the Housing Network currently have the capacity to produce and preserve over 2,100 affordable homes over the next three years, providing much-needed relief and stability for families across the state.

“Question 3 is a critical step in addressing the housing crisis our communities face,” said Linda Weisinger, Executive Director of Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation. “By approving this measure, Rhode Islanders can help build safe, affordable homeownership and rental homes that are so desperately needed.”

The Housing Network is also the lead organization for Homes RI, a multi-sector coalition of advocates, and housing and social service organizations committed to ensuring everyone in our state has access to safe, secure and affordable housing. Homes RI includes over 90 organizations and 200 individuals dedicated to this mission.

“‘Yes on 3’ is an opportunity for Rhode Island to make meaningful progress in tackling the state’s severe housing shortage,” said Joe Garlick, Executive Director of NeighborWorks Blackstone Valley. “The affordable homes created and preserved by voting yes on Question 3 serve to uplift families and strengthen our neighborhoods, which is something we all benefit from.”

$80 million of the proposed $120 million Housing Bond will support the development of affordable housing. The Housing Bond is a ballot measure that will appear as Question 3 on every Rhode Islander’s general election ballot across the state this November. 

“Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental need,” said Christian Belden, Executive Director of Church Community Housing Corporation. “By voting ‘Yes on 3,’ we can secure the resources necessary to increase housing production across the state. Investing in affordable housing is an investment in the future stability and prosperity of our communities.”

This investment is essential to continue the progress made in building affordable homes that started with the support of federal State Fiscal

Providence, RI – The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) and Homes RI coalition are excited to welcome Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, to advance a vital voter engagement initiative, Our Homes, Our Votes. Our Homes, Our Votes is a nonpartisan campaign to register and mobilize low-income renters and housing advocates to vote, building political will for housing solutions and amplifying underrepresented voices.

“We are dedicated to advocating for safe, affordable, and healthy homes for all Rhode Islanders,” said Katie West, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Housing Network of Rhode Island, the backbone organization of Homes RI. “This November, we have a crucial opportunity to influence the future of our state. The choices we make as voters can help tackle the affordable housing crisis that affects us all—renters, homeowners, and those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.” 

“Because of the voter turnout gap between low-income renters and high-income homeowners, elected officials persistently fail to enact housing policies that meet the needs of America’s lowest-income people,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Through the nonpartisan Our Homes, Our Votes campaign, we can help close this voter turnout gap and empower low-income people to make their voices heard at the ballot box and build the political will for housing justice.” 

Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore joined the group for a community event at the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC), a member of the Housing Providers Council, to engage voters and encourage participation in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 5. This event included voter registration information and resources for the Sankofa community and residents of the West End neighborhood. 

“Elections are our most direct opportunity to tell our government what matters most to us,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “The Our Homes, Our Votes initiative encourages Rhode Islanders who are particularly interested in improving housing affordability – especially those whose voices may not historically have been heard – to participate in our democratic processes, and I’m proud to support their effort.” 

Yentel’s visit began with outreach at Shower to Empower, a one-of-a-kind mobile service provided by House of Hope that offers basic needs such as complimentary showers and haircuts, onsite case management and medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The goal of this outreach was to ensure every eligible individual is registered to vote and raise awareness about how people without stable housing can participate in the election.

“It is important that our residents and members of our community are informed, aware, and have access during this important election,” said West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation Executive Director Candace Harper. “The Our Homes, Our Votes campaign is helping us ensure information is provided

PAWTUCKET, RI – I commend and thank Governor McKee for ensuring minimal disruption to the urgent work of the Department of Housing with his appointment of Daniel Connors as interim Housing Secretary. Stable transitional leadership will be crucial in the months ahead as we continue to work with the State to address Rhode Island’s pressing housing challenges together. 

The Housing Secretary holds significant influence in shaping our state’s housing policies and programs. As the Governor contemplates the appointment of a permanent Housing Secretary, the chosen candidate must have a deep understanding of Rhode Island’s unique housing needs and opportunities, while demonstrating the ability to collaborate effectively with our state’s long-standing network of community development corporations, nonprofit housing developers and service provider organizations.

In June 2024, the General Assembly approved the State’s largest investment to date in affordable housing production with the inclusion of a $120 million Housing Bond in the FY25 budget. With appropriate funding available, Housing Network of Rhode Island members estimate they have the capacity to produce and preserve more than 2,100 affordable homes within the next three years. This investment is a pivotal opportunity to ensure these homes are built and make significant progress in addressing the housing crisis, which the Housing Secretary plays an important role in.

We stand ready to work with the Governor’s Office in making recommendations about the qualifications, skills, and qualities that the permanent Housing Secretary should possess, and remain committed to working closely with the new Housing Secretary to ensure that Rhode Island can move forward with comprehensive, effective and equitable housing solutions.

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