East Providence, RI -- The East Bay Community Action Program is among 13 organizations statewide that will share $260,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation to help residents stay housed this winter. More than 600 people are expected to be helped.
“This gives these organizations an immediate source of funds to help people pay for minor, unexpected, temporary or one-time costs like car repairs, utility bills, clothing for a job or a crucial prescription. For our neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, getting help with one unexpected expense could be the difference between losing or keeping a roof over their heads,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
East Bay CAP will use its grant to prevent homelessness by assisting people with low incomes with both basic and emergency needs, including direct rental assistance.
"Those we serve are sometimes one emergency away from homelessness, and we will use this fund to assist those who have the capacity to sustain their housing with additional one-time support,” said East Bay CAP President and CEO Rilwan Feyisitan Jr.
“We will also use the grant to provide resources to individuals and families who are currently unhoused. In each situation, we will provide one-time financial support after completing a comprehensive assessment and support plan, such as that provided in our Home Stabilization Program, so that our temporary help has the best chance of making a lasting and significant impact,” he said.
The Foundation’s announcement comes as the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness reports that the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased 34.9% since last year. More than 2,400 adults and children do not have a place to live.
The surge in homelessness comes as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's average Fair Market Rent in Rhode Island has hit $1,726 a month.
The $260,000 in grants includes $152,000 from the Foundation and $108,000 from donations to the Foundation's Path Home Fund, which gives the public a way to contribute to this effort. The Foundation is accepting gifts to the fund via its website at www.rifoundation.org/pathhome. The public can also mail a check or money order donation payable to “Path Home Fund” to the Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Station, Providence, R.I., 02903.
“With winter upon us, this is a simple and secure way for Rhode Islanders to join us in contributing to organizations that have proven track records of helping people find and keep a roof over their heads,” said Cicilline.
Amos House in Providence, Community Care Alliance in Woonsocket, Crossroads RI in Providence, House of Hope in Warwick, Jonnycake Center of Hope in South Kingstown, Lucy’s Hearth in Middletown, Open Doors in Providence, Progreso Latino in Central Falls, Sojourner House In Providence, Thrive Behavioral Health in Warwick, Turning Around Ministries in Newport and the WARM Center in Westerly also received grants.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.
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