McKee Commits $5 Million To Expand Homeless Shelter Capacity In RI

RHODE ISLAND — State officials have committed up to $5 million to expand homeless shelter capacity statewide, Gov. Dan McKee said Wednesday.

"All Rhode Islanders deserve a safe place to sleep at night, and expanding our shelter capacity will help ensure we have the resources to support all families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness," McKee said in a statement. "We thank the many shelters, nonprofit organizations and housing advocates across the state for their partnership in this important effort."

State officials issued a solicitation related to shelter expansion on Friday, with a focus on expanding trauma-informed shelter in non-congregate settings that serves couples, families and others experiencing homelessness.

The Office of Housing and Community Development requested letters of interest from existing Consolidated Homeless Fund vendors. While this solicitation applies only to existing Consolidated Homeless Fund vendors, such agencies may collaborate with non-CHF vendors in developing and submitting proposals.

"To make homelessness rare and brief, we need to stabilize households who are most vulnerable, while simultaneously building units with supportive services for individuals and families who are unhoused," said Rhode Island Secretary of Housing Josh Saal. "We understand that goal cannot be reached overnight, which makes the expansion of non-congregate shelter capacity vitally important."

Funding is available for activities directly related to the expansion of shelter capacity beyond its pre-pandemic capacity. An optional information session will be held at 315 Iron Horse Way from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Friday for interested applicants.

The state, in partnership with the Amos House, is also still running the Landlord Challenge. Participating landlords are eligible to receive more than $3,000 for participating in Gov. Dan McKee's housing challenge.