RI Paying Landlords To House Homeless People

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday said he launched a challenge to Rhode Island landlords to provide permanent housing for more than 150 families who have experienced homelessness and are staying in hotel shelters amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Participating landlords are eligible to receive more than $3,000 for participating in the partnership challenge with McKee, RI Housing, Amos House and the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.

"Over 150 Rhode Island households will soon be transitioning out of hotel shelters and seeking available rental housing," McKee said in a statement. "The rental market is tight, and the need is urgent. We are calling on landlords across the state to step forward to provide housing to keep Rhode Islanders safely housed."

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was providing hotel shelters for people experiencing homelessness. With that program winding down, there will be families in Rhode Island that need a place to live.

"Homelessness is an issue that requires immediate action," said Josh Saal, the deputy secretary of Commerce for Housing. "As we propose a historic investment of a quarter of a billion dollars to expand overall housing supply, we must not forget the critical role of landlords and the existing housing stock in addressing the here and now. The landlord challenge is a call to work together as a community and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both landlords and prospective tenants experiencing homelessness."

State officials said all participating units must be available, safe and habitable. Landlords will receive a $3,000 signing bonus for the first unit signed on for a one-year lease and $1,000 for each additional unit. Up to $3,000 per unit is available for reimbursement of necessary repairs. The program, when possible, will provide guaranteed rent for up to one year.

More information on the program is available at the Amos House website.