Senator Jack Reed announces over $1.1 million to help RI homeless

This month, Senator Jack Reed announced $1.1 million of funding in new federal Continuum of Care (CoC) grants for Rhode Island homeless assistance programs in an effort to help coordinate housing and stabilization services for homeless families and individuals across Rhode Island.

	Crossroads President & CEO Karen Santilli with Senator Jack Reed

The federal grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will support five new homeless assistance projects around the state, as well as strategic planning resources that enable local providers and community partners to plan for and deliver safe, affordable housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island.

During Friday's press conference, Reed stated "We must never stop working to fight homelessness across the state and nation, and these funds are a great step toward helping to save lives while also saving taxpayer dollars. For individuals or families that are facing eviction and at risk of becoming homeless, these grants can help stabilize lives."

Among the grant awardees are Crossroads Rhode Island, Sojourner House and Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. Crossroads was awarded funding for housing for domestic violence survivors and for continued work to expand Rhode Island's Coordinated Entry System, which seeks to efficiently connect Rhode Islanders in need with housing and emergency shelter.

"The grants we receive through programs like HUD's Continuum of Care are critical to our work to move from a shelter-based system to a solution-based system that focuses on housing....Senator Reed understands that housing and supportive services for the most vulnerable families and individuals are critical," said Crossroads' President and CEO Karen Santilli during the press conference.