Newport is one of the few communities in Rhode Island that exceeds the state’s mandate for affordable housing. Yet, local officials say Newport has a housing crisis and risks losing its diverse community, as tourists, part-time residents and investors drive up rents and home prices. It’s becoming more common for local residents to fall on hard times and more difficult for them to get back on track to find stable housing. In part five of our series “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing,” we hear the story of a man who’s struggled to make the city by the sea his home and is currently living in his car.
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Posted inEpisode, Housing, South County Bureau
In Charlestown, limited progress and lots of discord on affordable housing
Like in other South County towns, home prices have skyrocketed in Charlestown in recent years, as young people and families are being priced out of a shoreline community that’s becoming increasingly attractive to out-of-state buyers. But Charlestown is also near the bottom of the heap with its neighbors in creating affordable housing. The town is divided over who’s to blame for that. In part four of our series “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing,” we hear how some say it’s part of an intentional effort in recent years to limit growth.
Posted inEpisode, Housing, Local, Newport Bureau
URI grad fought for affordable housing in Middletown. Now he’s priced out, too
Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act says every city and town in the state needs to have at least 10 percent of its housing stock be affordable. But decades after the law went into effect, only six municipalities have met the goal. In the third installment of our series, “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing,” we find that Middletown is one community that still has far to go.
Posted inEpisode, Housing, Metro Desk
“It’s a relentless pursuit”: How one organization has secured housing for hundreds of homeless Rhode Islanders
In the second installment of our series, “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing,” we look at Amos House, a local nonprofit that entices landlords to house homeless people by offering them thousands of dollars in cash incentives.
Posted inEpisode, Housing, Politics
Rhode Island faces a long haul to tame its housing crisis
Rhode Island’s housing crisis has climbed to the top of the state’s political agenda. But making progress remains difficult due to a number of factors. In this first installment of our new series, “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing,” we look at what happens when the rubber meets the road.
