Almost $1 Million Dollars in Housing Grants Comes to East Providence

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse have with Congressman David Cicilline announced that the federal government has awarded a total of $2.2 million dollars to the cities of Woonsocket and East Providence.

“This federal funding will help Woonsocket and East Providence address some of their communities’ most pressing housing needs, while supporting job creation and boosting economic development. These housing and revitalization funds may be used to support affordable housing, improve public facilities, and strengthen our communities,” Said Senator Jack Reed who is the ranking member of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds these programs.

“Ensuring access to affordable housing is one of the most effective strategies for growing Rhode Island’s economy, strengthening our cities and towns, and creating good-paying jobs for working men and women,”. said Congressman Cicilline in a press release and who in part requested the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In total East Providence will receive $662,221 dollars all of which will come from the Community Development Block Grant program which has the goal of growing affordable housing, and retaining and expanding local businesses in urban communities.

“This federal funding will help East Providence and Woonsocket build more affordable housing and address some of the unique challenges each city faces – from caring for seniors to making buildings safe for children,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who has fought against Republicans’ attempts to reduce or eliminate funding for the HOME and CDBG programs. “I’m proud to support these grant programs, and I congratulate both cities on receiving these funds.”