$2.2 Million in Housing Assistance Comes to Woonsocket

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 Woonsocket will receive just over $1.5 million dollars in grants and investments.

Woonsocket will receive $1,159,611 from the Community Development Block Grant program which has the goal of growing affordable housing, and retaining and expanding local businesses in urban communities.

$286,410 of the money Woonsocket will receive will be from the HOME Investment Partnerships which funds housing initiatives, often in partnership with non-profit housing organizations and may be used for direct rental assistance to low-income residents; building new affordable housing stock; or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent.

The final grant of $102,412 will come from the HUD Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program which aims to combat homelessness through improving the quality and operations of homeless shelters and providing essential services for those who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness.

“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.”