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9/12/2025
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New commission to study creation of whole-home repairs program
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STATE HOUSE – A new legislative commission is set to begin studying the possibility of creating a statewide whole-home repair program to assist low-income homeowners and owners of small multi-family homes in repairing and upgrading their homes.
The Special Legislative Commission to Study and Provide Recommendations for the Creation of a Whole-Home Repairs Program is scheduled to hold its first meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. in Room 135 on the first floor of the State House.
The commission was created as a result of a House resolution (2025-H 6427) sponsored by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston). The resolution calls for a study of the possibility of creating a program to help coordinate resources and fill in gaps to help low-income homeowners to repair roofs, siding, windows, siding, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, and make upgrades to make the building eligible for energy efficiency programs.
The resolution points to the state’s housing shortage, its position of having the third-oldest housing stock in the nation and the high proportion of Rhode Island households — one-third — that are cost-burdened by housing, meaning more than 30% of their income goes to housing expenses.
While some programs exist for certain types of repairs through several state agencies and nonprofits, they can be difficult for homeowners to find and access, and often, owners cannot afford the upgrades necessary to qualify for programs that assist with energy efficiency improvements. Many Rhode Islanders live in unsafe homes with leaking roofs, unreliable and inefficient heat and wiring, and deferred maintenance can exacerbate problems.
The 10-member commission includes Representative Handy, Rep. Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence), Rep. Sherry Roberts (R-Dist. 29, West Greenwich, Coventry), Rhode Island Builders Association CEO John Marcantonio, Rhode Island Housing Director of Government Relations and Policy Amy Rainone, Housing Network of Rhode Island President Melina Lodge, Office of Energy Resources Acting Commissioner Christopher Kerns, Office of Healthy Aging Director Maria Cimini, Comprehensive Community Action Program Director Christopher Mansfield and Providence Revolving Fund Director Carrie Zaslow.
Tuesday’s meeting will include the election of a chairperson, an introduction of members, a discussion of the commission’s enabling resolution and a discussion of suggestions for future presentations. No public testimony will be accepted at this meeting.
The meeting will be televised by Capitol Television on Cox Communications, channels 15 and 61 for high definition; i3 Broadband (formerly Full Channel) on channel 15; and Verizon, on channel 34. Livestreaming is available at https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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