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10/15/2024
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Yes on 3 Campaign Launches in Support of $120 Million Housing and Community Opportunity Bond
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Housing Advocates, Public Officials, Members of the Community Highlight the Need to Pass
Question 3 on Nov. 5
Providence, R.I. - In support of the passage of a $120 million affordable
housing and community opportunity bond that will be put before the voters on Election Day,
state leaders, housing advocates and everyday Rhode Islanders shared their insights and
experiences to highlight the need for continued investment in affordable housing.
In a unique and easily accessible format, the campaign launched online. This approach allowed for supporters and the public to engage in the launch alongside Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) , Senate Majority Whip Valerie Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence), Gov. Dan McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and Cortney Nicolato and Kyle Bennett of the United Way of Rhode Island, all of whom were introduced by the event’s host, David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. Personal stories about the positive impact of affordable, permanent and safe housing were shared by Rhode Islanders.
Approval of the $120 million Housing and Community Opportunity Bond will create affordable
housing, promote homeownership, revitalize communities and ensure that Rhode Island can
meet the growing housing needs of its residents. The bond proceeds are expected to be
allocated as follows:
● $80 million for low and moderate-income housing
● $10 million for community revitalization projects
● $20 million for low, moderate and middle income housing for homeownership
● $5 million for site acquisition and supportive housing
● $4 million for housing-related infrastructure
● $1 million for municipal planning
Rhode Island continues to face significant housing challenges. Vital service job workers making
minimum wages cannot afford the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in a majority of the
state’s cities and towns. Homeownership is just as challenging. Currently there is no
municipality in the state where a household earning the median homeowner income of $107,452
can buy a home affordably.
Rhode Island can and should be a state where all residents are able to afford to live in safe and
healthy homes, in thriving communities. Passage of this bond is a step in the right direction to
assist in addressing the urgent need to create more affordable housing.
“Housing is a foundation for success in all areas of life. All positive outcomes, for all people, no
matter their age, start with a good safe home,” said Speaker Shekarchi. “This is why over the
last four years, working with my colleagues in state government, we have passed almost 50
new housing laws, all with the intention of increasing housing production.”
“Housing insecurity is significantly impacting so many people in my district and statewide. It
disrupts lives, holds back our economy and exacerbates long-standing inequality,“ said Senator
Lawson. “We must act now to address this issue, and I am asking all Rhode Islanders to vote
yes on Question 3 in order to inject much needed funding in critical affordable housing
programs.”
“Housing is more than a place to live – it’s a pathway to a stronger economy and a healthier
Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Question 3 represents the largest housing bond in
state history that builds on our historic investments to increase housing affordability, spur
production at all levels, and promote homeownership. Voting ‘yes’ on Question 3 is a win for
Rhode Island families, our economy, and our future.”
“As an elected official at the local and state level, I have witnessed firsthand the housing
insecurity challenges faced by minimum and lower wage workers,” stated Lt Gov. Matos. “These
are working families who deserve to have safe, permanent and affordable homes. You can help
us create those homes by making your voice heard on Question 3 this November.”
“Investing in safe, affordable housing is one of the single best investments that we can make as
a state, to ensure that our neighbors and communities thrive,” said David N. Cicilline, president
and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. “Passage of Question 3 is an important step in the
continued effort to provide funding to help address the housing challenges Rhode Islanders are
facing.”
“We at United Way know there’s no bigger issue facing our state than the housing crisis fueled
by the lack of affordable homes – the majority of calls to our 211 helpline come from Rhode
Islanders desperately seeking housing assistance,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO,
United Way of Rhode Island. “Voting ‘Yes’ on Question 3 should be an easy decision for
everyone. It provides us the opportunity to invest in creating the affordable housing we need to
ensure our neighbors have a safe place to call home and the foundation on which to build a
strong family. Rhode Island is better for all of us when we all have an equal opportunity to
thrive.”
“When you don’t have a permanent place to go home to, you worry about issues of basic
survival, shelter, food and access to services most of us take for granted. As a result, you
become disconnected literally and figuratively. You may miss doctor and other appointments
because your phone is not charged, you avoid personal encounters because you could not
shower.” explained Michela “Kayla” Serrano, a housing advocate. “Having a permanent place to
call home enables you to avoid the trauma of being unhoused and feel safe enough to focus on
the things that can help you be more productive and engaging. Supporting Question 3 will
provide the funds to invest in the programs that I know will help people struggling with housing
insecurity.”
Yes On 3 is a broad-based coalition of individuals, organizations and community leaders in
support of Question 3, the housing and community opportunity bond that will be on Rhode
Island’s general election ballot Nov. 5. The effort to pass Question 3 is funded in part by the
Partnership for Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Foundation and the United Way of Rhode
Island, as well as traditional fundraising from organizations and individuals.
https://www.yeson3ri.com/
The campaign kick-off video can be accessed here https://www.yeson3ri.com/campaign-kickoff
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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