RI housing crisis: Grant will help tenants navigate housing issues in court
PROVIDENCE – Rhode Islanders in need of help navigating housing issues in court received an extra layer of legal support this week through a new program unveiled by Gov. Dan McKee.
The state Department of Housing announced the award of a $3.1-million contract to Rhode Island Legal Services to help low-income Rhode Islanders to avoid eviction and remain in stable housing. The nonprofit organization, which provides free legal assistance to eligible clients, will team up with the Rhode Island Center for Justice, Direct Action for Rights and Equality, and HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University to provide housing-related legal services to tenants whose household income is no more than 80% of the area median Income. That means about $54,150 for a single person and $61,900 for two.
The services will include representation in eviction cases and mediation work with landlords, as well as case management and counseling related to housing stability, among other assistance.
“All Rhode Islanders deserve fair and equitable opportunities to secure and maintain safe, affordable housing,” McKee said in a news release. “As we continue to make both immediate investments in our statewide shelter capacity and long-term investments in permanent housing, this program aims to prevent homelessness by providing at-risk individuals and families with the legal resources they need to stay in their homes.”
The $3.1 million will come from the state’s share of federal Emergency Rental Assistance money for housing stability services, as awarded in the American Rescue Plan Act, according to the state.
This is not the only effort to provide relief for the housing crisis in Rhode Island
The legal program is meant to supplement other state housing initiatives, including $30 million to expand shelter capacity for people lacking housing; $30 million to assist first-time homebuyers; and the release of $166 million to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing.
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“Providing access to legal counsel is an effective way to reduce evictions, helping to prevent homelessness for individuals and families,” Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor said. “We are grateful to Rhode Island Legal Services and their partners for undertaking this important work.”
How you can get help with housing-related legal services
Steven S. Flores, director of Housing Law Center at Rhode Island Legal Services, said the investment will benefit all Rhode Islanders ”in the long run because it will reduce the costs for emergency services, reduce job losses due to homelessness, and facilitate more stable communities.”
“It will allow RILS and its partners to offer a range of legal help to thousands more low-income Rhode Islanders as they struggle to stay safely housed or avoid disruptive displacements, which can push families to the breaking point,” Flores said.
People seeking legal assistance can reach Rhode Island Legal Services at 800-662-5034.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Legal Services wins $3.1 million to provide housing-related legal aid
