Drive the Low-Mod and Land Use Commissions to address systemic barriers to increasing the supply of affordable housing, including equitable changes to the 10% threshold, comprehensive zoning reform, and insuring we have adequate enforcement and accountability in the distribution of building subsidies.   

• Only 6 municipalities in Rhode Island meet the statutory goal of maintaining 10% of their housing stock as long-term affordable homes, with the Low-Mod Commission we have a chance to lay the groundwork to advance affordable housing goals and tracking throughout the state 
• Antiquated zoning regulation is the number one barrier to building more housing in our state, much of our limited supply of buildable land is not zoned for housing, we have the chance to create livable communities for future generations through changes to our zoning laws on the Land-Use Commission 

State Housing Plan: With the hiring of the new Deputy Secretary of Housing, Rhode Island has the chance to create its first statewide plan to address the housing crisis and lay the groundwork for an equitable housing system. United Way of Rhode Island supports the development of the plan and encourages Community level input, to include individuals and families with extremely low, very low, and median incomes. The plan should incorporate a thorough analysis of every facet of the housing system; including: 

• Emergency Supports: This includes addressing the gap in emergency shelter as well as a permanent emergency rental assistance program and eviction diversion program 
• Permanent Supportive Housing: Permanent Supportive Housing is the best way to stabilize our residents experiencing homelessness  

• Affordable Housing: The lack of supply of long-term affordable housing options is one of the biggest issues facing our state in every community. Investment and new strategies are needed to expedite development and stabilize our families and workforce throughout the state 
• Stabilization and Standards in the Private Rental Market: We have seen rents rise and thousands of households displaced over the pandemic. Addressing known gaps in making our rental housing safe, affordable, and stable is urgent. This includes considering rent stabilization, requiring a Certificate of Rental Suitability, enforcing Minimum Housing Standards and Lead Safety requirements for all rental properties, as well as a right to counsel in eviction hearings.  
• Prioritizing Racial Equity in Homeownership Programs: State and federally funded programs to support homeownership and mitigate foreclosure should be administered with a priority to advance racial equity as the racial gap in homeownership continues to increase in RI.  

Promote awareness of Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit are tools that, when combined with increase minimum wage, they help to lift families out of poverty. Our work here is to promote these products to eligible families that do not typically file income tax returns to increase resources in families that need them desperately.  

Support the effort to Cover all Kids campaign to expand health insurance to allow access to healthcare to all of Rhode Island’s children. Access to health care coverage will bolster the health and financial self-sufficiency of many low-income families who continue to have to choose between taking their children to the doctor and paying for other basic needs such as food, rent, utilities, or car insurance. The campaign has strong support from over 20 organizations including Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Economic Progress Institute, and The Latino Policy Institute. 

Campaign for investment in Out of School Time Learning from State budget, ARPA funding and ESSER III dollars to ensure access for over 59,000 children and youth desperately in need of a quality afterschool programming to supplement learning and exploration of topics they find interesting. 

Youth-centered design promotes the cultivation of relationships among providers who know and care about the community and cultures served. The Afterschool Alliance reports that 72% of kids in afterschool programs are safe and out of trouble and 81% of kids build valuable life skills in afterschool programs. 89% of parents support public funding for afterschool. Additional information can be found here. United Way of Rhode Island continues to focus on various equity indicators, such as social-emotional supports, climate and culture of the afterschool space and local environment, and family involvement and understanding of youth development.

Greater Access to Broadband The RI Afterschool Network works to close the opportunity and access gaps for kids of color and kids in poorer communities. When our youth have greater choice they can explore afterschool in a more meaningful way. Broadband access is one of the oldest barriers to learning and earning in Rhode Island.