Accessing Home works to bring low to moderate-income families home through partnerships with affordable housing providers throughout Rhode Island. The Accessing Home initiative, which was launched in 2016, helps Rhode Island families acquire and maintain affordable, safe, and healthy housing.
Through this initiative, NWBRV partners with community development organizations, public housing authorities, and other non-profits to equip Rhode Islanders with the resources necessary to acquire and maintain affordable, high quality housing.
On, Saturday, November 5, 2022 the Accessing Home AmeriCorps Team along with AmeriCorps members from across Rhode Island were officially sworn in at a ceremony held at NWBRV’s Millrace Kitchen.
We’re proud to introduce our 2022-2023 Accessing Home AmeriCorps Team Members!
Ariana Thomas, Pawtucket Housing Authority
Hi! My name is Ariana Thomas. My service site is the Pawtucket Housing Authority, which provides safe, clean, and affordable housing for our residents for over 80 years. I am a 21 years old, driven, and motivated individual, who enjoys helping others. I serve because I love to see the look on clients’ faces when I help them complete something that they could not do on their own.
Carine Philippeaux, Providence Revolving Fund
I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti but raised in the United States. I graduated with a bachelors in Business Administration in 2003 and in 2009 I received my Masters in Community Development. In 2009 I married and began a family. I have three beautiful children, who are currently six, seven and 10 years old. They are my heart and soul. I joined AmeriCorps because I believe in their values. Helping others in need and providing people with hope is a value deeply rooted in my core. I am thankful for the opportunity to join AmeriCorps.
Claribel Perry, House of Hope
George Bernard Shaw
My name is Claribel Perry and I’m serving The House of Hope of Rhode Island. I was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI and grew up with a very united family. My mom and dad were hard workers with big hearts. When I was younger I volunteered every summer at the Prospect Heights Community office and helped with phone calls, mailing notices of rent that were passed due, filing paperwork, stapling housing forms, cleaning, etc. I always knew that the love I had for others wouldn’t stop at that office. Working there made it very clear that serving a community isn’t just about being geographically close to someone, or being part of the same group or nationality. Life is about feeling connected while helping those individuals or families. Everyone in our community plays a crucial role in it.
I’m honored to be a part of AmeriCorps and love knowing that we all share the same compassion–that’s what keeps us untied as one here. I would love to serve the full term here with AmeriCorps. I love it here!
Joseph Rainone, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley
My name is Joseph. I am a Resident Services Coordinator serving the great state of Rhode Island out of our office on Olo street. I am a proud Woonsocket native where I currently reside with my family. When I am not working I love spending time with my family and enjoy being in my garden. I love learning, teaching and sharing and this organization gives me ample opportunities to do what I love.
Kristian Ramaglia, Women’s Development Corporation
Hello, my name is Kristian Ramaglia. I serve with AmeriCorps Accessing Home at the Women’s Development Corporation. I am currently serving my second term. I work helping lower income residents living in affordable housing by providing the support and resources they need. By doing this, I help to decrease evictions and create a stable foundation for the elderly, families, and children. I also create and manage activities that bring positive quality of life to our families. I do this because I want to be a part of the solution for families in need and want to help them live a more manageable life for their children.
Izzy Okunlola, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation
I am a Nigerian immigrant who moved to the United States in 2001. Since then, I’ve lived in four different states; New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Indiana, and Arizona. I grew up in Providence, and just recently returned to Rhode Island earlier this year (2022). I enjoy playing basketball, watching movies, playing video-games, and photography. I am a philosopher by trade, and this is my third AmeriCorps term. I am looking forward to learning all I can about housing, and feel fortune to be a part of the Accessing Home team.
Noely Quinones, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley
Greetings! My name is Noely Quinones! I am a Resident Access Coordinator with NeighborWorks. I moved to Rhode Island during a challenging time in my life. Looking back on the last year, I can safely say I made the best decision to start fresh with my two little guys. Throughout the last year I was in a DV shelter, looking for guidance and support in finding a stable and comfortable home for my children. It was a long journey where at times I felt like giving up. I took comfort in knowing that things that come easy don’t always last.
I knew there was still hope. About three years ago I was told about AmeriCorps and NeighborWorks and the housing assistance provided by them. I started to do my research and get familiar with the qualifications, because I wanted to make sure I met the proper guidelines.
We’ve been in our new place for a month now and my boys are so happy and comfortable. My job allows me to help resident keep their homes and provide them with any resources they may need. I’m happy to say I’m part of a great organization.
Oliver Feliz Lima, SWAP
My name is Oliver Feliz Lima. I live in Providence, Rhode Island with my parents and siblings but I’m originally from the Dominican Republic. I currently serve at SWAP, an affordable housing and property management company and this is my first year doing it as an AmeriCorps member. In my free time, I love researching new things related to technology, driving, and running. I serve because I always feel great when I help those in need.
Rosa Torres, SouthCoast Fair Housing
My name is Rosa Torres. My site is South Coast Fair Housing located in Pawtucket, RI. I am 33 years old and a mother of four beautiful kids. I also am a full time student at Post University for Early Childhood Education. I started to work for AmeriCorps in December, 2022. I love the opportunity that was given to me in being able to be part of the team. It means a lot to me that I’m able to share in such community love and support.
My reason for joining this beautiful team is because I love helping others. I didn’t have the best childhood, so when I look at my children I strive to give them what they deserve. I help because I want to and I love to do it, and see so much in others that hopefully drive them to do the same. I will continue to push myself but also others. I will also give all my support in showing them to never give up.
“AmeriCorps is at its best when we are not only meeting the needs of local communities, but when we’re also creating pathways and possibilities for our members and volunteers. And these newly sworn in members will be doing just that. I was honored to welcome new members to the national service family and am excited to see how these members transform communities and chart new pathways for their own lives.”
AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith.
