While the mission of creating affordable housing opportunities for Northern Rhode Islanders has always been critical, never before has NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley’s goal of providing residents access to safe, affordable housing been more essential than it is today.
On March 2, 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, Rhode Islanders will have the opportunity to vote YES on Question 3 in the Rhode Island special election; supporting the authorization of the state to issue bonds in amounts up to $65 million for the building and renovating of public housing projects. These bonds, which would be put straight towards affordable housing development, will not only facilitate the construction and restoration of homes and neighborhoods for Rhode Islanders, they would generate vital job opportunities throughout the state.
“Voter support of the Housing Bonds over the years has allowed nonprofit community developers to help meet the growing housing needs of Rhode Islanders,” NWBRV Executive Director Joe Garlick explained.
Garlick, who has spent the last 27 years with the nonprofit community development corporation, added that “the affordable apartments and homes we build help the State on so many levels. They generate jobs, provide safe homes for workers, spur health improvements, positively impact educational achievement, and spur local consumer spending to support small businesses.”
During this historically devastating time, it is imperative that Rhode Islanders be provided with opportunities for safe, affordable housing. During a recent visit to Greenridge Commons, a community of 96 affordable rental homes in Pascoag, State Treasurer Seth Magaziner asserted, “This is a time when we as a state, need to be bold. We are in a time of crisis and times of crisis require big, bold action. Once again, I’m encouraging Rhode Islanders to vote YES on all seven bonds in the special election, so we can put Rhode Islanders to work on projects that will create jobs and also improve quality of life and our economy over the long run.”
Magaziner continued, “Rhode Islanders deserve housing that is safe, secure and affordable. And we can put a lot of people to work in a time when a lot of Rhode Islanders are unemployed due to COVID-19 and the economic downturn.”
For more information on Voting YES to Question 3, visit http://yeson3ri.org/question-3-facts/ .
Voting takes place March 2, 2021. RI polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Early in-person voting opportunities began Wednesday, February 10 and will end Monday, March 1 at 4 p.m.
Your March 2 polling location is available here.
Your vote for Question 3 could bring housing and employment relief to those who need it most.