Welcome Letter

Welcome to the Department of Housing! 

My name is Deborah Goddard, and I am the Secretary of Housing. I firmly believe that secure, safe, and affordable housing is the foundation for positive outcomes in education, health, and economic prosperity and as Secretary of Housing, I am committed to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to housing that meets their needs. Our team is focused on increasing housing production, both homeownership and rental and across the wide spectrum of affordability, preserving our existing stock, addressing homelessness, and reducing barriers to housing development. 

For the past 40 years, I have dedicated my career—spanning both the public and private sectors—to creating and preserving housing opportunities across the income spectrum. My work has focused on the unhoused, renters, and homeowners. I am excited to lead an inclusive, comprehensive, and transparent housing agenda for Rhode Island. 

I am very aware of the persistent headwinds that we face in the housing arena, but they are not unique to Rhode Island nor are they new. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Department of Housing and sister agencies, with elected officials and partners throughout the public and private sectors to achieve success despite the challenges. 

I thank Governor McKee for his confidence in me, for his commitment to addressing the housing needs and aspirations of all Rhode Islanders, and for his ongoing endorsement of the role of the Department of Housing as a part of his cabinet. 

On this website, you will find resources and information on our initiatives, services, data and reports, and the latest housing sector news. As we build stronger, more resilient communities where every Rhode Islander has the opportunity to thrive, I encourage you to explore the resources available here and reach out to us with any questions or concerns. 

Thank you for visiting the Department of Housing website, and I look forward to working with you to create a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families across Rhode Island. 

Sincerely,  

Deborah J. Goddard