Official State of Rhode Island website

  • Change the visual color theme between light or dark modes
  • Adjust the font size from the system default to a larger size
  • Adjust the space between lines of text from the system default to a larger size
  • Adjust the space between words from the system default to a larger size
State of Rhode Island, Department of Housing ,

GOVERNOR MCKEE, RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AWARD OVER $3.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Published on Tuesday, May 13, 2025

GOVERNOR MCKEE, RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AWARD OVER $3.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Award represents the state’s largest-ever single-year investment in affordable housing through the Community Development Block Grant Program  

PROVIDENCE, RI— Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Housing made the state’s largest-ever single-year investment in affordable housing through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, awarding more than $3.5 million to support the creation or rehabilitation of nearly 1,000 affordable housing units statewide. 

Awarded Projects: 

City/Town 

Project 

Award 

Units 

Bristol  Benjamin Church Manor  $197,809  193 
Burrillville  Foster Street Revitalization  $351,000  2 
Central Falls  Housing Authority Elevators  $500,000  327 
Central Falls  Forand Manor and Wilfred  $500,000  273 
Central Falls  42 Washington  $500,000  3 
Jamestown  Housing Authority Bathrooms  $500,000  35 
Middletown  West House II  $500,000  54 
Portsmouth  Ade Bethune House  $500,000  54 
Total    $3,548,809  941  

This marks the largest single-year investment in affordable housing through the CDBG program in Rhode Island since its inception more than 40 years ago. 

“These Community Development Block Grant investments expand access to safe, affordable homes—helping us build stronger, more vibrant communities across Rhode Island.” said Governor Dan McKee. “During Affordable Housing Month, we reaffirm our commitment to making meaningful, long-term investments in housing and delivering real results for Rhode Islanders.” 

Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG program is designed to help create viable communities by supporting decent housing, expanding economic opportunities, and fostering suitable living environments. In Rhode Island, CDBG funds are distributed to municipalities and support a variety of programs, including the rehabilitation and development of residential structures.  

“The applications submitted reflect the strong commitment of our communities to providing decent, safe, and affordable housing,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “The Department of Housing looks forward to continuing these efforts in partnership with municipalities across the state.” 

The Department of Housing works in close partnership with municipalities throughout the state to assess local housing needs, review project proposals, and support implementation—ensuring that funded initiatives align with both state housing goals and community priorities.  

“Community Development Block Grant Funds are a vital resource for creating affordable housing in Newport County,” said Christian Belden, Executive Director of Church Community Housing Corporation. “These funds give us and other organizations the flexibility to respond to diverse community needs so that residents of all incomes can continue to live and thrive in the communities they call home.” 

###