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State of Rhode Island Department of Housing

Rhode Island Department of Housing Releases FY26 Consolidated Homelessness Fund Request for Proposals, Emphasizing Fiscal Responsibility and Housing-Focused Solutions

Published on Wednesday, May 07, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Housing, in collaboration with the Consolidated Homeless Fund Partnership, has released the FY26 Request for Proposals [5ejhluhbb.cc.rs6.net] (RFP) for the Consolidated Homelessness Fund. This statewide funding opportunity seeks qualified providers to advance Rhode Island’s coordinated response to homelessness through innovative, person-first, housing-focused programs. 

“This RFP reflects our commitment to investing in services that are essential to helping individuals exit homelessness and secure stable housing,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “By working with local partners, we are calling on providers to deliver person-centered, service-driven, housing-focused solutions that lead to long-term stability.” 

Goddard added, “This effort is aligned with Governor McKee’s commitment to reduce homeless and promote housing stability, part of his RI 2030 long-range strategic plan [5ejhluhbb.cc.rs6.net] for the state.”  

Over the past three years, the Consolidated Homelessness Fund was bolstered by one-time federal investments through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As those temporary funds wind down FY26 marks a key transition toward a more sustainable, long-term funding structure. 

It is more crucial than ever to manage funds responsibly and to prioritize solutions that address urgent community needs while also being cost-effective and reducing homelessness over the long term. 

Approximately $19 million in funding is anticipated for the upcoming program year, running from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, contingent on final approval of Governor McKee’s FY26 budget. The Governor’s budget proposal introduces two new dedicated revenue streams for homelessness response—estimated to provide $4.4 million in FY26 and $8.1 million annually thereafter—offering a more stable, recurring funding base for future years. 

This year’s partnership supports a coordinated homelessness response grounded in Housing First, trauma-informed care, and low-barrier practices. Guided by the principle that homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring, funded projects are expected to prioritize diversion and rapid exit strategies that reduce reliance on emergency shelters and help individuals quickly reconnect to safe, stable housing. Providers must participate in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), focus on measurable outcomes, and incorporate system navigation to improve access and coordination across services. 

Funding is available for the following project types: 

  • Street Outreach & Regional Access Points
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Housing Problem Solving (Diversion, Prevention, Rapid Exit)
  • Rapid Rehousing
  • Supportive Services Only 

The full RFP is available on the Department of Housing website [5ejhluhbb.cc.rs6.net]. Applications will be accepted through the eCIVIS portal beginning Friday, May 9th, 2025, and will be accepted through Monday, June 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.