2026 -- H 8262

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LC005982

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH 10TH, 2026, TO BE "HOMELESS SERVICE PROVIDER DAY" IN

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fellela,
Diaz, Ajello, Fogarty, Potter, and Felix

     Date Introduced: March 10, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Safe, reliable, and affordable housing is fundamental to the health, dignity,

and well-being of all people; and

     WHEREAS, Homelessness remains a pressing challenge in the State of Rhode Island,

where during the Point in Time count of January 2025, 2,373 Rhode Islanders were experiencing

homelessness, including individuals, families with children, veterans, and youth, reflecting the

ongoing affordability crisis and economic pressures facing our communities; and

     WHEREAS, Chronic homelessness continues to affect more than 1,000 individuals

statewide, and shelter systems and outreach providers work at or beyond capacity to meet the

growing and complex needs of Rhode Island’s unhoused residents; and

     WHEREAS, Homeless service providers, including nonprofit organizations, faith-based

institutions, outreach teams, shelter staff, case managers, and dedicated volunteers, serve on the

front lines each day, delivering emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing,

street outreach, meals and other basic needs, case management services, and pathways to long-

term stability; and

     WHEREAS, Homeless Service Provider Day, established by the National Coalition for

the Homeless, recognizes the extraordinary commitment, resilience, and compassion of those

working to prevent and end homelessness, and acknowledges that this critical work continues

every day to support the State’s unhoused neighbors and advance lasting housing solutions; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

declares March 10th of 2026 to be “Homeless Service Provider Day” in the State of Rhode

Island, and furthermore, urges all Rhode Islanders to recognize and express gratitude to the

individuals and organizations whose steadfast service strengthens our communities and affirms

the dignity and worth of every person; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Melina Lodge, Executive Director,

Housing Network of Rhode Island/Community Housing Land Trust.

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LC005982

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