2026 -- H 8564

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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

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JANICE LUONGO

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Biah,
Kennedy, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Boylan, and Hopkins

     Date Introduced: May 19, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this House has learned of the passing of

Janice Luongo on May 12, 2026, at the age of 75, after a sudden illness; and

     WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was a compassionate advocate, writer, and tireless champion

for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and hardship, dedicating

much of her life to uplifting society’s most vulnerable citizens; and

     WHEREAS, At the center of Janice’s life was her beloved wife and partner of thirty-five

years, Annmarie “Annie” Simoli, with whom she shared a life rooted in love, devotion, creativity,

resilience, and unwavering support; and

     WHEREAS, She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and uncle, Rita and Al Poli and

Anne Caldarella; her brother, Thomas; cousins; extended family members; dear friends;

colleagues; and the many communities she touched through her advocacy, mentorship, and

friendship; and

     WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was widely respected for her honesty, courage, and

passionate voice on behalf of those too often unheard. Whether speaking about injustice,

community, love, or public policy, she spoke plainly, fearlessly, and memorably, earning

admiration throughout Rhode Island’s advocacy and service communities; and

     WHEREAS, Janice devoted much of her life to building stronger communities and

coalitions of care, from her early work at the Smith Hill Center to her more recent collaboration

with Better Lives RI and her service as Editor-in-Chief of “Street Sights,” Rhode Island’s only

publication dedicated to issues affecting the homeless community; and

     WHEREAS, What began in 2007 as a single sheet of resource information for individuals

experiencing homelessness evolved under Janice’s leadership into a widely respected publication

featuring stories, poetry, artwork, resource information, faith-based encouragement, and firsthand

accounts written by and for individuals living through poverty and housing insecurity; and

     WHEREAS, Through “Street Sights,” Janice ensured that critical information and human

stories reached those living in shelters, encampments, on the streets, and in temporary housing

situations, often personally distributing copies throughout communities she knew intimately

through her own lived experiences and advocacy work; and

     WHEREAS, Janice also contributed her voice and expertise to numerous public

conversations concerning homelessness and housing insecurity in Rhode Island, consistently

challenging public officials and community leaders to move beyond temporary solutions and

address the root causes of homelessness through dignity, compassion, and meaningful action; and

     WHEREAS, Her memorable and deeply human question, “What About Tonight?”,

became a rallying cry reminding policymakers and advocates alike that immediate human

suffering demanded urgent attention and action; and

     WHEREAS, Janice’s advocacy was informed not only by intellect and compassion, but

also by her own lived experiences overcoming adversity, allowing her to connect authentically

with those struggling through homelessness, addiction, trauma, and poverty; and

     WHEREAS, Friends and fellow advocates remembered Janice as a woman possessing

what her grandmother lovingly called “a heart of gold,” whose generosity was sincere, whose

compassion was constant, and whose commitment to others never wavered; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Janice Luongo strengthened Rhode Island through her

courage, empathy, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to human dignity, leaving behind a

legacy that will continue inspiring future generations of advocates and community leaders; now,

therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of Janice

Luongo on her passing; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House honors and remembers Janice Luongo for her

extraordinary life of advocacy, compassion, and service to the people of Rhode Island,

particularly those experiencing homelessness and hardship; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Annmarie “Annie” Simoli and the family of

Janice Luongo.

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