| R 143 |
| 2026 -- H 8262 Enacted 03/10/2026 |
| 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 |
| 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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