Over the past year, we have witnessed firsthand the number of Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, skyrocket. In May 2021, there were 390 Rhode Islanders living in “places not meant for human habitation” – cars, RVs, tents, and the streets. The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated that there is an affordable housing crisis here in Rhode Island.

House of Hope CDC believes housing is a basic human right. A second chance at life.

In the Fall of 2020, with COVID-19 cases surging, House of Hope CDC was presented with an opportunity to provide a desperately needed resource in Southern Rhode Island – housing. In partnership with Marathon Construction, we moved 13 households into Rockville Mills in Hopkinton, Rhode Island – providing a safe, stable, affordable place to call home – for upwards of forty formerly homeless individuals.

Meet Stephanie – one of Rockville’s first tenants. Stephanie and her son Devin moved to Rockville in November 202 after she completed a substance abuse recovery program. “Our time at SSTARBirth was coming to an end and the anxiety set in. Where will we go? Will we find a place to call home?” Desperate for a solution, she took the chance and reached out to our Housing Advocate. “Wayne was so helpful and worked me through all the necessary steps I needed to get into housing. He then got me in touch with the Housing Stabilization case managers. Within a few weeks, I received the good news that Devin and I would finally have a place to call home.”

House of Hope CDC’s team worked tirelessly to move all 13 households into housing in less than 4 months. Rockville Mill now provides a safe and dignified place to live for a total of 36 individuals – mostly families – 15 adults and 21 children. Rockville is more than just housing – all tenants have access to case management in order to remain stably housed.

After too many years living on the street, in emergency shelters, couch surfing and battling addiction, Stephanie is hopeful about what the future holds for her and her son. “For so long I felt hopeless and like I wanted to give up and die. But now I have goals and dreams of getting back to work and someday owning my own house. When I look back at how far I’ve come, I’m so thankful I got my life together; I’m so thankful that I didn’t give up and that everyone at House of Hope CDC believes in me and has given me this chance; a second chance at life.”

Our work at Rockville is made possible with your support. The Housing Stabilization program is successful – thanks to you – supporters who believe in the work we are doing, and who believe people deserve a chance to become their best selves – people just like Stephanie.

To help us continue being able to provide a second chance at life for all those experiencing homelessness, may your gift today! We cannot do this meaningful work without you and we will not stop until every single Rhode Islander has a place to call home.

Read Stephanie’s entire story here.