Governor McKee announces "Landlord Challenge" to pay landlords to rent to formerly homeless

“I moved to the state of Rhode Island from New York City, where I worked as a nurse for several years, about a year ago. Unfortunately, with housing costs and family matters, I wasn’t able to establish a home for me and my son,” said Virgina, holding her son Jayden. Virginia is a formerly unhoused mother who secured an apartment through the landlord incentive program the first time it was implemented, during the pandemic. “I was pretty much hopping from couch to couch, house to house, and it was overwhelming for me and my son. Fortunately I was able to find house shelter where they took me in and they made me feel like family – made me feel like home – and was very respectful, even when I felt I was at my lowest.

“I was grateful that they found me an apartment. which I can finally call home,” concluded Virginia. “I can go home every day to my son and I was blessed to have a three bedroom where all my kids can have their own room. All the staff from Amos House has been nothing but a blessing to me and that’s something that I will be always remember and I will never forget. I’m very grateful.”

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee kicked off a statewide landlord challenge effort on Tuesday to provide permanent housing for Rhode Islanders who have been experiencing homelessness and staying in hotel shelters since the onset of the pandemic.

Under the program, landlords will receive a $3,000 signing bonus for the first unit signed on for a one year lease and $1,000 for each additional unit. Up to $3,000 per unit is available for reimbursement of necessary repairs. The program, when possible, will provide rent for up to one year.

Read more: https://upriseri.com/governor-mckee-announces-landlord-challenge/