PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — As the housing crisis worsens, more people are experiencing homelessness.

Crossroads Rhode Island is hosting its second-largest fundraiser of the year on Tuesday, Oct. 1, called “ Neighbors Helping Neighbors .” The money raised through the event goes directly to programs helping Rhode Islanders with housing insecurity.

“All of those resources will go toward supporting our critical services and housing programs,” President and CEO Michelle Wilcox said.

One example is the construction happening on Summer Street in Providence. It’s been in the works since 2020 and will provide 176 one-bedroom apartments for those who have just gotten back on their feet.

“Everything that you need to do in life is made better and easier if you have a home to do it from,” Wilcox said. “Imagine sending your kid to school from an emergency shelter, imagine figuring out your work schedule, getting necessary medical care, getting treatment for a mental illness or substance use.”

Wilcox said residents do pay, but no more than a third of what they make. In 2019, she said they helped about 4,000 Rhode Islanders, and this year that number is expected to be higher than 7,000.

“In many cases, these are folks who are working, sometimes working two or three jobs, who have never been homeless before. And it’s all attributable to the lack of affordable housing, the rising cost of rents — housing costs and rents have gone up dramatically — and the fact that wages just aren’t keeping up with inflation,” she explained.

Money raised from fundraisers also goes toward future housing projects, such as turning 9-by-11-foot rooms in their main building on Broad Street into studio and one-bedroom apartments.

They also plan to offer apartments for medically vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.

“To hear the story from our team who describe when someone gets the keys to their new apartment and the joy that that brings, that’s really what does it for me,” Wilcox said.

Tickets for the 4th annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors are available online .

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Roundup

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.