PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Advocates came together to support the passage of Question 3 — an affordable housing bond that will be put before Rhode Island voters on Election Day.

The $120 million Housing and Community Opportunity bond would fund “the creation of affordable housing, promote homeownership and revitalize communities,” according to the “ Yes on 3 ” campaign that kicked off Tuesday.

The bond, if passed, would be allocated as follows:

• $80 million for low and moderate-income housing
• $10 million for community revitalization projects
• $20 million for low, moderate and middle income housing for homeownership
• $5 million for site acquisition and supportive housing
• $4 million for housing-related infrastructure
• $1 million for municipal planning

The affordable housing bond has the support of Gov. Dan McKee, R.I. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, the R.I. Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island.

“Housing is more than a place to live its a pathway to a stronger economy and a healthier Rhode Island,” McKee said. “Question 3 represents the largest housing bond in state history that builds on our historic investments to increase housing affordability, spur production at all levels, and promote homeownership. Voting yes on Question 3 is a win for Rhode Island families, our economy, and our future.”

Rhode Island continues to struggle with housing challenges, especially with those making minimum wage unable to afford the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the majority of the state’s cities and towns, the campaign noted.

It is also just as difficult to buy a home in Rhode Island, the campaign continued. Right now, there is no city or town in the state where a household earning the median homeowner income of $107,452 can purchase a home affordably.

“There’s no bigger issue facing our state than the housing crisis fueled by the lack of affordable homes,” Untied Way President and CEO Cortney Nicolato said. “The majority of calls to our 211 helpline come from Rhode Islanders desperately seeking housing assistance.”

“Voting yes on Question 3 should be an easy decision for everyone,” she added. “It provides us the opportunity to invest in creating the affordable housing we need to ensure our neighbors have a safe place to call home and the foundation on which to build a strong family. Rhode Island is better for all of us when we all have an equal opportunity to thrive.”

Housing advocate Michaela Serrano said having a place to live is crucial for everyone, not just Rhode Islanders.

“When you don’t have a permanent place to go home to, you worry about issues of basic survival, shelter, food and access to services most of us take for granted,” Serrano explained. “As a result, you become disconnected literally and figuratively. You may miss doctor and other appointments because your phone is not charged, you avoid personal encounters because you could not shower.”

“Having a permanent place to call home enables you to avoid the trauma of being unhoused and feel safe enough to focus on the things that can help you be more productive and engaging,” she concluded. “Supporting Question 3 will provide the funds to invest in the programs that I know will help people struggling with housing insecurity.”

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