Government
Public services and government action
There is still no plan that matches the scale of the unhoused problem in Rhode Island - and the problem is getting worse
"One of the problems… is that there is insufficient housing for these people," said Senator Jack Reed. "Even with vouchers… people can't get housing."
E-bikes return to Providence
"While Jump certainly had a troubled end, the hard facts is that it opened up th city for thousands of people who simply didn't have access to their own working bicycle or a place to put it," said Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition. "Over the course of 11 months of Jump's operation - people in Providence took 300,000 rides, biking a combined almost 580,000 miles, making Providence the highest usage city outside of California. People in Providence like to ride bikes."
Mayor Elorza meets with unhoused encampment leaders
"So the main organizer, actually, we've known each other for years and years and years," said Mayor Elorza. "I know her family. I know her parents. And so part of it is just connecting at a human level. Remember, they're human beings and we have got to be compassionate when we do this work..."
Given 48 hours to vacate, unhoused encampment in PVD holds press conference
"I don't understand how we're being evicted when no criminal charges [have been made] by the owner," said Diumila Almonte, the leader and spokesperson for the encampment. "The owner doesn't even exist right now. He's been MIA since, I believe, 2019. These people have been subject to illegal questioning, illegal search of their property, cops trying to tear down tents and it's just not appreciated. Everybody deserves to be respected, no matter what background, no matter what color."
RI elected leaders favor AG's package of gun safety legislation
"Policy is just one piece of the puzzle, but a crucial one nonetheless," said Nwando Ofokansi, a public health organizer. "These pieces of legislation that we are here to discuss today are an important step in making our communities safer. These are not anti-gun or anti-second amendment legislations. They are about responsible gun ownership, safe gun access, and harm reduction."
RI Poor People’s Campaign supports federal resolution to end poverty
Third Reconstruction Resolution is "a historic omnibus vision to summon the moral and political resolve of the nation to center the needs of the 140 million people who are poor, low-wealth and/or living one emergency away from economic ruin – and millions more since the pandemic – with moral laws and policies."
Providence Police search unhoused encampment - threaten arrests
"Listen to me," said the officer. "You're this close to getting arrested for disorderly conduct. You're very close. Don't challenge me on it because you'll be in handcuffs in a second."
Advocates push to provide health insurance for all RI children, regardless of immigration status
The legislation "would establish Rhode Island’s commitment to provide health insurance to all children who are residents of the state, regardless of immigration status. It would provide for the appropriation of state-only funds to pay for coverage if federal funds are not available."
During pandemic, RIDOC Director never visited correctional facilities under her supervision
"...I had asked how often she gets into the cellblocks," said Katherine Molloy, who toured the facilities with Director Coyne-Fage in early May. "She told me that this had been the first time she's been there in a year."
Unhoused, they banded together. Now their "garden" is about to be dispersed.
"This started off down the street. There's a little garden. That was my vision," said Diumila Almonte. "Somebody has to tell their story and be honest and not feel judged for their story. People need to know it's our society failing these people. It's our government failing these people. It's our council failing these people."