2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of RIHousing. We are incredibly grateful to have reached this milestone.
 We are proud of the collective positive impact RIHousing has made on Rhode Island since 1973.
RIHousing 50th Anniversary: Leadership
As part of RIHousing’s 50th anniversary, our current and former Executive Directors reflect on the meaningful impact the agency has made on Rhode Island.
#RIHousing50: Bite-sized stories and facts from our 50 year history
Our History
RIHousing is established by the General Assembly
First Homes mortgage program launched
Program offers a combination of low interest rates and help with up-front costs to make a first home affordable
RIHousing administers the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program
LIHTC is the primary tool for financing the development, rehabilitation and preservation of multifamily affordable housing. Since 2005, RIHousing has used this resource to finance over 5,500 apartments throughout the state.Â
Learn more about how we partner with developers to build a better Rhode Island >Â Â
RIHousing begins to administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program
The federal program aims to help eligible households find safe housing. Today, RIHousing administers the program in 20+ communities.
RIHousing administers the HOME Investment Partnership Program
The program provides funds to acquire and develop homes for low-income families. Â
Since 2005,1,400 homes have been developed or preserved under the program.Â
Access to Independence program is created
The RIBHDDH-funded program provides accessibility improvements in homes occupied by those with developmental disabilities.
Housing Resource Commission (HRC) is established
Established through RI Housing Resources Agency Act passed by the General Assembly, the HRC is responsible for developing plans, policies, standards and programs and providing technical assistance for housing.
RIHousing begins administration of Performance Based Contract Administration (PBCA).
RIHousing begins administration of the Continuum of Care program.
The agency acts as the Designated Collaborative Agency, overseeing its annual funding competition, processes, systems planning and policy oversight.Â
Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI) fund established
A $50 million bond establishes the Building Homes Rhode Island (BHRI) fund to build affordable homes in Rhode Island. Â
RIHousing opens the HelpCenter
The HUD-approved counseling agency provides counseling services to Rhode Island homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments.
RIHousing launches the Hardest Hit Fund RI
The federally-funded assistance was designed to help eligible Rhode Islanders prevent foreclosure of their homes.
FirstHomes Tax Credit Program launched
The program provides qualified first-time Rhode Island homebuyers (and those buying in targeted areas of the state) with a mortgage credit certificate.
Ocean State Grad Grant program launched
The program provided up to $20,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers purchasing foreclosed homes in select RI communities.
RI-Refi program launched
The program assisted homeowners who owe more than the current market value of their home, by allowing qualified homeowners to refinance into a new home loan based on the home’s current market value.Â
RIHousing administers the Capital Magnet Fund (CMF)
The Capital Magnet Fund (CMF) is used by RIHousing to support the development and preservation of affordable housing.
10kDPA program launched
The program provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers in Rhode Island.
Workforce Housing Innovation Challenge launched
The program, now known as Middle Income Housing, provides financing to developments with units for households earning between 100-120% Area Median Income.Â
ZEOS program launched
The program provides financial support and collaboration between statewide partners to solve a wide range of issues including housing, energy and other environmental issues.
RIHousing launches the RentReliefRI program
The federally funded program provided rental and utility assistance to tenants facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
FirstGenHomeRI program launched
The program provides $25,000 grants to first-generation homeowners in several RI communities to assist with down payment or closing cost assistance.
Homeowners Assistance Fund RI (HAF-RI) launched
The state-wide program provides assistance for an array of housing-related expenses to homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19.Â
RI Statewide DPA Program launched
In partnership with the State of Rhode Island, the program provides $17,500 grants to assist eligible first-time homebuyers in Rhode Island with down payment and closing costs.Â
Different look, same mission.
Our logos changed over the past five decades, but one thing has remained the same: RIHousing’s commitment to connecting Rhode Islanders with opportunities for homeownership and choices in housing.
