Gubernatorial Candidates

Question: Given these facts, would you as Governor ensure permanent state funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention? As governor what would you do to address the current emergency winter shelter crisis?

Algieri: No response.

Block: No response.

Caprio: As a Senator representing residents in the Federal Hill, West Broadway, and Olneyville neighborhoods of Providence, I have been a vocal advocate for affordable housing. I helped to save an annual $5 million affordable housing program from being cut by the governor in 2001. I then proposed and implemented a plan to expand the $5 million to $10 million through an affordable housing bond.In 2006, I co-sponsored a bill to increase the annual $10 million bond to a $50 million affordable housing fund.  As Governor, I will continue to be committed to ensuring that there is permanent funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

As Governor, I will be a champion for ensuring permanent funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention, and will work with organizations like Crossroads to ensure all Rhode Islanders have shelter in our State’s coldest months.  In addition, I will also work with the community mental health centers to secure “811″ grants to help provide funds for homeless people with disabilities.  I will also fight to make sure that our veterans who have sacrificed for this country have a warm place to sleep at night and a place to call home.

Chaffee: Thank you for taking the time to reach out to me. I have a solid plan to fix Rhode Island’s budget deficit to insure we have the funds necessary to sustain affordable housing programs and homelessness prevention.

The figures cited in your message are nothing short of tragic; the realities faced by Rhode Island’s most vulnerable citizens are simply unacceptable. I assure you that, if elected, I will be a strong advocate for Rhode Island’s low-income and homeless citizens.

I have the experience, judgment, and compassion to find sustainable solutions to the problems that cause poverty. I understand that we must improve access to quality education, health care, affordable housing, and jobs. This is why economic development—strong job creation—is the cornerstone of my candidacy. I encourage all Rhode Islanders to take the time to review my First 100 Days Plan for Jobs and 10 Point Economic Development Plan.

As governor, I will act decisively to address the current emergency winter shelter crisis—the shortage of short-term housing for homeless Rhode Islanders.

In addition to having concrete plans to address the systemic causes of poverty—notably the policy proposals referenced in response to Question One—as a councilman, mayor, and United States Senator, I have a longstanding record of fighting for immediate needs of homeless and low-income Rhode Islanders.

With respect to any additional specific actions I would take to address the current emergency winter shelter crisis, please be assured that I will welcome the opportunity to be briefed by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, as well as, other non-profit organizations, experts, and citizens. In my administration, advocates for Rhode Island’s low-income and homeless citizens will have a seat at the table.

Giroux: The number of closed state buildings provides immediate opportunuity for Emergency Housing to Family and Individuals in Need.  The dozens  of programs providing assistance must be consolidated as necessary to provide the most effective seamless network of housing providers and resources to focus upon the client and the responsible delivery of assistence providing computer aided support to couselors.

I do support the mandated yearly recurring commitment to budget for Emergency Housing, Basic Needs and Community Re-Investment of the Needy. The Housing settings should reflect the needs of families to remain intact and the resident community to promote Jobs Training, Health and Well-being.

Lusi: No response.

Robitaille: The next Governor of Rhode Island needs to take a serious look at homelessness in our state.  As Governor, I will make it a priority to combat homelessness with every resourse at my disposal — perticularly homelessness among our military veterans.  As a proponent of zero-based budgeting, I will personally review all funds allocated to homelessness prevention, ensure that they are being used to maximium effect, and will remain open to increased funding for such programs.”