Rhode Island getting $2.5M in housing assistance

Announcing additional housing aid from the federal government, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Providence Housing Authority Executive Director Melissa Sanzaro speak with reporters June 11, 2021. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is getting an additional $2.5 million to help residents still struggling to pay the rent and find stable housing even though the pandemic is easing.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says the aid through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide 159 emergency housing vouchers for people who are homeless, at-risk of being homeless or are fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking.

Reed said Monday that it’s difficult for children to go to school when they have to move three times during the school year and it’s hard to get a job when you don’t have a permanent address.