Homes RI launches campaign to register and mobilize low-income renters and housing advocates to vote
"The choices we make as voters can help tackle the affordable housing crisis that affects us all - renters, homeowners, and those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.”
The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) and Homes RI coalition welcomed Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, to advance a vital voter engagement initiative, Our Homes, Our Votes. Our Homes, Our Votes is a nonpartisan campaign to register and mobilize low-income renters and housing advocates to vote, building political will for housing solutions and amplifying underrepresented voices.
“We are dedicated to advocating for safe, affordable, and healthy homes for all Rhode Islanders,” said Katie West, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Housing Network of Rhode Island, the backbone organization of Homes RI. “This November, we have a crucial opportunity to influence the future of our state. The choices we make as voters can help tackle the affordable housing crisis that affects us all - renters, homeowners, and those experiencing homelessness or housing instability…
“This work is not meaningful if we don't engage the people that we're hoping will show up and be more empowered than they have been historically,” continued West, introducing West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC) Resident Geogina Sapong. “Their voices need to be not just part of the discussion, but they need to be leading it as well.”
“Being a long time resident here at West, I found it very important to not only vote but also get involved,” said Sarpong. “Sometimes you feel discouraged aabout placing a vote or getting involved because you don't think anything will change, but that is not the truth. Being a part of this community for a little over 10 years, with voting and being involved, I was able to be a part of so many different initiatives that West Elmwood has built throughout this community… When you're thinking about voting, it's not just going down and placing your ballot or just registering. Those are the first steps.
“It's important because you get to influence policy,” continued Sarpong. “It's important because you are having an impact in your community… If you sit dormant and don't speak, then anybody can decide for you…”
“Because of the voter turnout gap between low-income renters and high-income homeowners, elected officials persistently fail to enact housing policies that meet the needs of America's lowest-income people,” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Through the nonpartisan Our Homes, Our Votes campaign, we can help close this voter turnout gap and empower low-income people to make their voices heard at the ballot box and build the political will for housing justice.”
Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore joined the group for a community event at the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC), a member of the Housing Providers Council, to engage voters and encourage participation in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 5. This event included voter registration information and resources for the Sankofa community and residents of the West End neighborhood.
“Elections are our most direct opportunity to tell our government what matters most to us,” said Secretary of State Gregg Amore. “The Our Homes, Our Votes initiative encourages Rode islanders who are particularly interested in improving housing affordability - especially those whose voices may not historically have been heard- to participate in our democratic processes. I'm proud to support their effort.”
Yentel's visit began with outreach at Shower to Empower, a one-of-a-kind mobile service that House of Hope provides basic needs such as complimentary showers and haircuts, onsite case management, and medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Ensuring every eligible individual is registered to vote and raising awareness about how people without stable housing could participate in the election is the goal of this outreach.
“It is important that our residents and community members are informed, aware, and have access during this important election,” said West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation Executive Director Candace Harper. “The Our Voice, Our Vote campaign is helping us ensure information is provided to all about how to register to vote, where to vote, and information about who is on the ballot.”
There is a severe housing shortage in Rhode Island, with over 24,000 affordable homes needed to meet demand. Nearly half of extremely low-income renter households are severely cost-burdened, struggling to afford rent and basic needs. This November, voters can shape the policies that address these challenges.
Unfortunately, low-income voters, including renters, often face barriers to voting, which leads to underrepresentation in the democratic process. Housing providers, like those in the Housing Providers Council, can help change that by encouraging voter registration and boosting community turnout.
The Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI) is the state's membership organization for agencies committed to developing affordable housing and vital communities. Homes RI is a coalition of organizations working together to ensure that everyone in Rhode Island has a safe, healthy, affordable home.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is a membership organization dedicated to achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable in communities of their choice.
The Housing Providers Council is a nonpartisan group of affordable housing developers, property managers, and resident services staff that are committed to increasing voter turnout in their communities.
Awesome!!