Turns out that the solution to homelessness is housing. It has been tried elsewhere with good, cost-effective results. Crossroads RI currently offers permanent housing for 176 formerly homeless men and women. These units, in what is called the Tower, are currently single occupancy apartments with shared bathrooms, like a dorm. But according to the ProJo:
[President and CEO of Crossroads Karen] Santilli said that after the low-income housing tax credits for the Tower expired in 2019, Crossroads decided to seek new financing to update the dorm-like single occupancy rooms into one-bedroom apartments that will include private kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.
Yes. Private, individual units for which each resident will be responsible. Everyone needs a place to call their own.
Crossroads took over ownership and management of the nine-story Travelers Aid Housing building in 2002. The agency is still working out the details but is hoping to secure financing this year to complete the renovations by 2024. A number of funding sources, including state and federal, as well as traditional mortgage financing, are being evaluated.
Charity Navigator rates Crossroads at 100/100. Donate here.
Crossroads asks that you Vote Yes on Referendum #3 this March 2nd, allowing for a $65 million Housing & Community bond to be invested in the construction and renovation of affordable housing in Rhode Island.
Crossroads RI, 160 Broad Street
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According to Cady’s Civil and Architectural Development of Providence, this new site for the YMCA was erected in 1913 with “club rooms, dormitories, and a large gymnasium . . . and has walls of brick and limestone and terra cotta trimmings.” The elaborate brickwork detailing on this facade goes all the way up.