Dear Constituents & Friends:
During our 20th year in existence we relied on your dedication and help to keep our mission and vision alive. For that we would like to say, “Thank You.”
Against the backdrop of both a state and national economic crisis, we have had to re-double our efforts to promote public policies that prevent thousands of Rhode Islanders from homelessness and help those without homes find safe, affordable, and supportive housing options to meet their needs.
Our state is certainly experiencing one of the most challenging times with regard to the problem of homelessness. Yet, in spite of our state’s economic woes there have been real accomplishments in the fight to end homelessness. Or, at the very least, accomplishments that have lessened the impact many Rhode Islanders would have experienced if it were not for the programs and resources the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless sought to promote and preserve.
Toward that end, the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless’
programs and initiatives strive to highlight the issue of homelessness, increase public awareness, and heighten public involvement in order to solve the problem of homelessness in Rhode Island. Indeed, through our community outreach and strategic communications initiatives we have seen a significant increase in the attention to homelessness among decision-makers, the media, and the general public.
As a result of the work of our Coalition – RICH, its member organizations and allies - we have seen real progress in how the solutions to homelessness are envisioned. Rather than open more congregate shelters, permanent supportive housing is now the “best practice” that all homeless service providers seek to replicate. Policy makers are beginning to understand that supportive housing achieves better outcomes for constituents at significant cost-savings to Rhode Island’s taxpayer. In addition, increased attention to homeless prevention has become the norm, as has the idea of
“rapid re-housing” individuals and families that become homeless before the affects of long-term homelessness set in. We continue to see those policies as evidenced by their implementation in state and national programs.
However, none of our work would be possible without the support of our constituents, members, funders, and individual donors. To be sure, our work is far from over. We have more work to do to affect systems reform and make real changes that benefit homeless and at-risk Rhode Islanders. Consequently, the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless will continue to promote solution-oriented public policies that will result in a State of Rhode Island where no man, woman or child is homeless.
Sincerely,
Jim Ryczek Executive Director
Rabbi Alan Flam
Board President
Major Accomplishments from 2009
Public Awareness & Strategic Communications
- Worked with journalists and members of the media to highlight the problem of homelessness in Rhode Island, resulting in 81 feature stories.
- Worked to highlight the issues involved in the Tent Cities for the general public.
- Published a biannual organizational newsletter and a monthly e-newsletter. Connected to supporters and constituents through social networking sites. Launched a new website to act as a clearinghouse for information on homelessness issues in Rhode Island.
- Co-organized the Yes We Will Conference, bringing together more than 400 allies to learn, share, and connect around best practices and cutting edge work in the areas of homelessness prevention and affordable housing.
- Recognized the outstanding contributions to our community at our Annual Awards Luncheon by honoring Linda Barden of Welcome House, Kara Stein of Senator Jack Reed’s Office, Liz McGrath of the PICA meal program, Mario Hilario of WJAR NBC 10, and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation.
Legislative Advocacy
- Worked to ensure level funding in the state budget for the Consolidated Homeless fund for fiscal year 2010 in the face of a deficit in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
- Helped save the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP) for fiscal year 2010 at a funding level of $2.5 million. NOP is the primary state funding for permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families.
Street Sheets and Shelter & Housing Guide
- The Street Sheet survival guide provides information about food, shelter and other emergency services to those who are homeless and to community agencies. This year the Coalition updated and distributed thirty thousand (30,000) copies of five geographic specific versions of the Street Sheet in English and Spanish to over 150 different sites including social services agencies, hospitals and courts.
- Updated and published the Rhode Island Homeless Housing and Shelter Guide, a directory of housing services and shelters in RI. This guide acts as a resource for case managers and other service providers throughout the state.
Capacity Building
- Through consultations and trainings we successfully increased the strategic communications capacity of our member organizations.
- Trained approximately 60 direct care providers through the SOAR program to assist homeless individuals apply for SSI/SSDI benefits.
- Provided eight leadership trainings on a range of topics for constituents and case managers.
- Expanded the Service Housing Provider Network (SHPN) to include a wider range of providers including individuals from the mental health, legal services, and CAP agency fields.
- Received one (of five) of the Rhode Island Foundation’s Capacity Building Pilot Project grants (through an invitation only competitive process) for three years of funding and organizational development consultation.
Homeless Legal Clinic
- Over the last year the Homeless Legal Clinic has expanded from one site at Crossroads to six sites with clinics at Amos House, McAuley House, WARM Center, River United Methodist Church, and Sojourner House.
- Our pro-bono lawyers have served clients at annual events including Operation Stand Down and Project Homeless Connect in Providence, Pawtucket, and Westerly.
- We have built a strong relationship with the Pro-Bono Collaborative and Roger Williams Law School and have had 12 law students assist our lawyers with client-intakes.
Street Sights
RICH continues to serve as the fiscal sponsor of Street Sights, a street newspaper about homelessness issues in Rhode Island.
- Each month the Street Sights staff, mainly comprised of homeless and formerly homeless individuals, has distributed 3,000 copies of its 16-page paper throughout Rhode Island.
- This year Street Sights initiated a 4-day Journalism Training Program.
- Street Sights partnered with the Providence Center and NAMI-RI to start a new program called Speak Out, a bi-monthly meeting for individuals experiencing homelessness to discuss issues and concerns in a supportive environment.
Annual Homeless Memorial Service
- Memorialized the members of the homeless community that passed away in 2008 through a nondenominational service and meal.
Data Collection and Analysis
The Rhode Island Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) collects data on persons entering and exiting the homeless provider network across the state. HMIS data allows us to understand the nature and extent of homelessness in Rhode Island. HMIS information can be used to understand the size, characteristics, and needs of the homeless population at the local, state, and national levels. This year we:
- Expanded the HMIS system to include thirty-eight organizations and 180 programs.
- Trained service professionals on the proper use of the HMIS system and on how to balance data collection needs with the needs of the clients.
Project Homeless Connect
- Co-Organized Project Homeless Connect in Providence, Westerly, and Pawtucket.
- Served over 300 individuals throughout the state. Arranged for the provision of a variety of services including mental health, legal, employment, and housing options.
Housing Locator
- Trained more than 100 constituents on reducing housing barriers.
- Assisted individuals to secure permanent housing.
For a more detailed review of our financials, view our most recent
Nonprofit 990 Tax Return 2008 and
Audited Financials 2008-2009.
List of Funders - FY 2009
Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless Grants
Rhode Island Housing
Rhode Island Foundation
United Way of Rhode Island
Citizens Bank Foundation
Corporation for Supportive Housing
United States Department of Housing & Urban Development
RI Department of Administration - Office of Housing & Community Development
RI Department of Mental Health, Retardation & Hospitals
RI Department of Human Services
State Senate – RI General Assembly
RI Bar Foundation
Serve Rhode Island
Third Sector New England
Street Sights Grants
Episcopal Charities
Ocean State Charitable Trust
Haymarket People’s Fund
New Roots Providence
Dexter Donation Grant
Bronfman Youth Fellowship
Local Campaign for Human Development
Special Thanks
Jeanne Cola & Citizens Bank Foundation
Kathy McKenzie - Christmas for Everyone Project