Save the Neighborhood Opportunities Program

In disregard for the most vulnerable in our state, Governor Carcieri has zeroed out the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP) in this year's budget. NOP is currently RI's most critical program for ending homelessness and developing affordable housing for low-income families.

NOP is the only RI program that enables developers to set rents low enough to serve very low-income households and people with disabilities. The program is the primary route out of homelessness for Rhode Island families and individuals.

Your action is needed to save this crucial program!

Take Action!

1.  Call your State Representative and Senator today and urge them to restore and fully fund the Neighborhood Opportunities Program.

Use our Talking Points to guide you. Call your State Representative and State Senator.  Tell them: "Reject these cuts and restore funding to NOP!"

Find out who represents you here.

2. Send a message - use our simple (30 second) online form to send a message to your State Senator and Representative.

3. Join us at the State House on April 8th at 3pm for our 10 year Anniversary Celebration!

More on the Neighborhood Opportunities Program

NOP helps the economy because NOP projects create jobs and help local communities. For every $1 invested in NOP, $9 in economic activity is leveraged, making this an excellent investment.

NOP is needed, now more than ever, to complement federal stimulus monies and provide for Rhode Island’s most vulnerable.

NOP funding has helped many homeless individuals and families move off the street and out of shelters into stable homes; prevented others from becoming homeless in the first place; stretched limited family incomes so that more can be spent on essentials like food and medicine; and helped develop facilities that provide services, like job training, that contribute to productive lives.

NOP provides funds to cover the difference between the rental cost of what very low-income Rhode Islanders can afford (generally 30% of their income) and the actual operating cost to owners.

Since 2001, NOP has funded the acquisition, construction, and/or rehabilitation of 1,127 housing units. This includes the production of family housing, permanent supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities.

26 cities and towns across Rhode Island have NOP units.

NOP has contributed $41.5 million in gap funding for the development and operation of 1,127 units. This investment has leveraged $375.4 million, or $9 for every dollar invested by the State of Rhode Island.

Rental affordability remains a critical issue for Rhode Islanders with the current economic crisis hitting the state particularly hard.

NOP funding has:
- Helped many homeless individuals and families move off the street and out of shelters into stable homes
- Prevented others from becoming homeless in the first place
- Stretched limited family incomes so that more can be spent on essentials like food and medicine
- Helped develop facilities that provide services, like job training, that contribute to productive lives

Please contact your State Senator and Representative today.