2023 -- H 6172
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LC002579
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE
ISLAND
Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Tanzi, Cortvriend, Donovan,
Spears, Carson, Speakman, Henries, and McGaw
Date Introduced: March 17, 2023
Referred To: House Finance
WHEREAS, Domestic abuse and sexual violence are public health issues of epidemic 1
proportions in Rhode Island and throughout the United States, affecting approximately one in 2
four women and one in seven men, with rates comparable or even higher among the LGBTQ+ 3
population; and 4
WHEREAS, The absence of safe, secure, affordable housing is one of the largest barriers 5
for individuals who are experiencing abuse to flee from a dangerous situation; and 6
WHEREAS, The development of affordable housing in Rhode Island continues to lag 7
behind the need for such resources; and 8
WHEREAS, The development of programs that provide safe, affordable, confidential 9
housing to victims of abuse while joined with supportive services are still scarce, even at the 10
national level; and 11
WHEREAS, Sojourner House in Rhode Island has developed a robust permanent 12
supportive housing program that provides critical, life-saving interventions to families who have 13
experienced abuse, and provides them with the support to rebuild their lives, including over 150 14
units that are available statewide; and 15
WHEREAS, Sojourner House serves over 1,900 unduplicated clients a year throughout 16
their programs, but the demand for services far exceeds their ability to meet the need; and 17
WHEREAS, Sojourner House seeks a partnership with the State of Rhode Island to 18
increase capacity to provide additional permanent supportive housing to victims of abuse; now, 19
LC002579 - Page 2 of 3
therefore be it 1
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not 2
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the sum of three million dollars 3
($3,000,000) to support Sojourner House’s permanent supportive housing development program, 4
including, but not limited to, the acquisition and rehabilitation of residential buildings that will 5
provide safe, secure housing to individuals and families who are fleeing from dangerous 6
situations to rebuild their lives; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw 7
his orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from 8
time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. 9
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LC002579
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LC002579 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPR IATION OF $3,000,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE
ISLAND
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $3,000,000 to Sojourner 1
House to support its permanent housing development program that provides safe, secure housing 2
to individuals and families fleeing from dangerous situations. 3
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LC002579
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