The housing crisis is affecting Rhode Islanders all across our state, and Providence residents have been hit hard. We have seen and experienced firsthand the crisis of unaffordability, as many of us and our neighbors have been priced out of our longtime homes and neighborhoods.

The high cost of rent is bad for our community in so many ways. Young people are leaving because they can't afford to live here. Families who dream of starting a business, putting a down payment on a home, or paying for college for their kids, have to instead put the lion's share of their money toward monthly rent. Our elderly family members and neighbors who live on fixed incomes are one rent hike away from having to go through disruptive and difficult relocations. 

All the while, rates of eviction and homelessness are skyrocketing. Since March 2020, Providence has experienced over 24000 evictions, an average of over 11 evictions every day for nearly six years. And in a single year, from 2023-2024, homelessness increased by 35%. 

This is why we need Rent Stabilization. The proposed ordinance that City Council members have put forward will cap year-to-year rent increases at 4%, providing tenants with the stability we need. We need our City Councillors to vote yes to make sure that this ordinance passes. Fill out the form to tell your Councillor to vote YES on Rent Stabilization! 

This form will submit an email on your behalf to your City Councillor and to the City Clerk, and will enter your support into the public record.