Tag Archives for Housing

Senior Agenda Coalition of RI unveils its 2025 legislative priorities at forum,

Published in RINewsToday on March 17, 2025

On March 14, 2025, hundreds of older Rhode Islanders, aging network providers, state officials, and lawmakers gathered at the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island (SACRI)’s 2025 legislative forum, “United Voices for Meaningful Advocacy” at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. With the RI House deliberating the FY 2025 budget and key legislation impacting older adults, SACRI announced its legislative priorities.

SACRI Board Chair Kathy McKeon gave welcoming remarks, giving recognition to major sponsor Delta Dental.  Serving as master of ceremonies, Executive Director Carol Anne E. Costa kept the three hour Legislative Forum on track.

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret gave an overview and highlighted the growing influence of Rhode Island’s aging population.

“We’re 200,000 strong and growing,” she said, noting that within five years, one in four Rhode Islanders will be 65 or older. In 21 of the state’s 39 cities and towns, older adults now make up at least 20% of the population, with some communities reaching over 30%.

The Economic Impact of Older Adults

Maigret noted that 21% of older Rhode Islanders still work, many are caregivers for loved ones, and vote in higher numbers than any other age group. About 12% are veterans, and many volunteer at senior centers, Meals on Wheels, RSVP, and The Village Common of RI.

Older adults also contribute significantly to the economy. According to AARP’s Longevity Economic Outlook report, those aged 50 and older generate 40% of the nation’s GDP. In Rhode Island, retirees inject $4 billion into the economy through Social Security benefits.

However, many older adults struggle financially. “The ‘forgotten middle’ falls through the cracks,” Maigret said, referring to those with low incomes who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other public benefits. Long-term care costs are rising, and even with home equity many middle-income adults will not be able to pay for long-term.

Census data reveals that one in four Rhode Island households headed by someone 65 or older  have incomes less than $25,000 annually, and nearly half have  less than $50,000. The average Social Security benefit is $23,995, with men receiving $26,372 and women $23,565.

Shaping SACRI’s 2025 Legislative Agenda

Survey results from SACRI’s October 2024 Conference guided this year’s priorities. Among 241 respondents (42% aged 75 and older), top concerns included healthcare costs and access, economic security, housing, and community supports.

SACRI’s top priority is expanding the state’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP) by increasing income and asset limits. “Expanding MSP eligibility would provide an extra $185 monthly, or $2,200 annually, to thousands of older adults,” Maigret said. The federal government would cover the cost of those newly eligible. This extra income could help with food, utility bills, or rent and a boon to the state’s economy, she said.

With primary care practices closing due to retirement and low reimbursements, SACRI is pushing for a rate review to ensure competitive payments.

Though fewer than 5% of older Rhode Islanders live in nursing homes, Maigret stressed the importance of addressing the industry’s staffing shortages,  and substandard care, SACRI supports increasing wages for direct care staff, rewarding high-performing nursing homes, ensuring financial transparency, and preventing Medicaid cuts.

To address the housing crisis, SACRI advocates for fair allocation of state housing funds for housing for older adults and persons with disabilities. With public housing waitlists up to five years long, this is essential. SACRI is also pushing to expand income eligibility for the property tax relief program to $50,000 and mandating accessibility features in new developments.

Aging in place is another priority. SACRI calls for adding $600,000 ($10 per person age 65 and older) to the state budget to support community senior centers and enacting a caregiver tax credit to assist Rhode Island’s 112,000 caregivers, who spend an average of $7,000 out of pocket annually.

SACRI also seeks to increase Medicaid’s asset limit from $4,000 to $12,000 to help older adults on Medicaid remain at home. Additional funding for volunteer programs and continuing the “Ride to Anywhere Pilot” are also on SACRI’s agenda.

Maigret also noted SACRI is in close contact with the state’s Congressional delegation to oppose any harmful Medicaid cuts or changes in Social Security.”

Lawmakers Respond

Bringing greetings from House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, Rep. Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), who chairs the Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode Islanders, acknowledged the political power of older voters. “In the 2024 primary, 87% of voters were over age 85. I paid close attention to that,” she said.

Carson emphasized the importance of protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “Social Security is a promise. We paid into it. We can’t lose that program,” she said.

She highlighted legislative victories from 2024, including a $10 million investment to stabilize nursing homes, raising the pension exemption from $20,000 to $50,000, and launching the “Digital Age” initiative to bridge the digital divide. However, she stressed that more work remains.

Carson is also leading efforts to eliminate ageist language from state statutes, replacing terms like “elderly” and “senior citizen” with “older adults.” “We’re living diverse lifestyles beyond age 60, and our language should reflect that,” she said.

Representing Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) Senator Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), chair of the Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government, echoed Carson’s concerns. He warned that state lawmakers must protect hard-won progress in light of potential federal cuts and a $250 million state budget shortfall.

Bissaillon called for addressing the housing crisis. “There are 150,000 Rhode Island households paying over 33% of their income on housing. We need 20,000 more affordable units and 2,000 permanent supportive housing units,” he said. He also supports eliminating the state income tax on Social Security and pointed to the Senate’s newly established Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Committee noting it is important aims to protect older adults from cyber scams. “It’s critical that Rhode Island keeps pace with technology,” Bissaillon said “We have our work cut out for us,” he concluded.

Following the legislative priorities session, Carlson called to order a meeting of the Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode Islanders.

At this time, Elizabeth Dugan, PhD from the University of Massachusetts Gerontology Institute presented highlights from the 2025 RI Healthy Aging Data Report scheduled for full release on May 1st.

A Final Note…

It was obvious today that older voices must be heard,” said Director Mary Lou Moran of the City of Pawtucket’s Division of Senior Services, emphasizing the importance of SACRI’s Legislative Forum . She noted that the event provided a valuable opportunity for seniors, aging advocates, and organizations to gather and share the latest information, resources and more importantly hear from the State’s legislative leaders.

Moran expressed her support for SACRI’s  advocacy for the State to allocate $10 per person aged 65 and over to communities  to fund senior centers and senior programs. “Senior centers play a vital role in helping older Rhode Islanders age in place within their communities and offer innumerable opportunities for social engagement, healthy living opportunities, and act as a reliable resource for not only them but for their families and their caregivers” she explained.

Moran also strongly supports SACRI’s efforts to increase the income eligibility for the state’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP). By participating in MSP, individuals can have their Part B Medicare premium covered, and for some low-income participants, the program also helps with prescription drug costs. “Reducing the cost of Part B premiums and, for some[]  who are income eligible, covering  prescription drug expenses allows older adults to redirect those savings toward essentials like rent,  utilities, and food,” she added. 

To watch SACRI’s Leadership Forum held on March 14, 2025, go to:                                                                https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10954?site=1.    

To view Larson’s  Special Legislative Commission on Services and Programs for Older Rhode                                                            Islanders held at SARCI’s Leadership Forum, go to:                                                                          https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/10955?site=1.

To learn more about SACRI, go to https://senioragendari.org/

AARP and RISD showcase ADU concepts and designs on Smith Hill

Published in RINewsToday on January 29, 2024

During a 45-minute press conference held Thursday in the Library of the Rhode Island State House, AARP Rhode Island and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) showcased a RISD student design competition displaying Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs created by 10 RISD student teams, consisting of 10 students per team.

The ADU concepts were developed following a prompt that RISD and AARP RI posed to Interior Architecture students in November, challenging them to develop creative ADU concepts that would illustrate the range of benefits this housing option can offer for people to age in place at home. Unveiling these ADU concepts at the Jan 25th press conference just one hour before a scheduled hearing of the House Committee on Municipal Government that would hear seven bills related to zoning standards for ADUs was just a coincidence, says AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor, noting that the design project began over one year ago.   

One of the scheduled bills, H 7062, reintroduced by Rep. June S. Speakman (District 68, Bristol/Warren), chairwoman of the House Commission on Housing Affordability and strongly supported by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (District 23, Warwick), would boost the state’s housing production by helping boost housing production by helping Rhode Islanders to develop ADUs on their property. It would provide homeowners the right to develop an ADU within the existing footprint of their structures or on any lot larger than 20,000 square feet, provided that the design satisfies building code, size limits and infrastructure requirements.

Lawmakers, state officials, municipal planners, affordable housing advocates, members of the AARP Red Rhode Island Team, and aging advocates, gathered in the packed library room to view the well-considered designs unveiled at the press conference. At the conclusion of the event, it was announced that Team Seven’s design concept was selected by a panel of judges.

Advocating for ADU-friendly state zoning laws

“You see here today some truly innovative ADU concepts,” said AARP Rhode Island’s Catherine Taylor, who served as the press conference’s master of ceremonies. “The RISD Interior Architecture students have earned our admiration for both their creativity and their clear understanding of the housing needs of older adults, she said, thanking RISD faculty members – led by Wolfgang Max Rudorf and Elizabeth Debs – who embraced this project.     

“People thinking of downsizing, hoping to be near families and caregivers, or wanting to stay in a familiar community as they grow older, are very interested in ADUs as flexible and affordable housing options,” said Taylor.

“The inspiring work by these talented RISD students will help raise awareness of the many ways ADUs can be designed to meet the needs of older Rhode Islanders and their families,” adds Taylor. “We’re delighted to display these exciting designs at the State House so that lawmakers and their constituents can see for themselves why ADUs make so much sense.”

House Speaker Shekarchi noted that the design proposals were a great way to leverage some of the incredible talent in Rhode Island to find creative solutions to one of the state’s biggest challenges, its housing crisis. “The competition also raises the dialogue – it gets people talking about ADUs, how they can add to our community, and how they can be functional and created,” says Shekarchi.

Looking back, Shekarchi told the packed room that the House passed legislation to make it easier for homeowners to add an ADU to their home. “Unfortunately, it did not pass the Senate, but I’m hopeful we can get it over the finish line this year,” he pledged.

Senator Megan E. Kallman (District 15, Pawtucket, Providence), who sponsored ADU legislation in the lower chamber last year, came to the press conference to “check out some amazing student generated ADU design concepts,” calling ADUs the absolute game changers. “Their benefits extend to all corners of our communities… and people of all ages, from all walks of life.”

Senator Victoria Gu (District 38, Westerly, Charlestown and South Kingston), who is expected to introduce H 7062’s companion measure in the Senate attended the press conference, identifying ADUs as a key component of housing supply. “When you look across the country, ADUs will get people housed in the short term because they are faster to construct or renovate when compared to new construction. We need that solution here now more than ever,” she said.

Like the other speakers, Rep. Speakman observed that “ADUs is an easy idea to run with,” taking allocating her time at the podium to thank and address the RISD students who participated in this project. “Architects often tell me that form follows function. We told you what the function is and you have given us beautiful form.  This helps us to make our case for ADUs to those who are unfamiliar with the form.  They can take a look at your work to see how they can beautifully fit into neighborhoods into yards, notes Speakman, a political science professor who teaches at Roger Williams University.

Marianne Kelly, a legislative advocacy volunteer for AARP who has lived in a few ADUs over the years, sees this housing option as a creative solution to address a housing shortage that disproportionately impacts seniors. “Utilizing existing space to create alternate solutions just makes sense,” she told the attendees.

“In the Interior Architecture department at RISD, we look for opportunities to use design as a way to explore pressing community needs with collaborators who are experts in their fields,” noted faculty member Elizabeth Debs. “AARP has been stellar to work with – in only a few days, students quickly learned important strategies for aging in place, as well as universal design approaches they will be able to use throughout their careers.,” she says.

According to Debs, the sophisticated and nuanced proposals showed an understanding of designing for a range of populations and abilities, and created sensitive, barrier-free designs that focused on well-being. “The students really absorbed the important issues presented by AARP and demonstrated empathy for the different populations that need ADUs through the designs,” she said.

ADU Contest Criteria

RISD Interior Architecture faculty encouraged student teams to create designs with an overall goal of thoughtfully increasing the production of ADUs that support aging in place. Criteria included:

Siting Consider the relationship to primary structure and neighboring lots through design to enhance privacy and a balance between independence, safety, and support. When siting the structure consider paths of access, solar orientation, view lines, impact to the site/landscape, and access to vehicles.

Diverse family and household types Accommodate the needs of older adults, disabled persons, caregivers, and renters.

Age-Friendly Design for aging-in-place by incorporating age-friendly features. The size and use of these dwellings will require that they be single story, and reachable via a graded entry. Proposals should include universal design features and be adaptable over time.

Affordability Encourage designs that are lower cost to construct and maintain to make them financially accessible to households with the widest possible range of incomes.

Sustainability Plan for long term environmental impacts, including initial construction, life cycle considerations, material selection, energy and resource conservation etc.

Innovative construction methods Support new construction and delivery methods, such as panelized, modular, or prefabricated homes.

At a minimum, the ADU designs were expected to include facilities for food preparation and eating, bathing and toileting, sleeping, recreation, storage, utilities, and outdoor use. The building size may vary from a minimum of 350 are feet to a maximum of 900 square feet.

“The AARP Livability Index shows that all communities have room to improve to ensure that residents of all ages are active, engaged, and supported, particularly when it comes to affordable housing options,” said Rodney Harrell, PhD, AARP Vice President of Family, Home, and Community. “Everyone has a role to play – from community members to researchers, to local advocates and policymakers – to help fill the gaps between what people want and need and what their communities provide, so more older adults can live independently.”

“We must reframe how we think about housing as we grow older, and ADUs are part of the equation,” added Taylor. “Aging in community is possible if homes can be modified to accommodate changing needs. Our cities and towns must have housing options that are suitable for differing incomes, ages and life stages. ADUs are one way to accomplish this goal.”

To watch the press conference, go to: https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/show/162?site=1.

 

ADUs at RI State House: See RISD designs of Accessory Dwelling Units. Hearing to follow.

___

Housing Report Supports Push to Approve Question 7

Published in Woonsocket Call on October 30, 2016

Earlier this year, Rhode Island Housing (RIH) released a 44 -page report detailing the Ocean State’s current and future housing needs. One thing was clear to those attending this event: over the next decade the state will need more affordable housing for its residents.

Over the last 7 months, RIH’s Executive Director Barbara Fields has crisscrossed the Ocean State calling for increased housing opportunities for working Rhode Islanders. During this period of time she has presented the study’s findings to more than a dozen civic and government groups, including AARP Rhode Island, the Providence City Council and United Way.

During the last legislative session Rhode Island housing advocates were successful in their push for the enactment of a bond initiative that would make a significant state investment in affordable housing. As part of the omnibus statewide budget package, a $50 million Housing Opportunity Bond initiative for housing programs was passed by the House and Senate chambers, ultimately to be signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo (D) and put to voter approval on the November ballot.

With the November election fast approaching, Fields has not let her report, compiled by HousingWorks RI, a research program at Rogers Williams University, sit on a dusty shelf but is using it to push for passage of the housing bond initiatives.

RIH Releases its Comprehensive Housing Study

On April 6, Fields gathered with state housing advocacy groups at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to unveil RIH’s landmark housing study, Projecting Future Housing Needs. Fields warned that the state’s economic comeback must be tied to new and existing housing that stays within the financial reach of Rhode Islanders. “Today in Rhode Island, the demand for housing is high while the supply is much too low. This imbalance simply makes the cost of housing too expensive for what our residents earn. This report provides critical insight into what the future needs of Rhode Islanders will be and that information will allow us to develop a plan to address those needs,” she said.

At this event, Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor tied adequate housing for working Rhode Islanders as key to bringing businesses to the Ocean State. “Companies looking to expand or relocate consider how well they will be able to retain and attract their workforce, and a key part of doing so is ensuring that employees of all income levels have high quality housing opportunities,” said Pryor. “It’s vital to our state’s economic success and our quality of life that we preserve and produce high quality housing options for our residents,” he added.

The RIH report’s findings indicate that Rhode Island’s population is projected to grow between 3 and 5 percent from 2015 to 2025. Researchers warn that new housing demand will outpace population growth, and anticipate a 12 to 13 percent increase in the number of households, driven by a growing population and simultaneous decline in household size tied to both lower birth rates and an aging population. Researchers also predict housing demand will be driven by a large population growth in two demographic groups that tend to have lower incomes – namely aging baby boomers and seniors and young millennials.

According to the RIH report, cost burden problems of paying rent do not just impact older Rhode Islanders and Millennials, but have become more mainstream issues over the last ten years and now affect all income brackets. The findings found that Rhode Islanders already pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, and that more than half of the increase in cost burden from 2000 to 2012 impacted households earning more than $57,700.

From 2000 to 2014, the researchers found that the state’s total population grew marginally at 0.11 percent, but the number of households grew by 0.28 percent. Rhode Island’s smaller household sizes are due, in part, to a larger proportion of older persons and a smaller proportion of persons of color when compared to national rates. Younger households are likely to have more people than those headed by people aged 65 and older, primarily because they are more likely to be family households with children. As this demographic shift continues, the future population will need more housing units to meet the increased household need caused by smaller household sizes typical of older householders.

Pushing for Passage of Question 7

Like Fields, Chris Hunter, campaign manager for the Yes On 7 Campaign, sees the RIH report’s findings as crucial information that voters need to know about the impending housing crisis. “As Rhode Island Housing’s recent report shows, we’re simply not creating enough new housing to meet projected population growth. At the same time we’re facing an affordability crunch as our young workers just starting their careers, families, veterans, and seniors are having a difficult time paying for housing while also making ends meet,” says Hunter.

“That’s why Question 7 and the $50 million Housing Opportunity bond is such a smart investment in housing and Rhode Island’s economy,” says Hunter, stressing that if approved by the voters the $50 million bond initiative will leverage an additional $160 million in federal and private investments.

According to Hunter, if approved, $40 million of the bond dollars will be allocated to the construction of affordable homes and apartments across Rhode Island, while the remaining $10 million will be used to help cities and towns revitalize blighted and foreclosed properties. The bond will also fund the construction of 800 affordable homes and apartments across Rhode Island and create 1,700 good paying local construction jobs.

Over 60 percent of Rhode Island voters passed housing bond initiatives in put on the ballot in 2006 ($50 million) and 2012 ($25 million), says Hunter. “Funding from these last two affordable housing bonds created 1,943 affordable units in 30 communities around the state, and leveraged more than $300 million in federal and private investment in these projects,” he says.

RIH‘s housing report has sounded the alarm, giving a stark warning to local and state officials that a housing crisis exists and will only get worse with the shifting of the state’s demographics. With the election looming, RIH’s Fields continues to push for passage on Question 7. Hunter works to mobilize his housing advocates and supporters of Question 7 to get the word out to every voter in Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns that this bond initiative must be passed. Hopefully, their message will get across to Rhode Island voters. We’ll see when the votes are counted.

For more details on Question 7, visit http://www.yeson7ri.com.

Herb Weiss, LRI’12 is a Pawtucket writer covering aging, health care and medical issues. To purchase Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly, a collection of 79 of his weekly commentaries, go to herbweiss.com.