October 17, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christine Heenan, 831-5898
cheenan@clarendongroup.net
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian has joined the other mayors and town managers in the Rhode Island League of Cities and Town in calling on voters today to Vote Yes on Question 9 – the $50 million bond issue for creating affordable houses and apartments — which will help young people, working families and seniors find decent, affordable housing in Rhode Island’s second-largest city.
“Affordable housing is everybody’s issue,” Avedisian said today. “The ability to keep up with the rising costs of housing, at a time when other costs are rising and wages are stagnant, is a problem for working families all across this state. People right here in Warwick are having difficulty paying for their rents and mortgages, and finding good-quality, affordable housing in their neighborhoods.
“These stories are being shared as part of an important campaign to bring home the message that affordable housing is everybody’s issue. I applaud those who are willing to share their experience — they speak for thousands of Rhode Islanders.
“As Mayor, I firmly believe it is the obligation of leaders in government and the community to step up and ensure all residents get access to the most basic of needs – that of affordable housing.”
Avedisian noted that in the last several years, Rhode Island has topped the nation’s list for “hottest demand for housing.” That standard reflects the shortage of housing supply and “the dramatic impact of supply and demand.”
In Warwick, the average home sold for $244,700. According to housing officials, that means the income one needs to afford that house is $78,647; in Warwick, the average annual wage is $33,655, less than half of what is needed to pay for such a home.
Leaders from the House of Hope echoed Avedisian’s sentiments, noting that the housing market has “jumped so drastically…and the rental market is just out of sight for any lower income person, and that includes people who are working at a regular rate,” said Jean Johnson, executive director of the House of Hope.
There are residents like Debra Batchelor, a native of Warwick and mother of an active 11-year-old. Long involved in her neighborhood of Warwick Neck, she was forced back home to live with her parents in a room in the basement, when the landlord raised her rent and nothing close by was within her financial reach.
There are many stories like Debra’s and the HousingWorksRI coalition has been working with area officials to help to bring that message statewide.
HousingWorksRI is a coalition of more than 100 community leaders, led by the Rhode Island Foundation, United Way of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Housing, waging a campaign called “Vote Yes on 9” to raise awareness about the shortage of affordable housing for middle-and low-income residents and to urge their support of Question 9.
The campaign includes events, billboards, radio ads and television commercials highlighting 50 real Rhode Island stories from residents and families all across the state. More information is available at www.yeson9ri.org.
This week, the U.S. Census Bureau released a study affirming the problem and revealing that affordable housing issues now impact 49 of the 50 states, with Alaska maintaining its costs since 1999.
“There are no simple answers, but certainly this bond issue will start the needed construction and renovation of homes and apartments to give decent and affordable housing to all who seek it,” Avedisian said. “I urge every voter to think of their family, friends and neighbors and Vote Yes on 9 for a stronger Rhode Island.”
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