Home Economy Economic Activity Smiley proposes fund to help Providence renters facing hardship

Smiley proposes fund to help Providence renters facing hardship

By

PBN Staff

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03/17/2026

Brett P. Smiley — MAYOR BRETT P. SMILEY on Tuesday unveiled his housing stabilization package, which includes emergency assistance grants of up to $3,000 per household to help renters facing financial hardship. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – Mayor Brett P. Smiley on Tuesday unveiled his housing stabilization package, which includes emergency assistance grants of up to $3,000 per household to help renters facing financial hardship. The Rental & Essential Needs Transition Fund would provide the grants to help prevent eviction, foreclosure and other housing loss caused by unexpected financial challenges. The initiative will

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PROVIDENCE – Mayor Brett P. Smiley on Tuesday unveiled his housing stabilization package, which includes emergency assistance grants of up to $3,000 per household to help renters facing financial hardship. The Rental & Essential Needs Transition Fund would provide the grants to help prevent eviction, foreclosure and other housing loss caused by unexpected financial challenges. The initiative will support households in crisis and bridge temporary affordability gaps to help residents regain financial footing. The program will assist households earning up to 80% of area median income, with priority given to those earning at or below 60% AMI. Applicants must demonstrate imminent risk of housing loss due to circumstances such as job loss, medical emergencies, sudden rent increases, or other verifiable hardships. Eligible uses for assistance include missed rental or mortgage payments, security deposits, utility payments to prevent shutoffs, and certain insurance premiums necessary to maintain housing. “Housing stability is fundamental to the health and strength of our communities,” Smiley said. “The RENT Fund will give Providence neighbors facing hardship a critical lifeline so that an unexpected crisis does not turn into permanent displacement. This proposal builds on our broader strategy to protect tenants through eviction defense, maintain safe housing through code enforcement and expand education for both landlords and renters.” Councilman John Goncalves and co-sponsors Jo-Ann Ryan, Oscar Vargas, Pedro Espinal, Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Althea Graves, Ana Vargas and Jim Taylor will introduce the ordinance to the City Council on March 19. If approved, the city's Department of Housing and Human Services will administer the program and will release a request for proposals to partner with a qualified nonprofit organization experienced in rental assistance and housing stabilization services. “Providence families should not lose their apartments or homes because of a temporary setback,” Goncalves said. “The RENT Fund creates targeted relief now to assist during moments of crisis while protecting the long-term health of our neighborhoods. By providing short-term assistance when it is needed most, we can prevent evictions and displacement while giving residents the breathing room they need to regain financial stability.”