To the editor:

Would you vote for a proposal that invests in the construction of 800 homes and apartments that Rhode Island workers, families, seniors and veterans can afford? That would create 1,700 good-paying jobs for Rhode Island’s building and construction workers, and help employers attract and retain a strong workforce? That would restore the state’s blighted and foreclosed property eyesores and spark revitalization in neighborhood across the state? That would leverage an additional $160 million in federal and private investment in our communities?

A “yes” vote on referenda question No. 7 on Nov. 8 will approve a $50 million Housing Opportunity bond that will do all that and more. It will create affordable, accessible, and safe housing for Rhode Islanders, including Newport County residents. Stable housing is the foundation for families and their children and for individuals, allowing them to live and work and thrive here and to contribute to the life of our Newport County communities.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m., Newport County Citizens to End Homelessness is sponsoring a public forum at the Seaman’s Institute, 18 Market Square in Newport, to provide information on how these bond funds will benefit residents of Newport County and all of Rhode Island. 

Steve Ostiguy of Church Community Housing Corporation, Jen Barrera of Lucy’s Hearth and Will Farrell from the Vote Yes on 7 Campaign will explain the bond, its impact and answer questions. Please join us and learn how passage of this bond referendum will help our residents and improve our communities.

Judy K. Jones

Newport