The Rhode Island Housing HelpCenter is a winner of a 2009 Justice Award in the category of Consumer Protection. The awards are given in recognition of an extraordinary commitment to justice exhibited by members of the community.  Richard Godfrey, Executive Director of Rhode Island Housing stated Rhode Island Housing has seen over 5,000 Rhode Islanders in the HelpCenter.  Rhode Island Housing works with its partners to bring free workshops to communities throughout the state.  Trained counselors provide advice, education, resources and referrals free of charge to assist homeowners in understanding the options now available to those in need of housing help. In addition, in partnership  the FDIC, The Housing Network of Rhode Island, and the Attorney General’s Office, the HelpCenter also participated in a free seminar to alert Rhode Islanders of the scams currently plaguing Rhode Island and raise awareness of the available resources and recourse in the public and non-profit sectors.

This Week’s Real Estate Insight:

Rhode Island Housing is a self-sustaining public agency, which generates its own operating income, without state funding. Everything the agency earns is reinvested to meet the needs of the state. Together with its partners, the agency works to ensure that all people who live and work in Rhode Island can afford a safe, healthy home that meets their needs. Rhode Island Housing provides low-interest loans, grants, education, advocacy and consumer counseling to help its customers rent, buy and retain their homes. It also offers special programs to ensure that these homes are safe and healthy