Reed Helps Deliver $2.5 Million HUD Grant to Help Prevent Evictions

PROVIDENCE, RI -- In an effort to keep more Rhode Islander safely and stably housed and avert preventable evictions, U.S. Senator Jack Reed recently helped deliver $2.5 million in federal funding to Rhode Island through the Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP). The federal funds will be utilized by Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) and its partners to provide no-cost legal assistance to local residents to prevent or divert evictions and mitigate the consequences of eviction across the state.

"Evictions are devastating for household and communities. This federal funding will help reduce homelessness, increase neighborhood stability, and keep more people in their homes. Providing free legal aid helps families in need navigate the sometimes confusing legal system and get a fair shake. This program ensures tenants know their rights when it comes to fair housing and aren't taken advantage of. Averting preventable evictions is a smart investment that saves taxpayers in the long run and benefits renters, landlords, and the surrounding community," said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development who helped create the Eviction Protection Grant Program, which was launched by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Reed has helped allocate $80 million to the program since 2021. As a result, HUD has been able to distribute federal EPGP grants to fair housing non-profits across the country.

This fiscal year, HUD awarded $40 million in EPGP funding to 21 recipients in 16 states.

RILS will team up with Housing Works Rhode Island; the Rhode Island Center for Justice; and the Roger Williams University School of Law's Pro Bono Collaborative to provide free housing-related legal services to eligible tenants in need. Services may include free legal representation for tenants facing eviction in court, along with landlord-tenant mediation and help accessing rental assistance.

Rhode Island renters and homeowners seeking legal assistance can reach Rhode Island Legal Services by calling: 1-800-662-5034 or (401) 274-2652.

RILS's Housing Law Center can be found online at: rifairhousing.org. RILS has locations in Newport and Providence.

"We need to ensure Rhode Islanders know this help is available. And the state must continue to invest in affordable housing," said Senator Reed, who has led national efforts to help prevent foreclosures and evictions. He successfully fought to bring an additional $352 million in federal COVID-19 rent relief through RentReliefRI, as well as $50 million for Rhode Islanders through the Homeowner Assistance Fund.

According to a HUD study released last month, EPGP funds have effectively assisted people in need, particularly households with children, people of color who are disproportionately represented among those evicted, and tenants with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities.

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