HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JANICE LUONGO

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

A ceremonial resolution honors Janice Luongo for decades of homelessness advocacy, writing, and coalition-building, recognizing her impact on Rhode Island communities.

05/19/2026 House read and passed

Summary of HR 8564 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

HR 8564 is a House Resolution expressing deepest condolences on the passing of Janice Luongo, a longtime Rhode Island advocate for homelessness and poverty prevention.

The resolution commemorates Luongo’s life, advocacy, and impact on Rhode Island communities, particularly those experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and hardship.

It also honors her leadership in public-facing advocacy, publishing, and coalition-building to advance humane policies and support for vulnerable populations.

Key Provisions and Changes

Official expression of mourning and condolences from the Rhode Island House of Representatives to Luongo’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Acknowledgment of Luongo’s work and its influence on public policy discourse, community organizing, and advocacy for dignity and systemic solutions to homelessness.

Recognition of Luongo’s role as a writer and editor, including her work with Street Sights and Better Lives RI, and her impact on communicating the experiences of the homeless community.

Authorization for the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to Annmarie “Annie” Simoli (Luongo’s spouse) and Luongo’s family.

Who Is Affected

Primary affected party: Janice Luongo and her immediate family, spouse, and close colleagues.

Broader impact: Rhode Island advocacy and service communities, particularly groups focused on homelessness, housing insecurity, poverty, addiction, and related public policy debates.

Government and public officials: The Rhode Island House of Representatives and the Secretary of State, in the administrative process of issuing formal condolences.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: May 19, 2026.

Referred to: House read and passed (implying consideration and approval within the House chamber).

Action history indicates the resolution passed the House on May 19, 2026.

The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not create enforceable policy changes or appropriations; its effect is to formally recognize Luongo’s contributions and express sympathy.

Notable Details

Luongo’s work highlighted includes:

Editor-in-Chief of Street Sights, Rhode Island’s publication focused on issues affecting the homeless.
Collaboration with Better Lives RI.
Early work at the Smith Hill Center.
A distinctive advocacy phrase: “What About Tonight?” as a rallying call for urgent action on homelessness.

Personal details referenced include her 35-year partnership with Annmarie "Annie" Simoli and her impact on families and communities through honesty, courage, and compassion.

This bill is a ceremonial resolution intended to honor Janice Luongo’s life and contributions, without creating new statutory authorities, funding, or policy directives.