JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO SOJOURNER HOUSE IN RHODE ISLAND

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

Rhode Island would appropriate $500,000 to Sojourner House to acquire and rehabilitate housing, expanding permanent supportive, confidential options for abuse victims.

05/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Main Purpose and Intent

To provide financial support from the state treasury for Sojourner House’s permanent supportive housing initiatives.

The funds are intended to help acquire and rehabilitate residential properties to expand safe, affordable, and confidential housing options for individuals and families fleeing abusive situations.

The resolution emphasizes the broader public health rationale, highlighting domestic abuse and sexual violence as critical concerns and the role of stable housing in safety and recovery.

Key Provisions

Appropriation Amount: $500,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Use of Funds: To support Sojourner House’s permanent housing development program, including acquisition and rehabilitation of residential buildings to provide safe, secure housing for abuse victims rebuilding their lives.

Administrative Details:

The appropriation is drawn from money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
The State Controller is authorized and directed to issue orders for payment from the General Treasurer, upon properly authenticated vouchers.

Public Purpose: The funds are intended to sustain permanent supportive housing development, bolster partnerships for federal grants, and ensure continued housing support for abuse victims in Rhode Island.

Who Would Be Affected

Sojourner House in Rhode Island (primary beneficiary): Receives targeted state funding to advance its permanent supportive housing program.

Victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in Rhode Island: Potential beneficiaries of expanded safe, stable, confidential housing options.

Rhode Island residents experiencing housing instability linked to abuse: Indirect beneficiaries through improved housing access and related supportive services.

State fiscal and administrative entities: State Controller and General Treasurer handle disbursement procedures for the appropriation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction Date: January 23, 2026.

Referred To: House Finance.

Scheduled Consideration: Hearing and/or consideration planned for May 14, 2026 (per action history).

Effective Date: Not specified in the text; as a joint resolution, it typically becomes operative upon passage and potential funding authorization, with disbursement contingent on treasury processes.

Duration: The appropriation covers fiscal year 2026-2027.

Additional Context

The explanatory note frames the measure within a broader policy context: affordable, safe housing is a critical barrier to escaping abuse; there is concern about potential reductions in federal support for supportive housing and the impact on Rhode Island’s vulnerable populations if funding levels shift.

Sojourner House already provides substantial housing resources (over 150 units across 33 cities/towns) and seeks state partnership to leverage federal funds for continued housing stability and services.

Summary

HR 7324 proposes a $500,000 appropriation to Sojourner House to advance its permanent supportive housing development program, including acquisition and rehabilitation of housing for abuse victims. The measure aims to enhance safe, confidential housing options and leverage federal funding partnerships, with disbursement to be made upon proper vouchers and treasury procedures. The bill is under consideration by the Rhode Island House Finance Committee.

Bill