“Rhode Island was already in a housing crisis before COVID,” Fox said. A total of 660 applicants, 311 last month, have received relief, according to data collected by the state. “It’s like trying to put a Band-Aid on an amputated limb,” Fox said. But she said one major problem facing families who seek affordable housing is an unwillingness from some landlords to rent to people who have either experienced homelessness or have had prior evictions — even if they have housing vouchers that boost monthly rent payments. The looming challenge so far has been kept at bay largely because of federal subsidies and temporary moratoriums on evictions. For additional questions about the eviction process in Rhode Island, please refer to the official legislation, Rhode Island General Laws §§34-18-1 to 34-18-56, §9-12-10.1, and the Rhode Island District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4, for more information. Rhode Island’s 122.6 rate edges out The Republic of Georgia with 116.4, Serbia 104.4, and Indiana with 102.6. Seventy-nine of those eviction cases resolved anyway. Plus, more than 60 attorneys in Rhode Island have come forward since August to volunteer their time and skills to assist tenants who otherwise would not be represented in court in an initiative LaFazia set in motion as eviction cases started to rise. Funding comes from federal coronavirus relief. Anyone traveling to Rhode Island from one of these states with a COVID-19 positivity rate higher than 5% must quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. Fox predicts the number of people experiencing homelessness will rise in Rhode Island as a result of the public health crisis, as families without money and options could soon be forced to choose between food and shelter. The state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island is undeniably one of the worst in the country. RHODE ISLAND EVICTION INFORMATION “SELF-HELP” Evictions (evictions that do not go through the court system) are ALWAYS illegal. Watch Christmas Morning Mass on WPRI 12 and WPRI.com, Untraditional Holidays: How the pandemic has compelled us to change how we celebrate, World’s carbon dioxide emissions dropped 7% in pandemic-hit 2020. Federal eviction protection offered under the CARES Act has expired. Even today, only $3.012 million of the $13.5 million in federal assistance unveiled by Gov. “It’s really, really scary because we’re talking about more than data points in a fact book. This is people’s lives.”. Tenants can now self-attest to their income and the need for assistance. But recent changes to streamline the application process and consolidate the rental assistance programs into a single Safe Harbor Housing Program have state officials optimistic that much of the aid will be distributed in the coming weeks. 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Rhode Island had been leading the nation until it was recently surpassed by Tennessee and Oklahoma, according to the CDC’s data. Now you have three families from one building that are homeless.”. Cold Case Cards: Who killed Margaret Pizio? When pressed on it earlier this month, Raimondo balked at the idea of using more of the $1.25 billion the state received through the CARES Act to expand the rental assistance program beyond the $6.5 million. Fox also noted Rhode Island’s program is only available to people struggling with past-due rent, which doesn’t help families that are concerned about having enough money to make future rental payments. Prisoners at Rhode Island’s Adult Correctional Institutions may have access as early as this week to a new therapy to treat COVID-19 patients at risk of being hospitalized.. 401-222-8022 Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30pm. Of those, 1,339 cases were resolved. Follow him on Twitter and on Facebook. Eviction status: CDC moratorium only. © 1998 - 2020 Nexstar Inc. | All Rights Reserved. The Pause is intended to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 by dialing down overall mobility and reducing social gatherings. But economists and advocates predict it’s only a matter of time before there’s widespread turmoil in the local and regional housing market. 11/19/2020: Governor Raimondo announces 2-week pause beginning Monday, November 30th through Sunday, December 13th Rhode Island will be hitting Pause for two weeks. Is there a moratorium on evictions in Rhode Island? Fast-forward more than a month and the state has announced an additional $5 million for families grappling with rent payments. Governor of Rhode Island Gina Raimondo tested negative for Covid-19 on Saturday but is in self-isolation. A list of federal, state, local, non-profit, and private sources of financial assistance and other resources for both tenants and landlords. Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo has announced that state courts will not process any residential or commercial evictions for the next thirty days. But she has nonetheless signaled there could be more coming in terms of help with housing costs. “They can’t pay their rent, then the landlord can’t pay the mortgage and then the bank forecloses. COVID-19 will only exacerbate this crisis.” In 2018 the Associated Press reported that, “Rhode Island had the highest eviction rate among New England states in 2016, and Providence’s rate nearly tripled Boston’s.” Still, he said, not enough tenants know about the programs and are seeking much-needed assistance. The changes include that tenants no longer need to demonstrate that their hardship is due to COVID. Homeowners and Renters Homeowners and Renters Protections. (AP … The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston last month released a report estimating 9% to 13% of New England renters are at risk of not making housing payments, even with unemployment benefits and the extra $600 per week made available through the federal CARES Act. Ned Lamont said this week. A moratorium is a delay in an activity or an obligation. “The requirements were too burdensome...,” said Christine Hunsinger, the assistant deputy director external affairs at Rhode Island Housing. As for the new rental-assistance program, Fox said it will likely help some families, but underscored that the $6.5 million isn’t nearly enough to address the rising issue of housing insecurity. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Rhode Island officials report computer systems across multiple state agencies have not been compromised as part of the global hack tied to Russia. The applications are being processed by the United Way of Rhode Island, Crossroads Rhode Island, and Rhode Island Housing. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – When Gov. Rhode Island State House Virtual Tour; COVID-19: Resources for Small Businesses The applications are being processed by the United Way of Rhode Island, Crossroads Rhode Island, and Rhode Island Housing. Rhode Island leads the northeast and the nation in cases per capita over the last seven days. Both are expected to submit tenant applications in batches. See how Rhode Island ranks in our nationwide scorecard of housing policies in response to COVID-19. However, health and safety concerns due to COVID-19 have led many states, cities, counties, and courts to place moratoriums on evictions. Advocates expect the consequences to play out slowly in the coming weeks, but then gain momentum once pandemic-related evictions can be adjudicated again and various federal benefits and protections expire – all before Aug. 1. Kristina Contreras Fox of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless said eviction moratoriums are only short-term solutions that cannot be sustained over the long-term, and they don’t address many of the systemic problems that make it difficult for people to secure safe and reliable housing. Landlords likewise can prove ownership with a sewer or tax bill or bank account information. Despite the push to help both renters and landlords, some advocates remain critical that Raimondo hasn’t done enough to protect people at risk of falling behind in their rent. Gina Raimondo will end a three-week “pause” of the state’s recovery plans after she said it helped slow the spread of the coronavirus. And while pandemic-related housing disputes … Government funding bill released including $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus, Congress set to vote, Trump’s spiritual adviser tests positive for coronavirus after attending White House Christmas party, WATCH: Santa Claus rescued from power lines while making parachute candy delivery, CDC issues guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination after allergic reactions, Justice Dept. Despite the looming deadlines, it’s also possible legal proceedings could be delayed beyond Aug 1, depending on how quickly the state relaxes mandates surrounding the public health crisis. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As an exception, you may provide proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Currently, renters are protected in multiple ways, but most of the safeguards are only temporarily. Moratoriums are usually issued by an authority such as a state agency or elected official. For additional questions about the eviction process in Rhode Island, please refer to the official legislation, Rhode Island General Laws §§34-18-1 to 34-18-56, §9-12-10.1, and the Rhode Island District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4, for more information. Gina Raimondo, RI housing advocates warn of looming eviction crisis, Advocates urge tax hike for RI's top earners at State House rally, https://www.uwri.org/2-1-1/safe-harbor-housing-program/, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Providence Journal. AFFIDAVIT OF THE PLAINTIFF/LANDLORD . Gina Raimondo announced a joint initiative with United Way of Rhode Island that provides an alternative to … Preventing crises like Seery’s is the aim of a $7 million initiative between the state government and the United Way of Rhode Island. STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. “We need to find a way to communicate to tenants to say `This is a way you can get money’,” Crane said. However, several federal, state, and local acts still protected some renters from evictions as of August 2020. A similar trend emerged after the housing boom-and-bust cycle prior to the financial crisis of 2008 and subsequent Great Recession. “It’s exacerbated so many inequalities and disparities and that comes through in stark light when you look at access to basic, secure affordable housing.”. Rhode Island Gov. Other states are putting far more money into tackling the problem: Montana, which has roughly the same number of residents as Rhode Island, has allocated $50 million to its emergency rental program. And the housing problem is expected to worsen. In addition to fueling homelessness, missed rental payments could create other problems for the broader statewide, regional and national economies. Eviction. Flowchart of Rhode Island Eviction Process. ; Business owner information about COVID-19: click here A $50 million allocation will support businesses that will … He credited the programs for adjusting to what has been a changing landscape as the pandemic played out. “You want to be good stewards of the money, but sometimes it makes it difficult to get money out the door.”, More:RI housing advocates warn of looming eviction crisis, More:Advocates urge tax hike for RI's top earners at State House rally. Rhode Island hit Pause for three weeks, ending December 20th. “COVID is far from being the great equalizer,” Fox said. “People tell me, ‘Rhode Island is on fire, they have more COVID cases per capita than almost anywhere else,’” Gov. But the number of applicants has soared to more than 4,600 as of Monday, meaning demand is easily outpacing supply. All rights reserved. The director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has tested positive for the coronavirus. Plaintiff/Landlord Civil Action File Number Defendant /Tenant Attorney for the Plaintiff/Landlord Murray Judicial Complex 2 nd Division District Court 45 Washington Square Newport, Rhode Island 02840-2913 (401) 841-8350 Federal SBA loans are designed to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic. The state has also reached out to housing authorities throughout the state, whose residents have also fallen behind on payments, as well as property managers and lawyers representing landlords, Hunsinger said. Rhode Island Gov. Rhode Island. The governor has been clear she wants to reserve that money in case it can be used to close the state’s $600 million deficit projected for the next fiscal year. “Many states have temporarily halted evictions, foreclosures, or both to protect people from losing their homes, at least in the short term,” Boston Fed policy analyst Nicholas Chiumenti wrote in the report. Raimondo: No Coronavirus-Related Evictions In RI Until July - Cranston, RI - Gov. The rental assistance announcement comes as the state Department of Health reports two more deaths and 45 new cases of COVID-19, raising the death toll in Rhode Island … Gina Raimondo has made it into the hands of those who need it. Business Services; Elections and Voting; Open Government; Civics and Education; News and Highlights. That's according to a statement Saturday night from the governor's office. Gina Raimondo announced on Thursday the state would institute a two-week pause starting at the end of November to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12. Rhode Island courts resumed eviction proceedings this month after a temporary moratorium. “If hearings are going to be deferred, to be polite, it’s going to start making more sense to come to some sort of settlement or resolution themselves,” Gereboff said. Are the new coronavirus strains cause for concern? “Rhode Island has the highest eviction rate in New England. Michael Crane, a Providence lawyer who represents private and public housing entities as well as so-called “mom and pops,” marveled at the ease with which landlords and tenants can jointly seek assistance right in the courthouse, sometimes in as quickly as 20 minutes. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island's attorney general says police can file criminal charges against landlords who wrongfully evict tenants during the coronavirus pandemic. Even under a best-case scenario, the Boston Fed estimates Rhode Island will likely accrue $21 million in unpaid rental and mortgage payments each month from April through July, which will only accelerate afterward without another stimulus package. “This won’t be the last I have to say about rental assistance,” she said when announcing the additional $5 million on May 28. Gina Raimondo. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Councilman Michael Correia has resigned as president pro tem of the Providence City Council following a Target 12 report on secret recordings made of him in the council office. Murray Gereboff, who represents landlords of mostly non-subsidized housing, said the long delays could ultimately incentivize more mediation and problem-solving outside of the courthouse, which could help keep people in their homes and landlords earning at least some money. Eviction Processing Suspended During Crisis, Rhode Islanders Encouraged to Report Price Gouging Governor Gina M. Raimondo and Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH today made several important announcements about the state's response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Rhode Island senator connects with coastal Georgia experts for virtual climate change panel ... Bryan County long-term care facility prepares to receive COVID-19 vaccine ... National eviction … “Homelessness in this crisis is a matter of life and death,” Raimondo said. PROVIDENCE, RI (WLNE) – At a COVID-19 briefing on Friday Gov. In addition to the moratorium on pandemic-related evictions, less well-known provisions of the CARES Act prohibit landlords from evicting tenants living in properties covered by federal subsidies, such as Section 8, along with mortgages held by federal financiers, including Fannie May and Freddie Mac. Rhode Island health director tests positive for COVID-19 December 13, 2020 GMT BOSTON (AP) — The director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement Saturday night from the governor’s office. Eviction, Mortgage, & Foreclosure Relief During COVID-19: 50-State Resources The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread public health and economic impacts. “However, once the economy begins to recover, these households will remain responsible for their unpaid rents and mortgages.”. The data did not include the total number of applicants. Gina Raimondo announced a new publicly funded program to help people pay past-due rent on May 4, more than 800 people applied in less than a day. AG Warns About Evictions Without a Court Order The Rhode Island attorney general’s office has issued a warning to landlords to remind them that evicting a … District Court Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia has also allowed Crossroads and United Way to set up tables at the Garrahy and Kent County courthouses outside the rooms in which eviction cases are being heard, in an effort to fast track assistance. The resolution is co-sponsored by Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Helen Anthony (Ward […] The governor called on property owners to make 1,000 units available by July 1 – coinciding with the end of the moratorium on pandemic-related evictions. Individual tenants or landlords can access the program and apply online using the Safe Harbor application available at: https://www.uwri.org/2-1-1/safe-harbor-housing-program/. 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Lee removed from U.S. capitol overnight. “I’m cautiously optimistic we will get this into the hands of the people who need it within the time that we have,” Hunsinger said. The COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. state of Rhode Island is part of an ongoing worldwide viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).As of December 18, 2020, there has been 77,812 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, 459 of which are currently hospitalized, and 1,625 reported deaths. Both are expected to submit tenant applications in batches. Rental assistance: Rhode Island has made an additional $5 million in emergency rental assistance available to low-income renters who have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency and are at immediate risk of homelessness.Those who qualify can receive a grant of up to $5,000 to support past due rent … The Safe Harbor program started last month and is designed to head off evictions through mediation and rental assistance before court cases render tenants homeless. The growing number of applicants comes as the COVID-19 public health crisis has forced tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders into unemployment, raising concerns among renters, landlords and advocates who predict the joblessness will translate into missed housing payments. Anyone traveling to Rhode Island from one of these states with a COVID-19 positivity rate higher than 5% must quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. Action: The Rhode Island Supreme Court has issued an order stating that evictions may not be filed or heard until after May 17, 2020 and that any eviction order issued prior to March 17, 2020, however, can still be executed. The hack -- already being described as the "most consequential cyberespionage campaign in history" -- targeted the IT management company SolarWinds, which claims to serve thousands of clients, including businesses and governments across the United States. COVID-19 RI FACT SHEET ON EVICTIONS | FOR RENTERS What is a moratorium? Small businesses across Alabama impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistancethrough the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Those same four ZIP codes currently have the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island, representing nearly 40% of the statewide total — despite the people living there only representing about 15% of the statewide population. She was spotted drinking wine while not wearing a face mask in Providence on Friday. The governor tested negative each day of her self-isolation and was cleared to … No eviction moratorium in place. The limited time each day means it could take weeks – even months – before new cases come up for a hearing, although those guidelines could change if social distancing mandates are relaxed and the courts decide it’s safe to expand hearings. According to Crossroads data reviewed by Target 12, families living in the Pawtucket and Providence ZIP codes of 02860, 02907, 02908 and 02909 filed the most applications for rental assistance since May 2. Rhode Island is leading the country with the highest average daily COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a … Gina Raimondo is out of coronavirus quarantine. Seventy-nine of those eviction cases resolved anyway. Sources: The Rhode Island Department of Health and its COVID-19 Vaccine subcommittee. If you are facing eviction and behind on your rent as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, please click HERE to learn about the United Way’s Safe Harbor Housing Program. If a sheriff or constable attempts to evict you without a court order, you can report it here. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., has seen the country’s fastest spread of the coronavirus in the last week. A Rhode Island emergency room doctor is taking on the slate of myths around the COVID-19 vaccine and debunking them as the historic vaccination effort gets … Paul Ragosta, an attorney who represents landlords of affordable housing units, estimates these protections would prevent upward of 60% of landlords in Rhode Island from evicting tenants. The state instead adopted a public-health approach aimed at keeping tenants in their homes, and off the streets or in congregate settings to tamp down the infection’s spread. Santilli is hopeful the slower pace of legal proceedings will also give nonprofits and other advocacy groups more time to leverage other programs to back-fill the needs of those struggling with rent. “Now it’s gotten worse.”. A program ordered by the R.I. Superior Court could offer a needed lifeline to businesses that have been hit hard by losses associated with COVID-19. Other measures to ease the process include that tenants are no longer required to produce a lease, but merely need to verify their address, even if with an electric bill. And the most at-risk areas are also the places that have been hit hardest by COVID-19. The District Court was aware of the delay in getting this money to the end user and is encouraging access in every way possible,” courts spokesman Craig N. Berke said. Flowchart of Rhode Island Eviction Process. Without money from tenants, landlords could start missing mortgage payments, which could lead to foreclosures and more homelessness. “I don’t see an immediate onslaught of new [eviction] cases that are unprotected,” Ragosta said, although he acknowledged that could change after the protections end at the end of July. Minnesota and … Instant Poll: Snow days, or snow days no more? Superior Court approves new program for businesses to stay collections, evictions. Shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to Rhode Island cut by 36% next week FDA plans to OK 2nd COVID-19 vaccine after panel endorsement Care New England, Lifespan confirm extra … Rhode Island residents can find out more about their state’s COVID-19 related housing policies on the state’s Department of Health website. Eviction status: CDC moratorium only. But the Target 12 Investigators have uncovered millions of dollars went to businesses that don't exist. A total of 233 tenants made declarations from Sept. 4 through Nov. 27 to stave off evictions until after the start of the new year. South Carolina South Dakota This exception does not apply to international travelers. This article is available to all readers as a public service. DISTRICT COURT . This exception does not apply to international travelers. The Pause was implemented to keep COVID-19 hospitalizations below hospital capacity limits and to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 by significantly dialing down overall mobility and reducing social gatherings. Foreclosure status: FHFA moratorium only. Without that extra money – which is set to expire at the end of next month – the share of renters at risk of missing payments in Rhode Island could increase from 8% to 33% in Rhode Island, representing about 51,000 households, according to the report. ; Business economic support and guidance can be found at the RI Commerce website or by calling 521-HELP (521-4357). Rhode Island Economy Commerce/Business Information. “We need a bigger, more thoughtful solution because there’s going to be many people struggling to pay the rent in the months to come.”. Rental Assistance/Housing Provider Assistance Pursuant to Rhode Island Law 28-34-3 occupational diseases that are set forth in Rhode Island General Law § 28-34-2 are treated the same way as other injuries in Workers Compensation Court. “What I’m anticipating in the coming months is what we saw in 2012, which was an increase in people who owned multifamily homes where the owner was living on one floor and renting out the other two floors,” Santilli said. Status: Eviction Can Resume (Remote) as of June 2. Of the $3.012 million disbursed, $1.5 million, or 56%, was distributed in November. The recorded conversations included offensive language directed toward a transgender activist, Justice Gaines, who frequently engages with council and once ran for City Council herself. PROVIDENCE ‒ The Rhode Island courts have clarified proceedings involving evictions a … Rhode Island COVID-19 Info Line. In an effort to address this problem, Raimondo last week announced a new public subsidy for landlords who rent units to families with housing vouchers. And the clock is ticking to get much of the remaining $9 million-plus out the door by the Dec. 31 deadline to spend CARES Act funds. REGARDING DECLARATION BY THE DEFENDANT/TENANT . When Rhode Island's District Court put eviction hearings on hold in mid-March, complaints of landlords illegally forcing tenants out more than tripled, according to Rhode Island Legal Services. A FedEx driver delivers a box containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I., Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. A total of 233 tenants made declarations from Sept. 4 through Nov. 27 to stave off evictions until after the start of the new year. For advocates, including Santilli and Fox, the looming housing housing crisis represents a threat to everyone in the state. And while pandemic-related housing disputes still cannot be heard until July, there were 360 cases left over from before the public health crisis started, including 157 for non-payment. “That should be enough money to get us through January.”. If a tenant cannot afford the rent due to loss of a job or income as a result of the COVID-19 virus, the landlord could consider working with the tenant to arrange a payment plan. As an exception, you may provide proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Rhode Island Tries To Head Off Evictions At the beginning of the year, Kristen Seery had a home, a stable income and dreams of returning to school. PROVIDENCE — Rental assistance programs meant to keep financially distressed tenants in their homes launched with fanfare early in the COVID-19 pandemic, only to quickly become hampered by a burdensome and restrictive application process that led to a backlog. Both landlords and tenants are struggling to make ends meet as the coronavirus throws the economy into crisis. CVS Health administering COVID-19 vaccines at long-term care facilities; begins in RI on Dec. 28, Priest injured in Massachusetts church rectory fire, Biden to receive COVID vaccine on Monday as Trump remains on sidelines, Pawtucket woman turning 94 receives special birthday surprise, A ‘Christmas Star’ will sparkle in the sky this week, ‘I vaccinated Santa Claus myself’: Fauci says Saint Nick is ready for Christmas, ‘The igloo experience’: How one Fall River restaurant got creative with outdoor dining, Picture-perfect volunteer helps others send smiles home for the holidays.