Homelessness in Rhode Island local government
What Rhode Island city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about homelessness — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
12 Rhode Island meetings since 2024 covered homelessness. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Rhode Island with the most homelessness activity
- West Warwick, RI (4)
- Johnston, RI (3)
- Middletown, RI (2)
- Johnston, RI (1)
- Lincoln, RI (1)
- Pawtucket, RI (1)
Latest matching meetings
Zoning Board denies feline shelter request at 27 Zanfagna Street
The Johnston Zoning Board accepted the minutes from the previous meeting and denied an application for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna Street in Zone R15. The board considered several dimensional variance requests, granting a continuance for a garage project at 839 Sanderson Road Apt. 61 and another for a garage at 11…
Board will consider a special use permit to add liquor at a coffee shop on Atwood Ave.
The Zoning Board will review four pending applications: a request for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna St (Lot 4 Plot 242, Zone R15) which is not permitted under the Table of Use Regulations; a dimensional variance for a new garage at 17 Jackson Ave (Lot 16 Plot 194, Zone R15); a special use permit to add liquor to an…
Zoning Board continues feline shelter application to August
The Zoning Board of Review discussed a request to allow a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna St. The board voted to continue the matter to August 28, 2025.
Board postpones decision on feline shelter request at 27 Zanfagna St.
The Zoning Board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and reported no old business. In new business, a petition by Pat DiRaimo for a feline shelter at 27 Zanfagna Street, Lot 242, Plat 4, in an R15 zone was presented; the use is not permitted under Table of Use Regulations Subsection 9 (18a). The board voted…
Purchasing Committee to review asphalt contract and bidding waivers
The Purchasing Committee will meet to review a contract extension and two requests to waive competitive bidding. The body will also consider the approval of minutes from April and May 2025.
School Committee to vote on $2.9M special revenue fund allocation
The Middletown School Committee will consider and vote on several action items, including a second reading of the Homeless Policy, first reading of school handbook changes for a Cell Phone Policy, naming an elementary school (suggested: Valley Elementary), adoption of job descriptions, a Food Services Account Policy…
School subcommittee to discuss homeless and cell phone policies
The Middletown School Committee Sub-Committee will meet in person at 26 Oliphant Lane on March 7, 2025, to review and discuss the Homeless Policy and the Cell Phone Policy. These are the only substantive action items on an otherwise procedural agenda; no votes are expected at this subcommittee meeting.
Pawtucket Board of License Commissioners approves various business licenses
The Board of License Commissioners approved a consent agenda containing multiple license petitions. The body also requested a follow-up report regarding Harmony Kennel.
Town Council approves $296,873.82 in tax abatements
The West Warwick Town Council approved several ordinances, renewed numerous liquor licenses, and authorized $296,873.82 in tax abatements. It also approved the sale of surplus vehicles on GovDeals and gave updates on the school building committee and a new homelessness task force.
Town Council approves collective bargaining agreement with $241k FY2025 impact
The council took first readings on Ordinance #2024-18 (zoning board amendment) and Ordinance #2024-19 (adding a $100 penalty fee). It discussed a proposed ordinance on homeless encampments but took no action. The council approved a business‑license request for an event at 11 Ventura Street and a resolution to consider…
Town Council orders homeless encampments on town property vacated by Dec. 2
The Town Council decided to vacate homeless encampments on town property by December 2 and directed the creation of a response task force. The council also approved funding for public safety and public works equipment and updated tobacco license regulations.
Town Council authorizes up to $2.5 M in bonds for safety, works, recreation vehicles.
The council approved several ordinances, including a bond measure to finance up to $2.5 million for public safety, public works, and recreation vehicles. It also adopted zoning map amendments, a low‑speed vehicle amendment, and a tobacco dealer regulation change, while approving a $412,158 fire‑department grant and…