Providence Journal video by Kris Craig
The Providence Journal / Kris Craig
The General Assembly created the program in 1988, but provided funding only once, in fiscal 1995. Rhode Island Housing has paid the subsidies for years, but recently imposed higher rents, saying it can no longer fully support RAP.
Providence College Professor Eric L. Hirsch said rents are unaffordable for nearly half of the population, and this "is not a case of individual failures. It's a case of market failures."
"What we really need is for the state to step back in and step up to its responsibilities," he said.
The Providence Journal / Kris Craig
Eric Hirsch, a sociology professor at Providence College, speaks to those gathered at the State House Tuesday for a rally in support of subsidies for low-income tenants through the Rental Assistance Program (RAP).