HABITAT FOR JUSTICE
Building Affordable Housing, Workforce Skills, and Intergenerational Wealth
Justice Assistance now offers the first-of-its-kind Habitat for Justice program that addresses critical needs of housing, employment, and wealth creation within justice-involved communities.
Habitat for Justice (HFJ) is a critical program within JA that focuses on developing affordable housing and building career opportunities for justice-involved individuals. Specifically, this work includes new construction and acquisition/rehab of underutilized properties. We partner with RI Housing and local municipalities to make these homes affordable and accessible to justice-involved Rhode Islanders. We also ensure our client’s participation in the building trades by requiring justice-involved apprenticeships on any construction contract we sign.
Housing
In 2025, Justice Assistance will become the stewards of affordable housing units through a scattered site acquisition in Providence, Rhode Island. These units will be affordable to renters who earn 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or less. Priority will be given to Justice Assistance clients as units become available.
Workforce Development
With the support of a federal grant, Justice Assistance will complete $380,000 worth of repairs to affordable housing in Rhode Island. Community benefits agreements between Justice Assistance and our contractors will require a certain percentage of work to be completed by justice-involved individuals. This will result in on-the-job training and direct earnings of more than $50,000 for justice-involved individuals.
Renter Wealth Fund
The Renter Wealth Fund (RWF) is a trust fund opened on behalf of renters within JA’s affordable developments. The City of Providence has committed to investing $50,000 per year for two years into this account. This investment is administered by the United Way of Rhode Island through the Providence Equity Fund. In addition, 15% of the annual cash flow from our properties will be invested in the RWF. Although the RWF is intended to grow in perpetuity, residents will have annual opportunities to draw down portions of the RWF for the following uses:
Down payment Assistance and Closing Cost
Retirement Contributions
High-Interest Debt
Medical Bills
Education