Building Momentum, Housing Solutions, and Hope in 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, Crossroads Rhode Island enters the year with momentum, purpose, and an unrelenting focus on what we know works: housing. At a time when homelessness remains a critical challenge across our state and nation, Crossroads continues to lead with proven solutions, bold advocacy, and deep investments in the health, safety, and dignity of the people we serve.

Housing First

Housing is the only proven solution for ending homelessness, and our commitment to expanding permanent supportive housing remains at the center of everything we do.

In 2025, we reached a major milestone with the completion of our Summer Street Apartments. Fully occupied by the end of December, this transformative development is now home to more than 176 formerly homeless adults, each with a safe, stable one bedroom apartment in which to rebuild their lives. Summer Street stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when communities invest in evidence-based solutions.

That momentum continues into 2026. Construction is now well underway on our next major housing initiative: the innovative Health & Housing Apartments. Designed to serve formerly homeless adults with medical vulnerabilities, this groundbreaking project features 35 permanent supportive apartments and co-located health and behavioral health services. On track for completion in late 2026, the Health & Housing Apartments represent the future of housing and healthcare for the population we serve.

Currently in predevelopment is an extensive renovation of our Travelers Aid Housing Tower, which we will be converting from dated single room occupancy units into 81 much-needed permanent supportive apartments by 2027.

Crossroads is also proud to partner with ONE Neighborhood Builders, Foster Forward, and Family Service of Rhode Island on the construction of the City Center Apartments in East Providence, which broke ground at the end of 2025. When complete, the development will add 144 apartments to Rhode Island’s affordable housing inventory and strengthen collaborative efforts to address our state’s housing crisis. About 40 percent of the units will be permanent supportive apartments, combining affordable housing with case management and other supportive services as needed to help homeless or at-risk individuals and families stay housed.

Defending Proven Solutions

Of course, our work doesn’t stop at construction sites. In 2026, Crossroads will continue to vigorously defend federal funding for proven homelessness solutions, including partnering with other nonprofits and municipalities nationwide to respond to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recent Notice of Funding Opportunity. Advocacy is a critical part of our mission, and we will continue to speak up for policies that work and for the people who rely on them.

Investing in Health, Safety, and Quality of Life

While housing is foundational, the environments we create also matter deeply. In the year ahead, Crossroads will be making investments designed to improve health, safety, and quality of life across our campus.

Renovations to our Women’s Shelter Courtyard, for instance, will create a more welcoming, restorative outdoor space, including a new sunshade, enhanced privacy fencing, improved drainage and thoughtful landscaping. At the front of our building, new fencing and planters will improve safety and privacy for clients accessing services along a busy roadway.

We are also creating a brand-new courtyard along the side of our building, designed with dignity and practicality in mind. This space will feature water stations, solar-powered phone charging, added privacy, and seating, offering people a safe place to rest, recharge, and connect.

Moving Forward Together

As we step into 2026, we remain focused, optimistic, and deeply committed to our mission. From expanding housing opportunities and defending critical funding, to improving the daily experience of the people we serve, our work is guided by one clear goal: to help those experiencing homelessness secure stable homes.

We are grateful to our partners, supporters, neighbors, and staff who make this progress possible and we look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.