The Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council’s most recent quarterly meeting drew a strong turnout and an even stronger conversation, with housing taking center stage as one of the most urgent and complex issues facing individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Executive Director Kevin Nerney opened the evening by grounding the discussion in the Council’s broader mission: ensuring that the upcoming five-year plan truly reflects the priorities, voices, and lived experiences of the disability community. With housing already identified as a critical concern, the meeting offered valuable insight from experts, and actively engaged Council members and attendees in shaping priorities.
Building on Momentum from the Housing Summit
Early in the meeting, Chris Semonelli reflected on the momentum generated by a housing summit held late last year in Newport. That event brought together nonprofit organizations, housing advocates, service providers, and individuals with lived experience to confront the realities of Rhode Island’s housing shortage. From resource tables focused on mental health and homelessness prevention, to deeply moving recorded interviews with people experiencing homelessness, the summit highlighted both the human impact and the urgency of action.
The summit also underscored the importance of collaboration, which led naturally to inviting Ken Renaud to guide the housing discussion.
Guest Speaker: Michelle Brophy on Making Housing Actionable
Michelle Brophy, from the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), was invited to share her expertise. With more than 30 years of experience addressing homelessness and developing supportive housing, Michelle emphasized a key message: housing may feel overwhelming, but it is not impossible, and everyone has a role to play.
Michelle outlined several concrete pathways for advocacy and action:
- Policy and legislation: She encouraged Council members to connect with organizations like the Housing Network of Rhode Island and to raise their voices in support of affordable housing legislation.
- Federal housing resources: Because Rhode Island relies heavily on federal programs such as HUD housing choice vouchers and Section 811, Michelle stressed the importance of advocating at the federal level and applying early, given waitlists that can stretch from three to ten years.
- Supportive housing and services: Affordable housing must be paired with services that help people remain stable in their communities. This includes long-term services and supports through home and community-based waiver programs.
- Local advocacy: Michelle urged attendees to speak up at city and town council meetings, noting that policymakers often hear from those opposed to affordable housing—but rarely from those who need it.
She also shared examples of innovative housing models, such as intergenerational housing, where families can live close together while maintaining independent spaces. Throughout her remarks, Michelle reinforced her availability as a resource, inviting participants to continue conversations through her virtual housing office hours.
Facilitated Discussion: A Café Conversation on Housing
Ken Renaud led the remainder of the meeting using a “café conversation” format designed to surface shared priorities and practical ideas. Participants gathered at tables, reviewed discussion materials, and reflected on major barriers previously identified at the housing summit. Review his notes and key findings in the PDF below.
These barriers included:
- Building awareness and addressing stigma
- Funding and financial sustainability
- Capacity and expertise in navigating housing systems
- Access to and understanding of housing subsidies
- Community resistance, often referred to as “NIMBY” (Not In My Backyard)
Ken encouraged participants to focus not only on challenges, but on what is possible, narrowing priorities in a way that could meaningfully inform the Council’s future work.
Voices from the Room: Lived Experience and Urgent Needs
As tables reported out, several themes emerged powerfully and repeatedly. Families and advocates spoke about the need for person-centered housing, particularly for individuals with complex medical or behavioral needs. Participants emphasized that safe, appropriate housing requires adequate space, thoughtful design, and sufficient supports – conditions that are often missing in current options.
Others highlighted the shortage of housing for people with higher support needs, including the lack of appropriate group living options, despite discomfort with the terminology. Long waitlists, inconsistent policies across municipalities, and limited coordination among housing authorities were cited as ongoing barriers.
Stigma surfaced as a major concern, whether related to affordable housing, Section 8 vouchers, disability, or misconceptions about property values. Participants stressed the importance of education, not only for the public, but also for housing authorities and municipal leaders.
Across tables, there was broad agreement on the need for:
- Stronger public awareness and education
- Increased funding and subsidies
- Greater coordination across cities, towns, and state agencies
- Meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities and families in decision-making
Several attendees also called for broader collaboration, suggesting the potential for a statewide coalition or future summit to align efforts and amplify shared values.
Looking Ahead
By the close of the meeting, one message was clear: housing is not a single issue with a single solution. It is deeply connected to policy, funding, services, community attitudes, and most importantly – people’s lives. The Council’s quarterly meeting helped sharpen the priorities as the RIDDC looks ahead to its next five-year plan.
The conversation did not end when the meeting adjourned. As usual, people continued talking right through to the coffee and cookies.
Click here to read key data findings.
