Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and City Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris have approved an $8.8 million federal funding package for housing and community investments for program year 2026-27. The package, developed collaboratively by the Smiley administration and City Council, allocates $5.45 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support affordable housing, homelessness prevention, shelter improvements, and essential community services. Key initiatives include $550,000 in HOME funds for downpayment assistance to first-time homebuyers and $200,000 for predevelopment work by the Providence Housing Authority to transform 200 Chad Brown into affordable housing. Additional investments target housing rehabilitation and shelter upgrades, such as $657,360 for Amos House to preserve 14 housing units, $79,170 for domestic violence shelter improvements, $275,000 for Sankofa Apartments, and $40,000 for veterans housing renovations. The package also increases support for healthcare and meal programs serving vulnerable residents. The funding will be incorporated into the city’s Annual Action Plan and submitted to HUD for final approval, reinforcing Providence’s commitment to affordable, stable, and resilient communities.