Protesters Gather for 'People's State of the State' During Governor's Address

Advocates call for rent stabilization to address rising homelessness in Rhode Island

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Outside of Gov. Dan McKee's State of the State address, the 'People's State of the State' was held to bring awareness to homelessness in Rhode Island. Homelessness in the state has increased significantly, with nearly 2,400 people experiencing it nightly. Advocates argue that rising rental costs are a strong predictor of homelessness and are calling for rent stabilization measures in Providence, the nation's least affordable metro area.

Why it matters

Homelessness is a growing crisis in Rhode Island, with the number of people living outdoors increasing by 15% in just one year. Advocates say addressing the root cause of rising rents is key to reversing this trend, as research shows that even small increases in rent can lead to significant rises in homelessness. Rent stabilization policies are being considered in Providence as a way to provide renters with more predictability and protection from sudden rent hikes that often trigger displacement.

The details

The 'People's State of the State' protest was held outside of Gov. Dan McKee's State of the State address to bring attention to the homelessness crisis in Rhode Island. Homelessness in the state has increased by 35% in just one year, with nearly 2,400 people experiencing it nightly. Advocates argue that rising rental costs, with Providence being named the nation's least affordable metro area, are a primary driver of this trend. In response, the Providence City Council is introducing a rent stabilization measure that would limit how much landlords can raise rents each year.

  • Last January, 618 people were counted living outdoors in Rhode Island, a 15% increase from the year before and nearly five times the number in 2020.
  • Nearly 2,400 Rhode Islanders experience homelessness each night, a 35% increase in just one year.

The players

Gov. Dan McKee

The governor of Rhode Island who delivered the State of the State address.

Providence City Council

The city council in Providence, Rhode Island that is introducing a rent stabilization measure.

Molly Richard

An assistant professor of public health at the University of Rhode Island who wrote about the connection between rising rents and homelessness.

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What they’re saying

“Homelessness is not inevitable. It is the predictable result of a housing system that prices out people with the fewest resources and the families who support them.”

— Molly Richard, Assistant Professor of Public Health, University of Rhode Island

What’s next

The Providence City Council is expected to vote on the rent stabilization measure in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Addressing the root cause of rising rents through rent stabilization policies is a critical step in reversing the growing homelessness crisis in Rhode Island. By providing renters with more predictability and protection from sudden rent hikes, these measures can help prevent displacement and keep people housed.