Housing Network of Rhode Island
The Housing Network of Rhode Island is a charitable advocacy organization that pursues left-of-center economic initiatives. It aims to raise economic issues for residents of Rhode Island through housing advocacy and educational services to member nonprofit organizations in the state, as well as the general public. 1 It takes the form of an association of nonprofit community development organizations in Rhode Island. 2
Contents
Housing Network of Rhode Island is a partner organization of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. 3
Background
The Housing Network of Rhode Island is a membership organization for agencies committed to the development of affordable housing and vital communities. The network was comprised of 19 community development organizations as of 2025 and affordable housing developers. Its members have created thousands of affordable housing units. 4
The members are involved in real estate development, financial asset building, housing counseling, and resident empowerment. 4
The Housing Network of Rhode Island is a partner organization of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. 3 The network’s programs include an emergency rental relief program for citizens in need. 1
Network members developed and built thousands of affordable homes and initiated revitalization efforts in neighborhoods across Rhode Island. The network promotes public awareness and policies that address Rhode Island’s housing and economic needs. 2
Grantmaking
The Rhode Island Foundation gave $123,000 to the Housing Network of Rhode Island in December 2023. 1
The United Way of Rhode Island donated $76,5485 to the Housing Network of Rhode Island in June 2024. 1
Washington Trust Charitable Foundation contributed $2,500 to the Housing Network of Rhode Island in December 2024. 1
Advocacy
Melina Lodge, executive director at the Housing Network of Rhode Island, helped organize support for a $120 million state affordable housing bond that state voters approved in November 2024. 5
The organization joined a coalition of liberal groups to oppose the SAVE Act, short for Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration. 6
In 2022, the Housing Network of Rhode Island won the Our Homes, Our Votes grant from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to expand voter mobilization in the state. 7
In 2019, the Housing Network of Rhode Island, joined the “Opportunity Starts at Home” campaign. Other partners in the campaign were based in California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, and Utah. 8
Leadership
As of 2025, Joseph Garlick was the president of the board of directors of Housing Network of Rhode Island. At that time, Garlick was the executive director of NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley. 9
As of 2025, Colin Penney was the vice president of the network’s board. At that time, Penney was the executive director of the South County Habitat for Humanity. 9
As of 2025, Sharon Morris was the treasurer of the network’s board. At that time, Morris was the executive director of Omni Development Corporation. 9
As of 2025, Laura Jaworski was the secretary of the network’s board. At that time, Jaworski was the executive director of the House of Hope Community Development Corporation. 9
As of 2025, Melina Lodge was the executive director of Housing Network of Rhode Island. 10
Financial Statistics
Total Assets
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
| Year | Total Assets | Total Revenue | Total Expenses | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $700,496 | $578,376 | $731,850 | View |
| 2024 | $732,631 | $708,781 | $623,105 | View |
| 2023 | $680,655 | $876,660 | $724,479 | View |
| 2022 | $548,594 | $1,193,333 | $998,705 | View |
| 2021 | $340,391 | $798,741 | $755,325 | View |
| 2020 | $291,563 | $592,889 | $508,980 | View |
Prior year filings: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
Revenue Detail
Expenses Detail
Employee Compensation
- Number of Employees: 7
Highest Earning Employees
| Employee | Title | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Melina Lodge | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $146,326 |
Grant Activity
All-time grants received statistics from Candid dataset:
- Total Grant Value: $2,576,619
- Number of Grants: 85
- Number of Funders: 16
Selection of highest value grants received from the last seven years: