Foundation convenes local leaders on issues of green and healthy housing
 "How can we leverage the historic opportunity presented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to create both green and healthy housing and maximize the benefits for the long term health and well-being of Rhode Islanders?"
This question sparked a productive discussion among the representatives of state and local government, including the governor's office; higher education; job training programs; private entities; and nonprofit organizations who attended a recent meeting convened by the Foundation.
In welcoming the group, Neil Steinberg, Foundation president and CEO, stressed the Foundation's ability to act as a conduit for getting feedback on the challenges and opportunities for ARRA funds back to Washington. He had traveled to the White House in July as part of a select group of foundations invited, as part of a Green and Healthy Housing Initiative, to discuss expanding and leveraging the impact of stimulus funding on the ground.
"We have a unique opportunity to work together to identify opportunities for leveraging funds that lead to maximum benefits for Rhode Islanders," he told convening attendees.
The meeting was a first step in gathering this information and coordinating local and state efforts to integrate multiple programs that deliver energy efficiency and healthy home related services in Rhode Island.
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