Our Stories & Voices

Supporters Can Testify in Support of the Legislation  The Rhode Island House Health & Human Services Committee is scheduled to hear testimony on House Bill 5849, the Rhode Island Equity Zone Act, on Thursday, March 27 at the Rise of the House, typically around 4:30 pm, in the House Lounge. If passed, the bill would establish the Rhode Island Equity Zone (RIEZ) network as a formal and permanent program within the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).   Currently, the Health Equity Zones (HEZ) are an initiative of the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) and do not…

Central Providence Community Loan Fund Spotlight: Haitian.Ish, Anne Rabel Anne Rabel, the founder of Haitian.Ish, is now proudly serving Rhode Island’s first-ever Haitian food truck. With a background in high-end restaurants, local bars, and catering, Anne has always dreamed of launching her own business that celebrates Haitian cuisine. Haitian.Ish embodies this vision, delivering authentic Haitian flavors to communities across Rhode Island. The food truck is officially operational, and Anne is excited to share the delicious offerings with the public. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, as the truck is now a vibrant part of the local food scene….

One Neighborhood Builders has been featured in an Urban Institue report, Engaging Communities in Measurement and Data-Driven Decisionmaking. The organization’s work in Central Providence through the Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ) was highlighted as a key example of community-driven leadership and implementation and utilization of the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework. This framework aims to advance racial equity and upward mobility through an evidence-based foundation. One Neighborhood Builders is a member of the Urban Institue’s Mobility Action Learning Network (MALN) and utilizes its Community-Engaged Methods Model   The model outlines seven core pillars that build towards more equitable…

C+J Rentals started with a straightforward goal: to provide rentals  for small parties. Founded by father Mynor Quiñonez and sons Jeffrey Quiñonez, Christian Quiñonez and Danilo Quiñonez, the business began with a few basic party items, but quickly grew as they served more clients. As the business expanded, Danilo, Jeffrey, and Christian faced the challenge of keeping up with demand and navigating the complex world of loan and grant opportunities. Many funding options were tangled in red tape, making it tough for small businesses to get the help they needed. Enter the Central Providence Community Loan Fund. Unlike other funding…

The innovation and scope of Center City Apartments has drawn some recent attention and support from stakeholders and grantors. In May, One Neighborhood Builders was awarded the Dr. J Lee and Judy Westrate Grant for Exceptionalism and Innovations in affordable housing. This prestigious $50,000 grant, awarded by the Housing Ministries of New England, recognizes projects that demonstrate an innovative approach to affordable housing. The grant will directly advance the Center City Apartments development, bringing it one step closer to construction.  Center City Apartments is currently in pre-development and is one of our most ambitious and transformational projects to date. This…