Carol Ventura

The Executive Director of RI Housing Carol Ventura has spent most of her professional career in the housing and community development space. Initially, she worked in rural Rhode Island, where owners of older property had difficulty making needed repairs.  At RI Housing, she worked with SWAP in its transformative work in  South Providence. “ I’m so happy that SWAP is expanding their important work into other areas of the state. My hope is that the incredible housing leaders we have in the state – leaders like Carla Destefano - will be instrumental in inspiring the next generation of housing and community development champions.” 

“The most difficult aspect of our work is that we know, despite our work, there are often individuals and families we cannot help.  Even with all the programs and funding we deploy, there are still people in RI that fall through the cracks. And the cost of developing rental housing in Rhode Island has risen exponentially over the past 10 years. ”

As for the next 50 years, Ventura acknowledges there will be challenges, but “I’m hopeful that funding continues to support the important work being conducted across our state.  And that brick by brick – property by property – we can address the lack of affordable housing in our state.” 

Full Q&A

How long have you been involved in the housing issue- and what are you doing today?

Most of my professional career has been in the housing and community development space.  Locally in Northern RI and then for the past 25 years at RIHousing.  I’m fortunate to lead the agency working alongside dedicated professionals all committed to bringing people home.

What motivated you early on to get involved with the issue of providing affordable homes and vital neighborhoods?

I was struck by the inability of older property owners in RI to maintain and keep their homes.  Early on I managed funding in our more rural communities to help these folks conduct critical capital improvements so that they could keep their homes.  I was also motivated by the urgent need for community services like transportation and access to healthcare.  Through this work I became involved with RIHousing.  

What was the most rewarding aspect and what has been the most difficult?

Knowing that the work we do touches so many people in need of housing and services is most rewarding. Helping a first-time homebuyer secure a safe mortgage, helping our homebuyers keep their homes or securing resources to house our most vulnerable Rhode Islanders.  The most difficult aspect of our work is that we know despite our work there are often individuals and families we cannot help.  Even with all the programs and funding we deploy there are still people in RI that fall thru the cracks.  

What is your perception on modern-day housing issues?

The cost of buying a home is out of reach for many Rhode Islanders seeking to purchase their first home. The cost of developing rental housing in Rhode Island has risen exponentially over the past 10 years.  Cost of land, the expenses associated with bringing a project through permitting, the cost of labor and materials all impacts our ability to finance these important and much needed affordable rental developments.  

What has your involvement been with SWAP?

Early on in my career at RI Housing I had the opportunity to work with the agency as they transformed South Providence.  I imagine that every street in South Providence has been transformed because of their investment and work.  I’m so happy that SWAP is expanding their important work into other areas of the state.

,What does the next 50 years look like?

My hope is that the incredible housing leaders we have in the state – leaders like Carla Destefano - will be instrumental in inspiring the next generation of housing and community development champions.  Housing and community development is challenging work – it often takes years to bring a project to fruition but also so rewarding when you can celebrate achievement.  

I’m hopeful that funding continues to support the important work being conducted across our state.  And that brick by brick – property by property – we can address the lack of affordable housing in our state.