Smith Hill CDC Ceasing Operations Effective December 31, 2022

The Smith Hill Community Development Corporation has made the decision to wind down its operations in 2023, and will be closing its doors to the public on December 31, 2022. The SHCDC was founded by community members in 1992 to increase the availability of high quality, affordable housing for residents. Its most noteworthy efforts include the award-winning Renaissance, Visions I, Visions II and Capital Square projects, which collectively renovated and/or created 187 units of rental, homeownership, landlordship and condominium housing and made major improvements to Smith Hill streetscapes. Overall, this tiny organization has carried out over $35 million neighborhood improvements. Other notable initiatives include partnerships with organizations supporting veterans, students, people impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, and aging out of foster care. The Smith Hill CDC also supported community programs serving youth, neighborhood watches and economic development. Providence’s Smith Hill neighborhood has enjoyed significant improvement over the last 30 years, and SHCDC is very proud of its contributions to its revitalization. As the nonprofit and housing market has evolved, a combination of changes in policy, funding priorities and pressure towards organizational consolidation have led the SHCDC’s board to make this decision. In coming months, SHCDC is committed to an orderly transfer of all properties to new ownership that will continue to uphold the existing affordability guidelines applicable to all SHCDC properties and is grateful to Rhode Island Housing, the City of Providence and all other stakeholders for their assistance and support through this transition. The SHCDC Board of Directors sincerely hopes that our closing does not leave a vacuum in Smith Hill’s grassroots community institutions, and we encourage our community to remain active and committed to supporting our restaurants, businesses, and volunteer organizations. The board conveys its bittersweet thanks to all who have supported Smith Hill Community Development Corporation over the last 30 years, and its appreciation to the tenants and first-time homebuyers it has been so privileged to serve.