Historic home rescued from foreclosure

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP/WPRI) - An effort to restore vacant and abandoned properties around South Providence for use as affordable housing units is marking the completion of a project.

State and city officials, housing advocates and members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation attended a ribbon-cutting Tuesday morning at a historic home on Ocean Street.

It was rescued from foreclosure and restored into a two-family unit.

The restoration is part of an effort by the nonprofit known as SWAP -- Stop Wasting Abandoned Properties -- to revitalize lower South Providence.

Among the 37 new affordable homes scattered throughout the neighborhood will be 12 vacant, abandoned houses and properties, including the former Earthen Vessel property on Gordon Avenue.

On Election Day, Rhode Islanders voted to approve Ballot Question #7, which allows the state to issue $25,000,000 in bonds and notes for affordable housing.