FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Toni Akin
Email: [email protected]

Date: August 21, 2025

Providence, RI – Toni Akin, Commissioner of Providence Housing Authority (PHA) and former PPSD School Board Member, is calling for a unified approach to housing and education policy—stressing that stable housing is essential for academic achievement.

“Without a secure home, students struggle to focus, attend school consistently, or complete assignments,” said Akin. “Housing is the foundation that makes learning possible for our students.”

Newly appointed to her second term on PHA, Akin also celebrates the launch of a new Early Childhood Education facility in partnership with the Boston Celtics and Shamrock Foundation, a major step toward expanding access to opportunity for young learners.

Personal Experience Drives Purpose

Raised in public housing, Akin credits her academic resilience to the safety and community it provided.

“Public housing gave me peace of mind to focus on school, even when life was hard,” she shared. “It was more than housing—it was having a home that supported me.”

Building Stronger Communities Through Housing

Akin believes housing must be embraced as a pillar of strong, thriving neighborhoods.

“We need to challenge the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality associated with public housing,” she said. “Our housing model fosters stability, connection, and opportunity—and it should be accepted in every neighborhood.”

Looking Ahead

Commissioner Akin is focused on securing additional federal funding through programs like McKinney-Vento and DCYF, and supporting workforce initiatives such as the Jobs Plus Program for public housing residents. Her advocacy aims to support other city leaders in Providence, RI to become a national leader in housing and education reform.

“With stable housing, families thrive, students succeed, and communities grow stronger,” said Akin. “Providence is ready to lead the way.”