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H8564
2026 -- H 8564
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LC006492
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JANICE LUONGO
Introduced By:
Representatives Morales, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Biah,
Kennedy, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Boylan, and Hopkins
Date Introduced:
May 19, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this House has learned of the passing of
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Janice Luongo on May 12, 2026, at the age of 75, after a sudden illness; and
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WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was a compassionate advocate, writer, and tireless champion
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for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and hardship, dedicating
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much of her life to uplifting society’s most vulnerable citizens; and
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WHEREAS, At the center of Janice’s life was her beloved wife and partner of thirty-five
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years, Annmarie “Annie” Simoli, with whom she shared a life rooted in love, devotion, creativity,
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resilience, and unwavering support; and
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WHEREAS, She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and uncle, Rita and Al Poli and
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Anne Caldarella; her brother, Thomas; cousins; extended family members; dear friends;
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colleagues; and the many communities she touched through her advocacy, mentorship, and
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friendship; and
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WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was widely respected for her honesty, courage, and
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passionate voice on behalf of those too often unheard. Whether speaking about injustice,
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community, love, or public policy, she spoke plainly, fearlessly, and memorably, earning
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admiration throughout Rhode Island’s advocacy and service communities; and
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WHEREAS, Janice devoted much of her life to building stronger communities and
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coalitions of care, from her early work at the Smith Hill Center to her more recent collaboration
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with Better Lives RI and her service as Editor-in-Chief of “Street Sights,” Rhode Island’s only
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publication dedicated to issues affecting the homeless community; and
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WHEREAS, What began in 2007 as a single sheet of resource information for individuals
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experiencing homelessness evolved under Janice’s leadership into a widely respected publication
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featuring stories, poetry, artwork, resource information, faith-based encouragement, and firsthand
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accounts written by and for individuals living through poverty and housing insecurity; and
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WHEREAS, Through “Street Sights,” Janice ensured that critical information and human
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stories reached those living in shelters, encampments, on the streets, and in temporary housing
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situations, often personally distributing copies throughout communities she knew intimately
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through her own lived experiences and advocacy work; and
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WHEREAS, Janice also contributed her voice and expertise to numerous public
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conversations concerning homelessness and housing insecurity in Rhode Island, consistently
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challenging public officials and community leaders to move beyond temporary solutions and
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address the root causes of homelessness through dignity, compassion, and meaningful action; and
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WHEREAS, Her memorable and deeply human question, “What About Tonight?”,
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became a rallying cry reminding policymakers and advocates alike that immediate human
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suffering demanded urgent attention and action; and
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WHEREAS, Janice’s advocacy was informed not only by intellect and compassion, but
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also by her own lived experiences overcoming adversity, allowing her to connect authentically
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with those struggling through homelessness, addiction, trauma, and poverty; and
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WHEREAS, Friends and fellow advocates remembered Janice as a woman possessing
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what her grandmother lovingly called “a heart of gold,” whose generosity was sincere, whose
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compassion was constant, and whose commitment to others never wavered; and
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WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Janice Luongo strengthened Rhode Island through her
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courage, empathy, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to human dignity, leaving behind a
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legacy that will continue inspiring future generations of advocates and community leaders; now,
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therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of Janice
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Luongo on her passing; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House honors and remembers Janice Luongo for her
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extraordinary life of advocacy, compassion, and service to the people of Rhode Island,
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particularly those experiencing homelessness and hardship; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Annmarie “Annie” Simoli and the family of
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Janice Luongo.
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