HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JANICE LUONGO, the official text

H8564 2026 -- H 8564 ======== LC006492 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ 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 1 WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this House has learned of the passing of 2 Janice Luongo on May 12, 2026, at the age of 75, after a sudden illness; and 3 WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was a compassionate advocate, writer, and tireless champion 4 for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and hardship, dedicating 5 much of her life to uplifting society’s most vulnerable citizens; and 6 WHEREAS, At the center of Janice’s life was her beloved wife and partner of thirty-five 7 years, Annmarie “Annie” Simoli, with whom she shared a life rooted in love, devotion, creativity, 8 resilience, and unwavering support; and 9 WHEREAS, She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and uncle, Rita and Al Poli and 10 Anne Caldarella; her brother, Thomas; cousins; extended family members; dear friends; 11 colleagues; and the many communities she touched through her advocacy, mentorship, and 12 friendship; and 13 WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was widely respected for her honesty, courage, and 14 passionate voice on behalf of those too often unheard. Whether speaking about injustice, 15 community, love, or public policy, she spoke plainly, fearlessly, and memorably, earning 16 admiration throughout Rhode Island’s advocacy and service communities; and 17 WHEREAS, Janice devoted much of her life to building stronger communities and 18 coalitions of care, from her early work at the Smith Hill Center to her more recent collaboration 19 with Better Lives RI and her service as Editor-in-Chief of “Street Sights,” Rhode Island’s only 20 publication dedicated to issues affecting the homeless community; and 1 WHEREAS, What began in 2007 as a single sheet of resource information for individuals 2 experiencing homelessness evolved under Janice’s leadership into a widely respected publication 3 featuring stories, poetry, artwork, resource information, faith-based encouragement, and firsthand 4 accounts written by and for individuals living through poverty and housing insecurity; and 5 WHEREAS, Through “Street Sights,” Janice ensured that critical information and human 6 stories reached those living in shelters, encampments, on the streets, and in temporary housing 7 situations, often personally distributing copies throughout communities she knew intimately 8 through her own lived experiences and advocacy work; and 9 WHEREAS, Janice also contributed her voice and expertise to numerous public 10 conversations concerning homelessness and housing insecurity in Rhode Island, consistently 11 challenging public officials and community leaders to move beyond temporary solutions and 12 address the root causes of homelessness through dignity, compassion, and meaningful action; and 13 WHEREAS, Her memorable and deeply human question, “What About Tonight?”, 14 became a rallying cry reminding policymakers and advocates alike that immediate human 15 suffering demanded urgent attention and action; and 16 WHEREAS, Janice’s advocacy was informed not only by intellect and compassion, but 17 also by her own lived experiences overcoming adversity, allowing her to connect authentically 18 with those struggling through homelessness, addiction, trauma, and poverty; and 19 WHEREAS, Friends and fellow advocates remembered Janice as a woman possessing 20 what her grandmother lovingly called “a heart of gold,” whose generosity was sincere, whose 21 compassion was constant, and whose commitment to others never wavered; and 22 WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Janice Luongo strengthened Rhode Island through her 23 courage, empathy, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to human dignity, leaving behind a 24 legacy that will continue inspiring future generations of advocates and community leaders; now, 25 therefore be it 26 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 27 expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of Janice 28 Luongo on her passing; and be it further 29 RESOLVED, That this House honors and remembers Janice Luongo for her 30 extraordinary life of advocacy, compassion, and service to the people of Rhode Island, 31 particularly those experiencing homelessness and hardship; and be it further LC006492 - Page 2 of 3 1 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 2 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Annmarie “Annie” Simoli and the family of 3 Janice Luongo. ======== LC006492 ======== LC006492 - Page 3 of 3