Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Janice Luongo

WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Janice Luongo on May 12, 2026, at the age of 75, after a sudden illness; and

WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was a compassionate advocate, writer, and tireless champion for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, poverty, addiction, and hardship, dedicating much of her life to uplifting society’s most vulnerable citizens; and

WHEREAS, At the center of Janice’s life was her beloved wife and partner of thirty-five years, Annmarie “Annie” Simoli, with whom she shared a life rooted in love, devotion, creativity, resilience, and unwavering support; and

WHEREAS, She also leaves behind her beloved aunts and uncle, Rita and Al Poli and Anne Caldarella; her brother, Thomas; cousins; extended family members; dear friends; colleagues; and the many communities she touched through her advocacy, mentorship, and friendship; and

WHEREAS, Janice Luongo was widely respected for her honesty, courage, and passionate voice on behalf of those too often unheard. Whether speaking about injustice, community, love, or public policy, she spoke plainly, fearlessly, and memorably, earning admiration throughout Rhode Island’s advocacy and service communities; and

WHEREAS, Janice devoted much of her life to building stronger communities and coalitions of care, from her early work at the Smith Hill Center to her more recent collaboration with Better Lives RI and her service as Editor-in-Chief of “Street Sights,” Rhode Island’s only publication dedicated to issues affecting the homeless community; and

WHEREAS, What began in 2007 as a single sheet of resource information for individuals experiencing homelessness evolved under Janice’s leadership into a widely respected publication featuring stories, poetry, artwork, resource information, faith-based encouragement, and firsthand accounts written by and for individuals living through poverty and housing insecurity; and

WHEREAS, Through “Street Sights,” Janice ensured that critical information and human stories reached those living in shelters, encampments, on the streets, and in temporary housing situations, often personally distributing copies throughout communities she knew intimately through her own lived experiences and advocacy work; and

WHEREAS, Janice also contributed her voice and expertise to numerous public conversations concerning homelessness and housing insecurity in Rhode Island, consistently challenging public officials and community leaders to move beyond temporary solutions and address the root causes of homelessness through dignity, compassion, and meaningful action; and

WHEREAS, Her memorable and deeply human question, “What About Tonight?”, became a rallying cry reminding policymakers and advocates alike that immediate human suffering demanded urgent attention and action; and

WHEREAS, Janice’s advocacy was informed not only by intellect and compassion, but also by her own lived experiences overcoming adversity, allowing her to connect authentically with those struggling through homelessness, addiction, trauma, and poverty; and

WHEREAS, Friends and fellow advocates remembered Janice as a woman possessing what her grandmother lovingly called “a heart of gold,” whose generosity was sincere, whose compassion was constant, and whose commitment to others never wavered; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Janice Luongo strengthened Rhode Island through her courage, empathy, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to human dignity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue inspiring future generations of advocates and community leaders; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues of Janice Luongo on her passing; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House honors and remembers Janice Luongo for her extraordinary life of advocacy, compassion, and service to the people of Rhode Island, particularly those experiencing homelessness and hardship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Annmarie “Annie” Simoli and the family of Janice Luongo.