PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Saturday for the completion of a new affordable housing complex in Providence.

The Joseph Caffey Apartments and Jordan Caffey Townhomes, located at 16 Somerset Street, is a new 79-unit affordable housing development in the Upper South Providence neighborhood.

The late Joseph Caffey, former president and chief executive officer of Providence-based Omni Development Corporation, one of the housing unit’s developers, was considered one of New England’s top affordable housing advocates.

Crews broke ground for the complex in April 2022, and families started moving in in October 2023.

According to RIHousing, another developer for the complex, all units will be affordable to residents earning between 30% to 80% AMI (area median income), which for a two-person household is between $23,200 and $61,900.

“As a community member, someone who grew up in this neighborhood, it’s personal for me,” said Sharon Morris, executive director for Omni Development Corporation.

“Housing should be a right for all people, and we need to do a better job to able to continue to provide housing,” Morris said.

A digital learning center, which was funded as part of Citizens Bank’s $300 million Economic Opportunity Fund initiative, was unveiled during the ceremony.

Citizens provided a $500,000 investment for the center, which includes computer equipment, year-round technology maintenance, WIFI, and ongoing training opportunities to provide residents with digital services.

“These types of developments are not possible without partnerships, so it’s very important to work with partners,” Morris said.

“It’s just a great feeling to be able to provide housing to families,” said Morris.