RICHARD STAPLES was recently honored as Leadership Rhode Island's 2017 Volunteer Award recipient. Staples, who retired from Fannie Mae in 2014, has volunteered as LRI's photographer for more than four years.
In what ways does photography help LRI's mission?
My primary reason for volunteering as class photographer is to give Core Program and College Program participants a curated, visual diary of their class' journey, keeping session-day messages, emotions and calls to action fresh in their minds. I also believe the photos help them celebrate the classmate relationships they enjoyed during their LRI experience and will lead to more connected, engaged alumni working together to support LRI and help make Rhode Island stronger.
Throughout your career, you've focused on issues related to affordable housing and homelessness. How will prioritizing these issues help move the state's economy forward?
Our state needs to create policies and funding streams that will help ensure all Rhode Islanders have access to safe, affordable homes. This economic imperative is even stronger when it comes to housing the homeless, which can lead to significant reductions in social-service costs.
Are there any relevant policies or initiatives that Rhode Islanders should be paying attention to?
I encourage all Rhode Islanders to read Rhode Island Housing's forward-looking report, "Projecting Future Housing Needs: 2016-2025," that was released in April 2016. Population growth and changing household demographics in our state over the next 10 years will precipitate a major housing shortage, and much higher housing costs, if new housing unit production is not increased.
In your spare time, you also volunteer as an adaptive ski instructor at AbilityPlus Adaptive Sports. What has that experience been like?
I love skiing and I love teaching it to children and adults who are unable to enjoy the sport – and winter in New England – without special, one-on-one instruction and whatever adaptive equipment may be required. Many of our adaptive students are in skiing families, and the greatest thrill for me over the years has been reuniting my students with their families after they learn to ski with assistance from our program. •
