Resource Guide

United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island is a 24/7 social and human services helpline that offers free and confidential referrals to programs and services throughout the state, such as food, housing, job training, and much more.

Assistance with Utilities

for home heating. For more information and eligibility requirements visit: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/energy-and-water-assistance-programs/energy-support-ri. Applications are submitted through your local community action agency. Find yours here: https://www.ricommunityaction.org/find-your-community-action-agency/
Applications are submitted through your local community action agency. Find yours here: https://www.ricommunityaction.org/find-your-community-action-agency/
Households may be eligible for discounted rates on their energy bill if they are receiving certain public benefits disbursed by DHS. To learn more, go to: https://www.rienergy.com/RI-Home/Bill-Help/Discount-Rates
By the United Way provides financial assistance to Rhode Island households who are unable to meet a current energy expense due to financial difficulty. Visit: https://www.unitedwayri.org/gnef/
A program by the Diocese of Providence provides financial assistance to households that have either exhausted or are ineligible for all other state, federal or private heating assistance. Visit: https://www.heatri.com/

Mental Health and Substance Use Resources

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
BH Link provides immediate access to behavioral healthcare in a community-based, 24/7 facility located at 975 Waterman Ave East Providence. If you or someone you love is going through a mental health or substance use crisis, call 988 or visit https://www.bhlink.org/.
Rhode Island has a network of six private, nonprofit licensed community mental health centers across the state that provide emergency services, general and intensive community-based outpatient treatment, substance use treatment, case management and other services. For their information visit: https://bhddh.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur411/files/2021-09/thrive-pdf-cmhcs-info-sheet-and-map-09.2021.pdf
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking, the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence can help. They have a confidential statewide helpline available 24/7; call 1-800-494-8100 or use the online chat here: https://nomoreri.org/. For a list of member agencies that can help with housing, legal services and more, visit: https://lmtd5f.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/RICADV-Resource-List.pdf
For more information and resources around substance abuse, gambling, grief support and more, visit: https://bhddh.ri.gov/mental-health/individual-and-family-information/links-and-resources

Housing

If you are currently experiencing homelessness, or will be homeless in the next 14 days, please call the Coordinated Entry help line to be connected with shelter & services, 401-277-4316
For information on rental assistance, vouchers, and public housing authorities, visit Rhode Island Housing: https://www.rihousing.com/renters/
RIHousing also offers a free online rental listing service that links people who need housing with the housing they need- HousingSearchRI.org.

Food

Stop the Wait has a food pantry at their offices. The pantry is open___.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank has a tool to locate a food pantry near you: https://rifoodbank.org/find-food/
Community action agencies across the state also have food pantries. To find the location nearest you, please visit: https://www.ricommunityaction.org/
SNAP is the nation's largest program for providing low-income individuals and families with resources to purchase food. To learn more and apply, visit: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition
Rhode Islanders that are pregnant, breastfeeding, or post-partum (up to 6 months, regardless of birth outcome), and/or have a child up to age 5 may participate in the WIC program if they meet eligibility guidelines. https://health.ri.gov/find/services/detail.php?id=44

Health Insurance

HealthSource RI (HSRI) is the state’s marketplace for buying and comparing health insurance plans. Individuals apply for health coverage through HSRI and depending upon their income, they may be eligible for Medicaid or eligible to purchase an insurance plan (possibly with financial assistance). Visit: https://healthsourceri.com/
Find dental care, including donated dental services in Rhode Island: https://health.ri.gov/find/oralhealthservices/

Bus Passes

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers a special Reduced Fare Bus Pass Program that allows qualifying low-income seniors (age 65 or over) and low-income persons with disabilities to travel free for two years. Visit: https://www.ripta.com/seniors/