Homeless Assistance in Rhode Island
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Rhode Island residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Rhode Island residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Rhode Island. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Rhode Island. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Rhode Island veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Rhode Island residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Rhode Island. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Rhode Island receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Rhode Island Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Rhode Island locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Rhode Island community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Rhode Island residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedRhode Island State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Rhode Island for residents experiencing homelessness.
RI ESG & Housing Programs
RIHousing administers state and federal emergency shelter grants, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing programs for homeless Rhode Islanders.
Get StartedTANF – Rhode Island (RIW)
Rhode Island Works provides cash assistance and employment support for RI families with children in need. Apply at any DHS Family Services office.
Get StartedMedicaid – Rhode Island
Health coverage for eligible Rhode Islanders. Medicaid expansion covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Apply at HealthyRhode.ri.gov.
Get StartedRhode Island Housing Programs
Rhode Island Housing provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Rhode Island residents.
Get StartedRhode Island Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Rhode Island’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Rhode Island households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Rhode Island cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Providence
Crossroads Rhode Island — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Providence area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedWarwick
Warwick CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Warwick area.
Get StartedPawtucket
Amos House — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Pawtucket area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Rhode Island.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Rhode Island Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Rhode Island veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
