Help aging out of foster care in Rhode Island
We've found 7 places in Rhode Island for people aging out of foster care, and 7 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), shelter & housing (3) and food (2).
Places in Rhode Island
United Way 211 Rhode Island
Free statewide information line that routes callers to housing, food, utility help, childcare, mental health, and addiction treatment resources. Trained Rhode Island staff answer around the clock and can bring in interpreters.
Voluntary Extension of Care (VEC)
Lets young adults ages 18 to 20 stay in or return to DCYF care while they work with a social worker on housing, school, jobs, and support systems. DCYF pays toward housing and personal needs during the program.
Foster Forward
Serves youth and young adults with foster care history. Your Way Home rapidly rehouses 18 to 24 year olds who aged out and are homeless; ASPIRE offers financial coaching and a matched savings account for ages 16 to 26; Works Wonders provides job readiness and mentoring.
Rhode Island Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income Rhode Islanders in eviction defense, public benefits denials, consumer debt, family safety and protective orders, and veterans' issues. Applicants are screened for income and case type before an attorney is assigned.
State ID Card
Explains how a Rhode Island resident without a driver's license gets a state photo ID: one proof of identity, a Social Security number or SSA ineligibility letter, and two proofs of Rhode Island address. Free for people 59 and older; checks not accepted.
Center for Vital Records
State office for certified birth, death, and marriage certificates. Rhode Island births from 1960 on can also be pulled at any city or town hall. Bring a government photo ID, or two documents showing your name and current address if you have none.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Monthly food benefits on an EBT card for low-income households. Apply online, by phone, by paper, or at a DHS regional office; most applicants get a phone interview and a decision within 30 days, or within 7 days if they have almost no cash or income.
National lines that work in Rhode Island
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.