Help in Rhode Island
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 24 places in Rhode Island, most of them in Providence, Pawtucket and Warwick, plus 16 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (14) and leaving an abuser (12).
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.
Refugee Assistance Program
State office that funds resettlement and placement, language classes, job development, and social services for refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Afghan and Iraqi SIVs, and trafficking victims. Services are delivered through Dorcas International and the Refugee Dream Center.
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.
Sojourner House
Victim services agency for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Runs confidential emergency shelter, supportive housing, short-term rental assistance, counseling, legal support, and a drop-in advocacy center, with dedicated support for 18 to 24 year olds.
Day One
Rhode Island's sexual assault and trauma resource center. Provides advocacy, clinical therapy, and Children's Advocacy Centers across four counties, plus a program for youth who have been commercially sexually exploited or trafficked. Also hosts the state sexual assault coalition.
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
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
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.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.