Low-Income Resources in Rhode Island

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with Rhode Island SNAP through the Department of Human Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — Rhode Island DHS

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply online when ready.

Program overview: Rhode Island SNAP (DHS)
Apply / manage benefits: HealthyRhode

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Rhode Island Department of Health

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and find a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: Rhode Island WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Helps with: Locating food pantries, meal sites, and community food resources across Rhode Island.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by location.

RI Food Bank Find Food

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, Rhode Island offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Rhode Island DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and energy costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply through a local agency.

Program overview: Rhode Island LIHEAP
Find a local agency: Community Action Agencies

Housing programs and renter resources — Rhode Island Housing

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and housing search tools.

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In Rhode Island, these programs are administered through the Department of Human Services.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — Rhode Island DHS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program information and apply through HealthyRhode.

Program overview: Rhode Island Child Care Assistance
Apply: HealthyRhode

Rhode Island Works (TANF) — Cash assistance

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply when ready.

Program overview: Rhode Island Works (TANF)
Apply: HealthyRhode

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Rhode Island offers Medicaid and RIte Care for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the HealthyRhode system.

Rhode Island Medicaid & RIte Care — Eligibility and enrollment

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Rhode Island residents.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online when ready.

Program overview & apply: HealthyRhode

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 Rhode Island

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 Rhode Island

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Rhode Island)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Rhode Island Crisis Line

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support and connection to local services statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide crisis line.

Call: 1-401-414-5465
RI Crisis Services

Rhode Island Domestic Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services statewide.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-494-8100
RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/rhode-island/