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Facing challenges with rent payments in Rhode Island can be overwhelming, but financial assistance and support systems are available to help you maintain housing stability. While the large-scale Rent Relief RI program established during the pandemic has concluded, a network of state and local organizations continues to offer crucial aid.
This resource provides a direct path to active programs for rental and utility assistance, guidance on eviction prevention, and connections to legal experts who can protect your rights as a tenant.
Understanding the Closure of Rent Relief RI
For many Rhode Islanders, the primary source of aid during the COVID-19 pandemic was the Rent Relief RI program. It is critical to understand that this program is no longer active. Administered by RI Housing, the program officially closed to new applications on June 1, 2022.
The associated Eviction Prevention Assistance Program has also ended because its funding was depleted. Any applications that had not received an approval email before the program's closure are no longer being considered. Applicants must now seek alternative arrangements for their rental obligations.
The Current Landscape for Housing Aid
These programs were temporary measures created in response to the pandemic, funded by a finite allocation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The closure of this centralized program has left many wondering where to turn for help.
The system for obtaining assistance has reverted to a decentralized network of various state, local, and non-profit organizations. Navigating this landscape can be confusing, as the primary challenge is now identifying the correct organization that serves your specific area. This directory is designed to serve as a clear guide to this network.
Before contacting specific agencies, the most effective first step is to call one of Rhode Island's centralized helplines. These services are staffed by trained professionals who can assess your situation and provide direct referrals to the most appropriate local resources, saving you time and stress.
United Way 2-1-1: The Universal Starting Point
For individuals and families concerned about paying upcoming rent or utility bills, the primary point of contact is United Way 2-1-1. This is a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline that serves as a comprehensive information and referral center for programs across the state.
Maintained by the United Way of Rhode Island, 2-1-1 connects callers to a wide range of resources, including:
The service is highly accessible, offering translation in nearly 200 languages. A trained specialist will ask about your living situation, income, and household to connect you with the local agencies best equipped to provide support.
Coordinated Entry System (CES): For Immediate Homelessness Crisis
For those facing an immediate homelessness crisis, the correct first call is to the Rhode Island Coordinated Entry System (CES). This helpline is the central access point for individuals who are currently homeless or at imminent risk, such as facing an eviction within days.
The CES hotline is (401) 277-4316. Help center agents assess the caller's situation and provide direct referrals to emergency shelters and other critical services. While 2-1-1 focuses on preventing instability, the CES is the specialized response system for an active homelessness crisis.
The backbone of direct, localized financial aid in Rhode Island is the statewide network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs). These non-profit organizations are dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
CAAs are the primary local providers for essential services like emergency rent assistance, utility support (LIHEAP), housing counseling, and case management. Because each agency serves a specific geographic area, it is crucial to contact the correct one for your city or town.
Rhode Island Community Action Agency Directory
The following table provides a quick reference to find the designated Community Action Agency for every community in Rhode Island.
| Agency Name | Towns/Cities Served | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) | Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, Cumberland, Woonsocket | 401-723-4520 | https://bvcap.org/ |
| Community Action Partnership of Providence County (CAPP) | Providence | 401-273-2000 | https://www.cappri.org/ |
| Community Care Alliance | Woonsocket | 401-235-7000 | https://www.communitycareri.org/ |
| Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) | Cranston, Foster, Scituate, Coventry | 401-467-9610 | https://www.comcap.org/ |
| Eastbay Community Action Program (EBCAP) | Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton, Jamestown, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol | 401-847-7821 (Newport) / 401-437-1000 (East Providence) | https://www.ebcap.org |
| Tri-County Community Action Agency | North Providence, Johnston, North Smithfield, Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester, Exeter, Charlestown, Narragansett, Westerly, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Richmond, West Greenwich, New Shoreham | 401-351-2750 (Northern) / 401-789-3016 (Southern) | https://tricountyri.org/ |
| Westbay Community Action | Warwick, West Warwick, East Greenwich | 401-732-4660 | https://www.westbaycap.org/ |
Detailed Agency Profiles
Each Community Action Agency offers a unique suite of programs. Below are details on the housing-related services provided by each.
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
Serving Cranston, Coventry, Scituate, and Foster, CCAP's Emergency Housing Assistance Program can provide aid for back rent, security deposits, mortgage payments, moving costs, and utilities. Funding is limited. Call 401-467-7013 or visit CCAP's online portal to apply.
Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP)
BVCAP serves northern Rhode Island communities. Their housing services focus on educating clients on their rights as renters and providing programs to help families achieve homeownership.
Community Action Partnership of Providence (CAPP)
For Providence residents, CAPP's "Family Stability" initiative pairs families with a case manager to develop a personalized plan to address immediate crises and achieve long-term housing stability.
Eastbay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
EBCAP provides services in Newport and Bristol counties and East Providence. Housing assistance is delivered through its East Bay Coalition for the Homeless (EBCH) program, which helps families access safe, affordable housing.
Tri-County Community Action Agency
Covering large parts of northern and southern Rhode Island, Tri-County provides emergency rent and mortgage assistance to qualifying residents in its service area.
West bay Community Action
Serving Warwick, West Warwick, and East Greenwich, West bay offers a Supportive Housing program that provides subsidized rental units combined with ongoing case management.
Community Care Alliance
For residents of Woonsocket, the Community Care Alliance offers a "Child & Family Housing" program, focusing on housing support tailored to the needs of families with children.
Beyond emergency aid, several long-term state and federal programs provide sustained housing stability for low-income Rhode Islanders. These programs are overseen by HUD and administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in the private market. Participants receive a voucher and generally pay 30-40% of their income toward rent, with the voucher covering the rest.
Most PHAs in the state use the Rhode Island Centralized Wait List, allowing applicants to submit a single application for numerous housing authorities. Demand is extremely high, and waitlists can be very long.
Public Housing
Public housing consists of rental units owned and managed by local PHAs for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. To apply, individuals must contact their local Public Housing Authority directly.
HUD-Approved Housing Counselors
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are a valuable and underutilized resource. These non-profits offer free, expert advice customized to an individual's housing needs.
Counselors can provide guidance on a wide range of topics, including:
A directory of counselors can be found on the HUD website, or you can call the national hotline at (800) 569-4287.
If you have received a notice from your landlord or a court summons, understanding the legal process and accessing legal help is paramount.
Understanding the Legal Eviction Process in Rhode Island
The most critical fact for any tenant is that only a judge can order an eviction. A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order. These "self-help evictions" are illegal.
A legal eviction in Rhode Island must follow a specific process:
Free Legal Assistance for Tenants
Rhode Island has a strong network of organizations that provide free legal services to eligible tenants.
A powerful resource is the Eviction Help Desk, a partnership between Roger Williams University School of Law, RILS, and CFJ. The Help Desk operates directly within the courthouses in Providence and Kent Counties.
Staffed on weekdays by law students and experienced housing attorneys, the desk provides immediate, on-site advice and representation to tenants on the day of their hearings. This provides a vital safety net, ensuring unrepresented tenants have access to legal counsel.
Key Tenant Protections and Resources
The Rhode Island Landlord Tenant Handbook explains the rights and responsibilities of both parties and is an invaluable resource. Additionally, some eviction court records can be sealed in Rhode Island, preventing them from creating barriers to future housing. Tenants should ask their lawyer if they are eligible for eviction sealing.
Difficulty paying rent is often accompanied by struggles with other essential expenses. Several programs are available to specifically address these costs.
Energy and Utility Bill Assistance
Specialized Support Services
Certain populations may have access to additional resources. For military veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island provides a range of housing support and other services.
Most Rhode Island agencies require proof of identity (ID), proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters), a copy of your lease agreement, and a past-due rent or eviction notice. Having these documents ready can speed up your application process for any available housing assistance.
Generally, no. Emergency rental assistance provided by non-profit agencies and through government-funded programs is typically a grant that does not require repayment. Always confirm the terms with the specific agency providing the funds, but you should not expect to pay back this type of rent relief.
Yes, some Community Action Agencies and local programs offer assistance with first month’s rent and security deposits for those moving into a new, stable housing situation. This type of support is often part of homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing initiatives. Contact United Way 2-1-1 for referrals.
This can be challenging, as some programs require landlord cooperation to send direct payments. However, you should still apply. Certain agencies may offer alternative solutions or legal aid can provide guidance on your rights and help mediate. Don't let this stop you from seeking eviction help.
Eligibility is typically based on the Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by county and household size. Programs usually serve households earning a certain percentage of the AMI (e.g., 80% or 50%). Each program has its own specific income limits you must meet to qualify for support.
Yes, eligibility for many local and state-funded housing assistance programs in Rhode Island is not dependent on citizenship status. Non-profit agencies often provide support to all residents in need. However, federal programs like Section 8 may have specific immigration status requirements.
The timeline varies significantly depending on the agency, funding availability, and the volume of applications. It can range from a few weeks to over a month. If you have an urgent eviction notice, immediately inform the agency and seek free legal assistance from Rhode Island Legal Services.
Generally, rental assistance programs are designed for households and are not intended to replace educational housing costs. However, a student who heads a household, has dependents, and meets all other income and residency requirements may be eligible for support from local agencies.
If you are denied, the agency should provide a reason in writing. You often have the right to appeal the decision. Additionally, you should immediately call United Way 2-1-1 again to see if you might be eligible for help from a different program or organization.
This depends on the specific program’s rules. Some forms of emergency assistance are flexible and may help prevent homelessness regardless of the housing type. You will likely need to provide proof of residency and payment history. It is best to explain your situation clearly when you call 2-1-1.
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