Housing and financial assistance for women combines federal programs (HUD, TANF, SNAP, LIHEAP) with state and local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), with VAWA giving survivors of domestic violence priority and emergency transfer rights. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing run through HUD's Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry. Mothers with custodial children typically qualify for TANF cash assistance and family-priority housing. Community action agencies and 211 lines coordinate utility help, emergency funds, and rent assistance. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 referral lines, and community action agencies.
Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence provide statewide civil legal aid and safety services to women.
DHS at 25 Howard Avenue in Cranston administers the Rhode Island Works program, emergency cash assistance, and SNAP. Mothers in crisis can apply same-day for emergency aid covering rent arrears, utility shutoffs, or relocation. Phone 401-462-5300 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm. Bring photo ID, lease, and proof of income.
401-462-5300 · 25 Howard Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm · Visit Website
Crossroads at 160 Broad Street in Providence is the state's largest homeless services provider, operating women's shelter beds, family housing, rapid rehousing, and a one-stop drop-in for street outreach. Phone 401-521-2255 — staffed 24/7. Walk-ins welcome at the Broad Street campus for intake.
401-521-2255 · 160 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · 24/7 · Visit Website
RIHousing at 44 Washington Street in Providence administers Section 8 vouchers, first-time homebuyer loans, and affordable-housing development funding. Their HelpCenter helps tenants navigate landlord-tenant disputes and rental assistance. Phone 401-457-1234 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. Many programs require waitlist application.
401-457-1234 · 44 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
Lucy's Hearth in Newport is a long-running transitional shelter exclusively for homeless women and their children, with on-site case management, life skills coaching, and a children's program. Stays last up to 24 months with the goal of permanent housing. Phone 401-847-2021 for intake. Free.
401-847-2021 · Newport, RI 02840 · 24/7 · Visit Website
Habitat for Humanity at 339 Eddy Street in Providence builds affordable homes that qualifying families purchase with a zero-interest mortgage. Single mothers regularly partner. Applicants put in 'sweat equity' hours and complete homeownership classes. Phone 401-831-6440 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for the next intake cycle.
401-831-6440 · 339 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
CCAP at 311 Doric Avenue in Cranston is Kent County's federally designated community action agency, offering rental assistance, fuel assistance (LIHEAP), and HUD-certified housing counseling. Phone 401-467-9610 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. Many programs income-eligible to 200% of poverty.
401-467-9610 · 311 Doric Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website
HUD.gov is the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development site. Use the local office locator to find Rhode Island's HUD field office in Providence, plus information on Section 8, public housing, and HUD-approved counselors. Useful for navigating subsidized-housing rules. Free public site.
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HUD's Continuum of Care page at hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/coc links to local CoCs that coordinate homeless services. The Rhode Island Continuum of Care runs the statewide coordinated entry system that connects women in crisis to shelter and permanent housing. Free.
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LIHEAP at acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap is the federal heating and cooling assistance program; in RI it's administered through community action agencies like CCAP and East Bay CAP. Eligible women receive a credit on heating bills and weatherization assistance. Applications typically open every fall.
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The Salvation Army's national locator at salvationarmyusa.org connects women to RI corps in Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, and other communities that run rent and utility emergency funds, food pantries, and seasonal coat and toy programs. Walk-in or call the nearest corps directly. Most aid free.
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Catholic Charities USA at catholiccharitiesusa.org links to the Diocese of Providence's Catholic Charities, which runs rent assistance, immigration legal help, food pantries, and senior services across Rhode Island. Open to women of any faith. Free intake.
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UnitedWay.org's affiliate locator lists United Way of RI, which funds 211, ALICE financial-stability research, and grants for women-serving agencies across the state. Mothers can call 211 anytime to be connected to United Way-funded programs in their community.
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Habitat.org's affiliate locator finds the nearest Habitat office. In addition to Greater Providence, Rhode Island has affiliates serving South County and Newport. Each runs its own application cycle for the homeownership program. Single moms regularly qualify. Free to apply.
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Family Promise at familypromise.org coordinates congregation-based hospitality networks that shelter homeless families. The Rhode Island affiliate operates in Providence County, providing temporary housing in partnered churches with case management and rehousing support. Free.
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