Rhode Island Foundation grants $260,000 to 13 nonprofits to help 600+ stay housed this winter

The grants to 13 nonprofits across the state are expected to help more than 600 Rhode Islanders keep a roof over their heads.

The Rhode Island Foundation today announced it will award $260,000 to help Rhode Islanders stay housed this winter. The grants will go to 13 nonprofits across the state that regularly work with people who are homeless or in danger of losing their homes due to relatively small expenses. More than 600 people are expected to be helped.

“This gives these organizations an immediate source of funds to help people pay for minor, unexpected, temporary or one-time costs like car repairs, utility bills, clothing for a job or a crucial prescription. For our neighbors living paycheck to paycheck, getting help with one unexpected expense could be the difference between losing or keeping a roof over their heads,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Amos House in Providence, Community Care Alliance in Woonsocket, Crossroads RI in Providence, East Bay Community Action Program in East Providence, House of Hope in Warwick, the Jonnycake Center of Hope in South Kingstown, Lucy’s Hearth in Middletown, Open Doors in Providence, Progreso Latino in Central Falls, Sojourner House In Providence, Thrive Behavioral Healthcare in Warwick, the Turning Around Ministries in Newport and the WARM Center in Westerly were selected to receive the funding because of their statewide coverage and their experience providing services to Rhode Islanders who struggle to afford housing.  

House of Hope will use its grant to cover costs that contribute to homelessness or prevent people who are unhoused from moving into housing. “These dollars are desperately needed. Imagine being one medical bill or one electric bill from not having enough money to pay the rent. This is especially great news with winter weather arriving,” said Laura Jaworski, House of Hope’s executive director.  

The Foundation’s announcement comes as the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness reports that the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased 34.9% since last year. More than 2,400 adults and children do not have a place to live.  

The surge in homelessness comes as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s average Fair Market Rent in Rhode Island has hit $1,726 a month.

The $260,000 in grants includes $152,000 from the Foundation and $108,000 from donations to the Foundation’s Path Home Fund, which gives the public a way to contribute to this effort. The Foundation is accepting gifts to the fund via its website at www.rifoundation.org/pathhome. The public can also mail a check or money order donation payable to “Path Home Fund” to the Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Station, Providence, R.I., 02903.

“With winter upon us, this is a simple and secure way for Rhode Islanders to join us in contributing to organizations that have proven track records of helping people find and keep a roof over their heads,” said Cicilline.  

About the Rhode Island Foundation

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.