RI Veterans: Did you know? 05.06.25 (Rental help, events, resources) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer, veterans issues

Question from one of our readers

Q: – I was notified that my rent will almost double in July. Does the VA have any programs that could help? – Bill, North Smithfield

A: – Yes, the VA has a program for veterans who are currently renting and are at risk of becoming homeless. The program is called the Shallow Subsidy, which could assist up to 24 months, even if the veteran’s financial situation improves.

Point of contact at Providence VA is Jerome, (401) 678-2561. 

More information from the VA website and VA News

VA Program Helps Veterans Pay Rent

In response to the affordable housing crisis, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program has launched the Shallow Subsidy service. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program launched the Shallow Subsidy service in response to the affordable housing crisis. Shallow Subsidy provides rental assistance for a set period to eligible enrolled Veterans. 

Generally, the Shallow Subsidy service is targeted to Veterans who require longer-term rental assistance than is traditionally provided through SSVF to maintain housing.

For SSVF’s Shallow Subsidy service, the maximum amount of rental subsidy that can be provided on behalf of the Veteran household is up to 50% of the lease rent. If something were to happen and the Veteran could no longer pay their half, they still have that cushion of the traditional rapid rehousing or homeless prevention financial services from SSVF . While the Veteran household is receiving Shallow Subsidy services, they remain eligible for the full commitment period regardless of increases in their income.

SSVF usually comes in two forms —homeless prevention services for at-risk Veterans and rapid rehousing for Veterans who are homeless.

Shallow Subsidy services are geared towards Veterans in both groups who have potentially fewer case management needs but still have a high rent burden.

Traditional SSVF is a shorter term in length, between six to nine months, and could pay up to 100% of the rent based on a household’s needs. Veterans utilizing these programs are typically just approaching or entering the homelessness system.

Shallow Subsidy is different from traditional rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance services because of the ability to support households for a longer period (up to 24 months) in order to support housing stability. But it differs from programs like HUD­VASH in that the subsidy is time-limited and generally not targeted toward Veterans with multiple barriers to housing stability. Shallow Subsidy helps Veterans get back on their feet. It reduces the stigma around getting help.

Shallow Subsidy provides rental assistance for a set period of time to eligible and enrolled Veterans. Typically, the Shallow Subsidy service is targeted to Veterans who need longer-term assistance to achieve housing stability.

The maximum amount of rental subsidy that can be provided through Shallow Subsidy on behalf of the Veteran household is up to 50% of the lease rent.

Shallow Subsidy is different from traditional rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance services because of the ability to support households for a longer period (up to 24 months) in order to support housing stability. But it differs from VA’s HUD-VASH program in that the subsidy is time-limited and generally not targeted toward Veterans with multiple barriers to housing stability.

How Shallow Subsidy helps Veterans

If something were to happen and the Veteran could no longer pay their half of the rent, they will still have the cushion of traditional rapid rehousing or homeless prevention financial services from SSVF. While the Veteran household is receiving Shallow Subsidy services, they remain eligible for the full commitment period regardless of any increases in their income.

Our SSVF grantees have shown that Shallow Subsidy can help prevent homelessness due to evictions and other housing crises as well as supporting formerly homeless Veterans to stay housed.

Shallow Subsidy helps Veterans get back on their feet. It reduces the stigma around getting help and provides a collaborative partnership that supports Veterans until their circumstances improve. That extra help and assistance can truly make all the difference in the lives of Veterans.

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EVENTS

June 2, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM, at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com

June 6, Friday (always the first Friday), Medicine Horse, Silva Spirit Farm, 1600 Eagleville Road, Tiverton RI, Fall in Friday for active duty, veterans and first responders. No appointment, drop in from 10:00 to 12:00. Refreshments include homemade cookies. For more information, (401) 640-7506, https://www.facebook.com/SilvaSpiritFarm

June 6, 2025, Badgers Pub, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI, First Friday of every month, Veterans eat for FREE. Veteran-owned, Iraqi War veteran, Jason Badger. Veterans can order anything off the menu free of charge, said Badger’s owner, Jason Badger, including the bar’s New York System hot wieners and their fish and chips. Along with the free meals, veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

June 7, 2025, Saturday, Christ Church 57 Main Street, Swansea, MA 8:00 to 10:00, FREE Breakfast (First Saturday of every month), Veteran and one guest . Thanks to all the vets and volunteers at Christ Church! Free Veterans Breakfast is first Saturday of every month. BUILDING BRIDGES FOR VETERANS GROUP American Legion Post #303 Swansea, MA. Bravo to all! Special thanks to Judith Fardig for all the fantastic photos. 

June 7, 2025 – Foster: Veterans Fly Fishing

June 11, 2025 (always the 2^nd Wednesday of the month), toast n tap, 5:00-7:00, 45 Quaker Lane, W. Warwick, RI. The Italian American War Veterans of the US will provide a FREE Dinner for all veterans and one guest.

June 25, 2025 Wednesday (always last Wed. of month), Rosario Club, 17 Rosario Drive, Providence RI, 500-700 pm. Italian American War Veterans of US/Department of Rhode Island monthly membership dinner, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information, contact John (401) 677-9838, or via email . NEW MEMBER DRIVE. Free meal and set of dog tags for all interested veterans looking to join. Limited space, email me to secure space for yourself and guest. And all children are also invited with guests. itamri4vets@gmail.com

July 6, 2025, Monday, 9:00 to 11:00, Federal Hill Veteran Coffee House sponsored by the Italian-American War Veterans of the US. Free to all veterans and guests. Refreshments include ROMA’s Italian Toast, pastries, calzones, and pizza. For more information, contact ITAM at (401) 677-9838 or email itamri4vets@gmail.com

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WANTED Veterans With Classic Cars

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Toast and Tap, 45 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, 5:00 to 7:30pm.

1^st Prize, customized plaque of military service, and $25 gift certificate. No classic car, another one will be raffled off. 

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Help with VA Disability? Give American Veteran Advocacy a call…

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Help our Veterans at the Operation Stand Down Food Bank! 

Supplies are low, please stop by with items or make a monetary contribution. 

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VETERANS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Italian American War Veterans of US (ITAM) Volunteer Opportunities:

Leave No Veteran Alone Program Monday and Saturday, ITAM seeks volunteers to meet up at designated nursing homes to meet and socialize with veterans living at the facility. We schedule the facilities 30 to 60 days in advance. Volunteers socialize with veterans and TRY TO SPOIL them with refreshments we provide.  Point of contact, Wendy Cianci, assistant (401) 677-9838.

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Disabled American Veterans Volunteer Drivers Needed at VA Providence

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Join VA Providence’s Volunteer Transportation Network (VTN) and help ensure Veterans get to their medical appointments with ease and dignity. As a volunteer driver, you’ll play a vital role by picking up and dropping off Veterans using our DAV vans.

Details:

Standard hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM (flexible options available)

Contact: Joseph Medeiros at (401) 457-3387 or Voluntary Services at (401) 457-3002 to learn more!

Let’s make the road smoother for those who’ve served-volunteer today!

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Free Help for Homeless Veterans or those at housing risk

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their family members, friends, and supporters can make the call to or chat online with the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who Can Call

• Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Family members, friends and supporters calling on behalf of Veterans
• VA Medical Centers and other VA facilities and staff
• Federal, state and local partners
• Community agencies and providers who serve Veterans who are homeless

Why Make the Call to 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)

• free and confidential
• get access to trained VA counselors
• available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• get information about VA homeless programs, health care and other services in your area

What Happens When Veterans Make the Call

• A trained VA staff member asks a few questions to find out what you need
• Then, you’re connected to the nearest VA staff person who can help
• What Happens When Others Make the Call
• Family members and non-VA providers receive information about available homeless programs and services
• They can keep their information confidential or leave contact information so staff can follow up
• VA Resources for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans
• VA offers a wide array of services to help homeless and at-risk Veterans. 

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Free Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Licenses for 100% Disabled Veterans: 

A Veteran who has a 100% disability rating from the VA is eligible for free Rhode Island hunting and fishing licenses. No cost licenses are available if you are:

Over 65 AND a Rhode Island resident – a veteran with 100% disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs – a person with 100% total disability status from the Social Security Administration

To apply in person at DEM, please bring a photo ID and an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (directions)

To apply by mail, please complete an application and mail the application and a copy of your photo ID and the ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Please allow two weeks for processing. The address to obtain your license in person or by mail is: DEM Licensing Office, 235 Promenade Street, Room 360, Providence, RI 02908, (401) 222-3576

To purchase online, you will be required to certify that you have an ORIGINAL DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). You will also be required to enter the date the decision expires. The Department will audit compliance with the certification and may, at any time, request a copy of the current DOCUMENT OF THE FINAL DECISION(S). Failure to submit the documentation by the date requested may result in the suspension of your fishing and hunting license. Also, Rhode Island General Law 11-18-1 prohibits giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official. The penalty is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.

Rhode Island Hunting and Fishing Benefits for Service Members and Veterans: Rhode Island offers several hunting and fishing benefits to Service members and Veterans. A short description of each is listed below. Applicants are required to show documentation proving eligibility when they apply:

• Active-Duty Service members Military ID

• Veterans DD214

• Disabled Veterans VA Disability Certification Letter (Contact VA office)

Applicants can apply online at Rhode Island Outdoors, in person at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Boating Registration and Licenses in Providence (Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), at an Authorized In-Person Sales Agent, or they can mail applications to:

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 
235 Promenade Street, Room 360, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-3576

Learn more about FREE Rhode Island Hunting , Fishing, State Parks, and Golf  Benefits for Service Members and Veterans

https://dem.ri.gov/about–us/dem–offices/boating–registration–licenses/rhodeislandoutdoors#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20a,that%20issued%20the%2 0disability%20decision.

Free Rhode Island State Park Passes for 100% Disabled Veterans:  Rhode Island offers the State Park Disability Pass for use at any state-owned recreational facility to disabled Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA.

The State Park Disability Pass authorizes free admission and parking but does not exempt the following:

If the disabled Veteran cannot drive, the vehicle transporting the Veteran will not be charged. Veterans must apply in person at the Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters and are required to show official documentation (dated within the past year) from the VA that states they have a 100% service-connected disability. Rhode Island State Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852, Phone: 401-6676200, Email: dem.riparks@dem.ri.gov

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups 

Below are all the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering. As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time! 

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD), 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May) 

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. 

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Art Expression Group Every Thursday from 9:00 -12:00 p.m. 

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 

Stress Management Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Low Impact Walking Group Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Guitar 4 Veterans Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. 

Monday Mindfulness Group Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Yoga Group Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 

Moral Injury Group Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Modern Warrior Support Group 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm. 

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Discounts for Veterans 

Services 

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount, ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification. 

Restaurants 

Applebees Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Badger’s Pub 530 Broadway, Pawtucket is now offering a free meal to veterans every first Friday of the month at the bar. Veterans can partake in a variety of activities during the week, including bingo on Mondays, darts on Tuesdays, high-lo jack on Wednesdays, indoor cornhole on Thursdays, and Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, Badger said. The bar also hosts poker on Saturdays and Sundays.

Denny‘s, Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Dennys is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022. 

Outback Steakhouse 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021 

99 Restaurant & Pub The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID 

Retailers 

Advance Auto Parts 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Bass Pro Shops Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source). 

BJs Wholesale Reduced membership fee. Offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021 

Lowes Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount. Our way of saying Thank You to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner

GameStop is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me 

Home Depot Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer. 

Kohls 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type. 

Jiffy Lube HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! Every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube service center is offering our BEST discount of 10% OFF as a Thank You to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations: Tioque Ave, Coventry RI, Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI, Park Ave, Cranston RI 

Michaels offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get: 1. Create an account. Log in to Michaels Rewards. 2. Get verified. Provide your military information to get verified, instantly. 3. Go shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout. 

O’Reilly Auto Parts -10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21. 

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to: itamri4vets@gmail.com; the business name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, itamri4vets@gmail.com, ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)  

To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.