United Way 211 Rhode Island
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Rhode Island. From outside Rhode Island, call 401 519 0360.
Official page: unitedwayri.org/get-help
Find Help Near You in Rhode Island
Private help lines for Rhode Island, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Rhode Island who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local Department of Human Services regional office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Providence, the Providence Department of Housing and Human Services at 401 680 5000 can tell you about city housing help. RIHousing also offers resources and programs for renters. Ask what is open now.
Official page: providenceri.gov/housing-human-services, rihousing.com
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Rhode Island Legal Services at 401 274 2652 provides civil legal help across the state.
Official page: courts.ri.gov, rils.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply. You can also call DHS at 855 697 4347.
Official page: dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/energy-assistance-programs-heating/low-income-home-energy-assistance-1
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about coordinated entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: richr.ri.gov/contact/index.php
What does RIHousing offer renters?
RIHousing provides housing resources across Rhode Island. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: rihousing.com
How do I find my local DHS office?
Dial 211, or use the office finder on the DHS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Rhode Island
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Regional offices for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance and other help, serving all cities and towns. Call the customer service line or find your office online.
Official page: dhs.ri.gov/about-us/contact-us
Rhode Island LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying winter home heating bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies.
Official page: dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/energy-assistance-programs-heating/low-income-home-energy-assistance-1
Rhode Island Legal Services
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify, across Rhode Island, including housing, eviction, family and benefits problems.
Official page: rils.org
Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: richr.ri.gov/contact/index.php
Rhode Island Housing (RIHousing)
Information for renters and homeowners in Rhode Island, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs.
Official page: rihousing.com/contact-us
Rhode Island Community Action Association
Local community action agencies across Rhode Island help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Find your local agency on the website.
Official page: ricommunityaction.org/contact
Providence Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Providence.
Official page: provhousing.org
Providence Department of Housing and Human Services
City programs for Providence residents, including housing assistance and community support.
Official page: providenceri.gov/housing-human-services
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
Help and community referrals for people in Cranston and surrounding areas.
Official page: comcap.org
East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
Help and community referrals for people in the East Bay and Newport County.
Official page: providenceri.gov/community-relations/social-services-list
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Woonsocket
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Providence. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local community action agency and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and call Rhode Island Legal Services if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
More help in Rhode Island
Find Help in Rhode Island: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Health Coverage and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in Rhode Island: Providence, Westerly and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in Rhode Island: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in Rhode IslandFree Job Help and Job Training in Rhode IslandFree and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Help in Rhode IslandDomestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in Rhode IslandHelp for Veterans in Rhode Island: Housing, Crisis Support and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in Rhode Island: Drop In Centers, Shelter and Crisis LinesGetting ID and Documents Back in Rhode Island: Birth Certificate, State ID and Social Security CardFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in Rhode IslandFree Legal and Tenant Help in Rhode Island: Evictions, Benefits and Fair HousingHow to Make Blessing Bags in Rhode Island: Water, Warmth and a Help Card
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.