211, United Way of Rhode Island
Ask for a place to stay tonight. Free and confidential, open 24 hours, every day.
Official page: unitedwayri.org/get-help
Emergency Shelter Tonight in Rhode Island: Providence, Westerly and How to Get Help
How to find a safe place tonight in Rhode Island: 211, the statewide Coordinated Entry System, Crossroads Rhode Island in Providence, the WARM Center in Westerly, Lucy's Hearth for families, and Sojourner House for survivors of abuse.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If you need somewhere to sleep tonight, make one call first. Shelter is not guaranteed, but the people on the line can tell you where to go next and how to get on the list for housing.
Quick answers
How do I get into a shelter in Rhode Island?
Shelter placement goes through the Coordinated Entry System, also called CES. If you are homeless or about to be, call 401 277 4316. You can also dial 211, which is open 24 hours a day. Please know that shelter is not guaranteed.
Official page: familyserviceri.org/?p=6340
Where do I go in the Providence area?
Crossroads Rhode Island runs the Regional Access Point for the Providence metro area. Call 401 865 6215. The line is staffed 7 days a week, including major holidays, weekdays from 9 am to 9 pm and weekends from 9 am to 2 pm. They can connect you with emergency shelter, housing and other resources.
Official page: crossroadsri.org/housing-services/strategy-solutions/coordinated-entry/get-help-now
Is there a shelter in Westerly or South County?
The WARM Center's Emergency Shelter at 56 Spruce Street in Westerly gives year round housing to adults, with separate dorms for men and women. It also runs two family shelter programs in apartments across Southern Rhode Island. Call 211 or Coordinated Entry at 401 277 4316 to ask about a bed.
Official page: warmcenter.org
Is there help for families with children?
Lucy's Hearth in Middletown serves Rhode Islanders from all cities and towns, with emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. Placement is decided through Coordinated Entry, so call 401 277 4316. Family Service of Rhode Island's help line is 401 519 2280.
Official page: familyserviceri.org/?p=6340
What if someone is hurting me at home?
Sojourner House has a 24 hour helpline at 401 765 3232 and offers emergency shelter, advocacy and counseling. The helpline is confidential.
Official page: sojournerri.org
Your next steps
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
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All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: Foster Forward tells young people to call CES once every 30 days to stay active. It is a good habit for anyone on the housing list.
Who to call in Rhode Island
Here are 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 Coordinated Entry System (CES)
The way in to emergency shelter and housing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Official page: familyserviceri.org/?p=6340
Crossroads Rhode Island, Regional Access Point
Connects people in the Providence metro area with emergency shelter, housing and resources. Open 7 days a week.
Official page: crossroadsri.org/housing-services/strategy-solutions/coordinated-entry/get-help-now
WARM Center
Emergency shelter for adults at 56 Spruce Street, family shelter programs, street outreach and a soup kitchen called Anita's Kitchen.
Official page: warmcenter.org
Lucy's Hearth, Family Service of Rhode Island
Emergency shelter, transitional housing and supportive housing. Placement is through Coordinated Entry.
Official page: familyserviceri.org/?p=6340
Sojourner House
24 hour helpline, emergency shelter, drop in advocacy center, legal support and counseling for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Official page: sojournerri.org
More help in Rhode Island
Housing help in Rhode Island (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in Rhode Island: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Health Coverage and IDNo 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
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.