Foster Forward Youth Drop In Center
Shower, laundry, food, hot meal, case management and clothing for young people up to age 25. East Providence.
Official page: fosterforward.net/youth-dropin-center
Help for Youth and Young Adults in Rhode Island: Drop In Centers, Shelter and Crisis Lines
Where young people in Rhode Island can find a drop in center, shower, food, shelter help, LGBTQ+ support, a runaway helpline and free job programs.
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Hi friend. If you are young and don't have a safe place to stay, you are not in trouble for asking for help. These places are made for young people, and they won't judge you.
Quick answers
Where can a young person go in Rhode Island if they are homeless?
Foster Forward's Youth Drop In Center at 55 S Brow Street in East Providence serves young people up to age 25 who are homeless or in unstable housing. You don't need to have been in foster care. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 401 438 3900 extension 110 before you go.
Official page: fosterforward.net/youth-dropin-center
What can I get at the drop in center?
A shower, washer and dryer, computers with free Wi Fi, a place to charge your phone, a food pantry, a hot meal, case management, emergency clinical support and a clothing closet. The center can also be a temporary mailing address for you. It does not open on major holidays.
Official page: fosterforward.net/youth-dropin-center
How do I get on the list for shelter or housing?
On your first visit you complete a Coordinated Entry intake form. Then you call CES at 401 277 4316 once every 30 days to stay active. Call CES or Foster Forward if your phone number or situation changes.
Official page: fosterforward.net/welcome-to-the-drop-in
Is there a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth?
Youth Pride, Inc. is a drop in center for LGBTQIA2S+ youth age 24 and under. Regular hours are Monday to Wednesday for ages 14 to 24, 2:30 to 6 pm, Thursday for ages 11 to 13, 3 to 6 pm, and Friday for ages 18 to 24, 3 to 7 pm. It offers a basic needs pantry, clothes closet and counseling by appointment. Hours change by season, so check the website.
Official page: youthprideri.org
What if I ran away or need someone to talk to?
The National Runaway Safeline is open 24/7. Call 800 786 2929, or text that number. You can also chat online. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
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Bunkly tip: the two Foster Forward pages list different closing times, 3 pm and 4 pm. Call ahead so you don't make the trip too late.
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.
Youth Pride, Inc.
Drop in space, basic needs pantry, clothes closet, groups and counseling for LGBTQIA2S+ youth age 24 and under.
Official page: youthprideri.org
National Runaway Safeline
24/7 call, text or chat for young people who ran away, are homeless, or are thinking about leaving home.
Official page: 1800runaway.org
Rhode Island Coordinated Entry System (CES)
The way in to shelter and housing programs. Foster Forward helps youth complete the intake.
Official page: fosterforward.net/welcome-to-the-drop-in
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
Free education and training, work readiness and job placement for youth ages 14 to 24.
Official page: comcap.org
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free support by call, text or chat. Spanish is available.
Official page: 988lifeline.org/get-help
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 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 BenefitsGetting 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.