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The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded $260,000 to help Rhode Islanders stay housed this winter. The grants went 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. 

The Community Care Alliance will use the grant support its Client Emergency Fund, which directly helps clients facing seemingly insurmountable crises and those who are on the cusp of homelessness. The funding can be used for documentation needed for employment or housing, food and car repairs among other things. Last year, the fund helped 128 households keep or find housing and temporarily housed 14 families in hotels while they awaited housing. 

"Our Client Emergency Fund is not just a safety net; it's a lifeline for those facing unimaginable hardships. This fund provides a unique solution that protects people who have nowhere else to turn," said Ben Lessing, CCA's president and CEO. 

The East Bay Community Action Program will use its grant to prevent homelessness by assisting people with low incomes with both basic and emergency needs, including direct rental assistance. 

"Those we serve are sometimes one emergency away from homelessness, and we will use this fund to assist those who have the capacity to sustain their housing with additional one-time support. We will also use the grant to provide resources to individuals and families who are currently unhoused. In each situation, we will provide one-time financial support after completing a comprehensive assessment and support plan, such as that provided in our Home Stabilization Program, so that our temporary help has the best chance of making a lasting and significant impact," said East Bay CAP President and CEO Rilwan Feyisitan Jr. 

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 Jonnycake Center of Hope can use its grant to provide help with rent, security deposits and other expenses that are essential to finding and keeping housing,.  Last year, the organization helped more than 200 people in 65 households remain housed.   

"Some got behind on their rent because of a job loss or illness, while others were displaced when their landlord sold theirrental property. For these households, help with a security deposit or first month’s rent is vital to remaining housed. These funds will allow us to help more South County residents keep a roof overhead," said Kate Brewster, the Center's CEO. 

Lucy's Hearth will use the grant to support its efforts to provide stability to families experiencing homelessness, including assisting clients with expenses of securing permanent housing such as the security deposit and rent.

"This funding will help address critical barriers to stable housing, including past housing and credit debts, as well as costly car repairs. By paying off these debts and making repairs, families can advocate for a 'clean slate' with housing authorities and landlords and regain the ability to use their own vehicles to search for housing, and access work and childcare each day," said Lucy's Hearth Director Heather Bishop.

Thrive supports Rhode Island’s most vulnerable populations through community-based wrap-around services, including housing. The organization will use the grant to bridge financial gaps for clients who have had unexpected expenses that could lead to housing instability. 

“Timely support is necessary when imminent situations arise for our clients. One unexpected expense could cause a ripple effect that could lead to homelessness. Our goal is to maintain long-term stability for our clients and continue to support their independent living in the community," said Thrive President and CEO Kleckner Charles. "Whether it is an unforeseen medical bill, housing repair emergency, or security deposit to finally have a place to call home, these funds will be used to combat these obstacles threatening housing stability." 

The WARM Center will use the funding to help residents remain housed by providing them with financial assistance during a temporary financial crisis. The organization's Community Critical Needs Program provides intensive case management and financial assistance for basic needs to hundreds of men, women and children in Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut. 

"This grant helps fill a gap in the social service and financial assistance programs available in Washington County and allows us to provide resources to help ensure stability and security to individuals and families already facing financial and social challenges. Unstable and insecure housing situations can devastate families, especially those with small children," said Russ Patridge, WARM'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 Foundation is accepting gifts to the Path Home Fund via its website at 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.     

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 create progress that lasts.