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All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Rhode Island and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing

    Homelessness Response Resources

    The office provides information on regional access points, emergency shelters, and services for people who are homeless or at risk.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing

    Consolidated Homeless Fund

    State-funded partners may use this fund to provide short-term rental help and housing stabilization to people experiencing homelessness.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation

    Housing Finance Programs

    RIHousing offers housing programs and financing information for renters and homebuyers.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper

  • Rhode Island Department of Human Services

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating costs.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

  • Rhode Island Department of Human Services

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    The Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households improve home energy efficiency.

    Ways to apply:PaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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