COMMUNITY RESOURCES DOCUMENT

~Este documento traducido al español aquí~

We are keeping a live document of resources that are being made locally available to community members while schools, workplaces, and other spaces are shut down.

If you are interested in volunteering to AMORs response to our communities' most pressing needs, please fill out this Volunteer Intake form. 

We all want to help each other, but by staying organized and following safety protocols, we can eliminate the risk of spreading the virus while helping others.

Table of Contents (click link to get to each section)

COVID-19 INFO & UPDATES

LOCAL COVID-19 TESTING

FOOD, MEALS, GROCERIES

WORKER / FINANCIAL SUPPORT        

RESOURCES FOR UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS

UTILITIES

CHILDCARE SUPPORTS        

RECOVERY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS        

STAYING SOCIALLY CONNECTED WHILE PHYSICALLY DISTANCING        

MEDICAL / PHYSICAL HEALTH SUPPORTS        

REPRODUCTIVE & SEXUAL HEALTH        

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

CAMPAIGNS & ORGANIZING

OTHER RESOURCES

____________________________________________________________________________

COVID-19 Info & Updates

This link contains general, non-medical questions about COVID-19. You can also write to RIDOH.COVID19Questions@health.ri.gov, or call 401-222-8022. This is the COVID-19 Hotline that RIDOH has available to the public.

The Hotline will be staffed from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday. (After hours people are being directed to call 211.)

  • Dial 211 to acc24 hours a day.
  • COVID-19 Resources (Economic Progress Institute) -- fact sheets in English and Spanish about accessing economic benefits and services to help Rhode Islanders and community helpers understand the resources available to them during this crisis

Local COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is open to everyone regardless of immigration status, insurance, or ability to pay. Those who are not showing symptoms are also able to be tested.

  • RI COVID-19 Self-Checker -- a new tool for Rhode Islanders to help make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. Available in English, Spanish, and Portugeuse. It does not make a medical diagnosis - only tells one if they may require medical care in relation to COVID

Food, Meals, Groceries

PUBLIC SERVICES

  • COVID-19 Food Sites for School Children has latest updates on food sites for school children. Anyone aged 18 or under who shows up gets a free meal. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. There are no ID or residency requirements, but the child must be present; schools cannot give a meal to an adult on behalf of a child.

You can also check your school district’s website directly.

  • WIC is accepting new clients. All appointments are via phone during the COVID-19 crisis. Call today: 401-767-4109

OTHER FREE MEALS

  • Amos House, 460 Pine St, Providence, RI 02907

Breakfast (Monday-Friday) 7-8 AM, Lunch (Monday-Saturday) 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Soup kitchen now serving only to-go meals. Please line up at the rear of the building and observe social distancing in line.

  • Free packaged dinners available starting Wed 3/18 from 4-6pm at Rec Centers. 18 and under.

https://www.abc6.com/free-grab-and-go-dinners-for-providence-youth-starting-wedne.../

  • Vincent Brown, 438 Hope St. Providence RI 20906
  • John H. Rollins, 674 Prairie Ave. Providence, RI 02905
  • Madeline Rogers, 60 Camden Ave., Providence RI 02908
  • Davey Lopes, 227 Dudley St. Providence, RI 02907
  • Zuccolo, 18 Gesler St. Providence, RI 02909
  • Armand E. Batastini Jr., 50 Obediah Brown Rd. Providence, RI 02909
  • Joslin, 17 Hyat St. Providence, RI 02909
  • Neutaconkanut, 675 Plainfield St. Providence, RI 02909
  • West End, 109 Bucklin St. Providence, RI 02907
  • Sackett, 159 Sackett St. Providence, RI 02907
  • Kennedy, 195 Nelson Street, Providence, RI 02908

Organized by town/city. Not just for kids!

Find food at a local pantry by looking up your zip code.

To get added to their list for dinners, contact dinner@epbgc.org or (401) 400-5883. All info will be kept confidential.

To donate to their dinner fund for families, follow this link.

  • New Beginnings at 323 Rathbun St., Woonsocket, RI 02895 in the basement of All Saints Church

Monday - Thursday from 12-1 PM for a take-out meal

Call (401) 356-4066 if you have questions.

  • Serves to-go meals daily for breakfast (8-9:30AM), lunch (11:15AM-1PM) @ 460 Pine Street Providence; (401) 272-0220

  • Boys and Girls Club Woonsocket -- 1:30pm-3:00pm Mon-Fri. Delivery is available within the Woonsocket community. Anyone can get a meal at the door. If you have any questions please email bonniep@bgcnri.org.
  • 72 Kendrick Ave, Woonsocket, RI 02895

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES

  • RI Delivers -- find links to programs and delivery services available to you. If you have a question or need further guidance, call 2-1-1 or the Point at 401.462.4444. Multilingual representatives are available

For those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions in the North Providence area, call or text 401-484-0544.

  • Provides & delivers produce from Red Planet Vegetables, City Farm, Foggy Notion Farm and Scratch Farm. They typically take bulk orders for restaurants, stores, and special events. There is a $3 fee for delivery and a $5 fee for orders under $40.

  • Edgewood-Pawtuxet Ecumenical Food Closet
  • Open Tuesdays and Fridays 9-10:45am and Wednesday 5-6:15pm
  • Not only do they deliver in the immediate area…they can also be reached for emergencies 461-3142 (they have stopped their customer choice “shopping” but are well stocked)

GROCERIES

All families need to do is drive up and they will receive groceries including meat, produce, bread, canned goods and cereals.

  • Project Hand Up (15 Factory St, West Warwick, RI, United States) -- A program where people can shop for groceries, toiletries, and over the counter medication for a suggested donation. Website includes information about how to receive services.

Worker / Financial Support

GENERAL RESOURCES

  • Unemployment Insurance: Apply if you have lost work or have to stay home because your workplace has shut down due to COVID-19.

Note: There is now a separate line, specifically for being out of work due to COVID-19 reasons. It’s generalized— meaning, even if you are perfectly healthy, as long as there is a reason you had to be out of work for >7 days, you qualify.

  • Job Postings

  • Employer Sick Note -- for anyone struggling to receive a doctor’s note to stay home from work, this letter by Thundermist Health Center explains that healthcare workers are too overwhelmed to see people with mild to moderate symptoms in person.

FOR SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES

  • If you are a sex worker

  • If you are a domestic worker (in-home care worker, nannies, cleaners, etc.

  • If you own a small business and need assistance because of COVID:

  • If you own a hair salon or barber shop and need assistance for operating expenses:
  • Call the RIBBA, 401-383-1179 or email info@ri-bba.org to hear your options. All other micro-businesses, please call too. Kindly pass this information to your barber or stylist.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Resources for Undocumented Community Members

***USCIS has confirmed that the Public Charge rule does not restrict access to testing, screening, or treatment of communicable diseases, including COVID-19.

  • Directory of RI Community Health Centers (RI Health Center Association) -- undocumented and uninsured people will not be turned away from community health centers
  • Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island
  • Adult education classes are now online, if you would like to enroll please call 401-784-8709
  • Citizenship & Immigration Services Program is serving the community by phone, email, and video calls
  • Clothing Collaborative is only accepting referrals and donations with prior appointments
  • Link: https://diiri.org/

  • COVID-19: Resources for DACA, TPS, and DED holders in Rhode Island (from the Economic Progress Institute)

  • COVID-19: Resources for Undocumented Immigrants in Rhode Island (from the Economic Progress Institute)

Housing

  • RI Haven connects with local establishments offering discounted lodging rates to frontline workers and others who may need a place to stay during the COVID-19 pandemic. To view an interactive map of participating hotels, click here. If you have a question or need further assistance, call 2-1-1 or the Point at 401-462-4444. Multilingual representatives are available.

 

  • Rent Assistance/Eviction -- no eviction cases can be filed or heard before June 1st in RI. Landlords can still file an eviction case online – they just will not be heard until after May 31.
  • This includes no new edition complaints, protection from charge fees or penalties for rent non-payment, and no Notice to Vacate until after the end of the moratorium
  • This is not a rent freeze!
  • For Questions:
  • Public Housing residents: Contact RI Legal Services @ (401) 274-2652 ext. 123
  • Private Rental Housing tenants: Contact RI Center for Justice @ (401) 491-1101

  • Housing Help RI -- Households may receive a grant of up to $5,000 to use for any combination of the following eligible housing expenditures: past due rent payments; late fees on a rental account; or moving costs associated with relocation. See the link for eligibility requirements

  • West Elmwood Housing COVID-19 Relief Fund Application -- West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation has established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support families experiencing life challenges due to the national pandemic. Eligibility: West Elmwood Housing Program participant or 02907 resident.

  • Shelters 
  • If you are in need of temporary shelter, you can call the Coordinated Entry System operated by Crossroads RI at (401) 277-4316. CES staff will conduct a diversion assessment and try to locate shelter for the night. (Info from RI Coalition for the Homeless)
  • Anyone can go to a shelter as long as the shelters have room for individuals (served on a first-come, first-serve basis with screening for COVID-19 symptoms). List of local shelters can be found here.
  • COVID-19 Constituent Resources (RI Coalition for the Homeless) -- includes meal sites, warming centers, hygiene stations, CAP agencies and health centers, behavioral health providers, AA/NA meetings, wifi hotspots, shelters and sanitation stations, RI shelters, FAQ on evictions
  • If you are homeless and have tested positive for COVID-19 or are under quarantine,
  • Contact the RI Department of Health at (401) 222-8022 for temporary housing and transportation funding

  • There is a service center and residential program designed to meet the often-unique needs of displaced veterans. It is located in the Olneyville section of Providence, RI. There are a total of fifty beds between the two houses. The criteria for admission to the program are that they accept males only. The person must be homeless and had been honorably discharged from the military. He should be clean and sober for at least 30 days prior to entering the program and he must not have ever been convicted of a sex crime.

Utilities

  • Utility terminations (gas, electric, water, and wastewater) for non-residential and residential have been suspended by order of the RI Division of Public Utilities until May 31. (Source: City of Providence)
    Note: Utility companies will continue to charge so it is important to continue trying to pay bills on time. Once this is lifted, disconnections may begin right away. Thus, having shut-off protection forms ready would be very beneficial if necessary.

  • Providence Water: Providence water will not be turning off service due to non-payment at this time.

  • National Grid: National Grid is suspending collections-related activities, including service disconnections, according to statewide orders.

  • George Wiley Center -- Utility Organizing: Know-your-rights, advocacy, and organizing for utility access in RI, including protection from shut-offs and long-term affordability for electricity, gas, water, sewer, and internet. Active campaign during covid-19 pandemic for extended shut-off protections and payment relief for low-income utility consumers.
  • Address: 32 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI
  • Office phone: 401-728-5555
  • Email: georgewileycenterri@gmail.com
  • Phone and email responses daily or as soon as possible. Office closed to walk-ins during pandemic stay-at-home order, but typically open during weekdays and for Wednesday evening utility organizing meetings.

Childcare Supports

  • If you are a frontline worker (includes medical professionals, emergency workers, grocery store and pharmacy employees, and members of law enforcement)

Care.com is providing three months of free, premium access to their site in support of your important service to the community at this difficult time. There may be some volunteer caregivers who can offer childcare free of charge.

  • Child Care Info: The State mandated closure of child care sites, family and center, will expire on May 31st. Rhode Island has authorized child care programs to reopen as of June 1, 2020 under new, emergency child care licensing regulations.

To qualify for the Cox Connect2Compete affordable internet program, your household must have at least one K-12 student and participate in a government assistance program.

Frequently updated google doc with many online educational resources (not RI specific).

  • Talking to children about coronavirus

  • Activities for kids

Day-by-day self-guided projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Specified by grade level.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Recovery & Mental Health Supports

RECOVERY AND HARM-REDUCTION

  • Virtual Meetings
  • SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous

  • What can I do to use drugs safely right now?
  • Where can I get my safer drug use supplies?
  • Where can I get recovery support?

  • Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Harm Reduction Coalition)

  • Naloxone/Narcan and Fentanyl Test kits delivery anywhere in RI

Text (401) 680-0198

  • Telephone companionship and support from trained Peer Recovery Specialists 

Call (401) 408-6804 to be connected with a peer

Join the meetings here or call in (415) 762-9988 Code: 582-425-6109

  • BH Link -- 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis hotline.
  • Call (401) 414-5465
  • If under 18 years old, call 855-543-5465

  • PVD Safe Stations -- available 24/7, visit any of Providence’s 12 fire stations to speak with trained staff and get connected to treatment support and services.
  • The Providence Center -- open and continuing to take new clients for outpatient services.
  • Call 401-274-7111 for mental health crises and emergencies.
  • Call 401-276-4020 for intake.
  • Gateway Healthcare -- walk-in and emergency services locations
  • Gateway: 103 Beacon Street, Providence. (401) 722-3560
  • Gateway Emergency Services: 1443 Hartford Ave., Johnston. (401) 273-8100
  • South Shore Center: 4705A Old Post Road, Charlestown. (401) 364-7705

  • If you’re a harm reduction provider:

OTHER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Call (401) 606-6000, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to make an appointment for free virtual one-on-one support with an individual health care provider. If services are required beyond this support call, the caller will be referred for appropriate treatment.

  • Free phone-based crisis counseling

Casey Gallagher, LMHC, LUNA Counseling and Community Care, 401.484.1551

  • Free phone or zoom conversation with coach Kathryn Barr  

Kathryn can help you figure out new habits, routines, and mindset while working from home or having your kids at home.

Schedule your appointment here

  • Coping with the COVID crisis - mental health info sheets

  • Mindfulness and meditation resources

  • If you’re being asked to work from home -- includes resources for people with ADHD

  • While at home resources if you are experiencing mental health, substance use, or domestic abuse crises

  • 24/7 Hotlines
  • Disaster Distress Hotline: (800) 985-5990 / Text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • Victims of Crime Helpline: (800) 494-8100
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

________________________________________________________________________________

Staying Socially Connected While Physically Distancing

  • Informational music videos about COVID in Spanish (approved by CDC)

Medical / Physical Health Supports

HEALTH INSURANCE

PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY

CALISTHENICS

YOGA

OTHER EXERCISE

Call (800) 626-4959 if you are disabled and need COVID-19 related medical advocacy or other support

Reproductive & Sexual Health

  • Drop-in center (640 BROAD ST PROVIDENCE, RI 02907) open 11am-3pm Monday-Friday with limited services:
  • Narcan/Naloxone
  • Syringe exchange/safe injection kits
  • Fentanyl test strips
  • Condoms
  • Snacks and water
  • May want to contact 401-383-4888 to confirm center is still open

Domestic Violence

  • 24/7 Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY
  • If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522

  • RICADV is temporarily increasing the number of available emergency beds. If you need help, call the statewide helpline at 1-800-494-8100 and they will connect you to an agency that can provide shelter.

Campaigns & Organizing

  • Tenant Network RI -- organizing for cancellation of all rent and mortgage payments for the duration of the coronavirus crisis to allow people to do what they need in order to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and their community.

  • RI COVID Response -- a coalition of grassroots, labor, justice, housing, and community organizations fighting for a fair response to the crisis.

  • George Wiley Center -- Utility Organizing: Know-your-rights, advocacy, and organizing for utility access in RI, including protection from shut-offs and long-term affordability for electricity, gas, water, sewer, and internet. Active campaign during covid-19 pandemic for extended shut-off protections and payment relief for low-income utility consumers.
  • Address: 32 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI
  • Office phone: 401-728-5555
  • Email: georgewileycenterri@gmail.com
  • Phone and email responses daily or as soon as possible. Office closed to walk-ins during pandemic stay-at-home order, but typically open during weekdays and for Wednesday evening utility organizing meetings.

  • FANG Community Bail Fund -- Donate to help bail people out of jails in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you are arrested in Rhode Island and need support with bail, have someone *text* 401-648-8902. If you are afraid someone that was arrested will be transferred to ICE, *call* the same number instead.

Other Resources

  • Resources for Federal Hill and West End residents by City Councilor Rachel Miller 

English: https://www.millerforward13.com/covid19?fbclid=IwAR12PK8YQPcGjlWdZw.../

Spanish: https://www.millerforward13.com/sobre-el-virus-covid19?fbclid=IwAR3.../

  • COVID-19 PVD Area Mutual Aid and Community Assistance

Facebook group

Resource list

  • DIY Fabric face masks

  • Rhode Island Pro Bono Volunteer Program: Rhode Island Legal Services encourages and supports the efforts of Rhode Island attorneys to provide pro bono assistance to low income and elderly Rhode Islanders. While courts are closed, the Volunteer program is still operating and can help assess situations if need be.
    Phone: (401) 421-7758    Hours: M-F 9:00 - 5:00 PM

  • Support Local -- local directory of businesses in Providence you can safely support, some of whom are giving back in their own ways
  • Narcan/Naloxone home delivery
  • Serenity center: Call/text 401-808-4869
  • Parent Support Network of RI: Call 401-500-2998
  • ACOS/ENCORE: Call 401-781-0665 M-F 10am-1pm
  • RICARES: Text 401-680-0198 M-F 10am-3pm
  • Fentanyl test strip home delivery
  • ACOS/ENCORE: Call 401-781-0665 M-F 10am-1pm
  • RICARES: Text 401-680-0198 M-F 10am-3pm

  • Mutual Aid Mourning and Healing Project -- If someone close to you has passed, you can find assistance from death doulas/midwives, therapists, social workers & other healers, in addition to clergy who can facilitate memorial services via video conferencing and chat apps. They are based in Chicago but offering services across the U.S.

  • Any senior/disability bus passes set to expire this month will be automatically extended for at least another month

  • Family Services of RI BE SAFE Kits -- Fill out their form to receive a kit with supplies based on availability. Supplies may include food (fruits/veggies/protein), masks, hand sanitizer, sani-wipes, toilet paper, and gloves.

    Eligibility:
    a) Adults aged 60+
    b) Adults with disabilities who reside in a housing facility in which there is a Title IIC meal site
    c) Adult children with disabilities who reside with a parent aged 60+
    d) Caregivers + spouses of aforementioned individuals
    e) Grandparents or caregivers aged 55+ caring for grandchildren or foster children under age 18