With things changing on a daily, if not hourly basis, NWBRV will continue to update the list of Northern Rhode Island-area housing, financial, food, and healthcare resources for individuals dealing with COVID-19.
Last updated – 5/20/2020 @ 3:38 pm
Important Information
There is a lot of misinformation circulating around the coronavirus (COVID-19). It is extremely important that we know and share correct information. Visit the World Health Organization’s myth busters page for comprehensive, accurate COVID-19 information. If you have general questions about COVID-19, or if you are experiencing symptoms (fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, cough, or shortness of breath), call the Rhode Island Department of Health Hotline at (401) 222-8022.
For up-to-date information from the RI Department of Health, visit their COVID-19 page here.
Information on Testing for COVID-19 in Rhode Island can be found on here. Woonsocket now has a testing site located at Thundermist on 450 Clinton St. The outdoor tent can handle up to 170 tests a day, and people can drive-thru or walk up. Testing is free, but an appointment is required. You do not need to be a patient of Thundermist Health Center. Bilingual personnel are available. Anyone seeking a test can call the Thundermist Health Center at 401-767-4100 to schedule an appointment.
¿Necesitas COVID-19 recursos en español? Por favor, póngase en contacto con Dorcas International.
Resources for Seniors
The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging has put together a list of resources specifically for seniors, which can be found here. You ca also call the Point at 401-462-4444.
Resources for Parents
We have put together resources for supporting your students during extended school closures and distance learning, which you can find here.
Need a Safe Place to Quarantine?
Many hotels throughout Rhode Island are offering significantly reduced rooms to those in need of a safe space to quarantine. Visit RIHavens.com to find a room.
Domestic Violence Resources
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and all of its member agencies are open, as are domestic violence shelters. Rhode Islanders seeking help can call the 24/7 confidential hotline at 1-800-494-8100. Services are provided in English and in Spanish. While courts are closed for non-essential business including evictions, they are open for all domestic violence matters.
While courts are closed for non-essential business including evictions, they are open for all domestic violence matters.
Need a Face Mask?
Rhode Island Monthly has put together a list of organizations providing fabric face masks, which you can find here. They also provide information on making your own face masks.
General Resources
Housing
Renter’s Resources
Housing Help RI is a statewide homelessness prevention initiative to assist Rhode Islanders who are experiencing housing insecurity. The program provides emergency housing assistance to very low-income renters who have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency and are at immediate risk of homelessness. Find eligibility requirements here. To apply, complete this form.
Rhode Island Housing has provided funds to the HomeSafe program, designed to offer one-time financial assistance for households facing a short-term emergency. Eligible households must demonstrate that they have the resources to remain stably housed once the HomeSafe funds have been provided. View eligibility requirements and application steps here.
CARES Act Eviction Protection
The CARES Act, signed into federal law on March 27, 2020, provides 120 days of eviction relief for tenants in multifamily rental housing that is federally insured or backed. You may not be served with an eviction notice solely for nonpayment of rent until July 25, 2020 and the notice must give you 30 days to leave the property (August 24, 2020).
During the 120-day eviction moratorium, your landlord may not charge you late fees, penalties, or other charges for paying your rent late. It’s important to note that the eviction moratorium does not relieve you of your obligation to pay your rent. It merely forbids your landlord from evicting you during that period for late payment.
The best option for renters during the eviction moratorium is to pay their rent, if they are able. Those experiencing financial hardship should reach out to their landlord to discuss their situation and potential solutions.
Tips on Communicating with Your Landlord
If you’re struggling to pay rent or can no longer pay, contact your landlord right away to discuss your options. During stressful financial times, your landlord is likely experiencing challenges as well. Try to communicate with them clearly and calmly.
- Be candid about your situation. If you’re impacted by COVID-19 or other difficulties, share how your income has been affected.
- Consider mentioning any resources and assistance options you’ve found.
- Explain how your family would be impacted by a loss of housing.
- Ask about payment arrangements.
- Keep any email and text conversations and make notes of when you spoke in person.
HUD has more information for renters and homeowners available.
Homeowner Relief
As a part of the Financial Institution COVID-19 Relief Pledge from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, financial institutions will offer the following forgiveness:
90-Day Grace Period for All Residential Mortgage Payments
Financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to residential borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19. In addition, these institutions will:
- Provide borrowers a streamlined process to request a forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation;
- Confirm approval of and terms of forbearance program; and
- Provide borrowers the opportunity to request additional relief, as practicable, upon continued showing of hardship due to COVID-19.
No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief
Financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for residential borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief.
Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions
For at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
No Fees or Charges
For at least 90 days, financial institutions will waive or refund at least the following for customers who have requested assistance:
- Mortgage-related late fees; and
- Other fees, including early CD withdrawals (subject to applicable federal regulations and up to institution limits).
You can find a list of participating institutions here.
Mortgage Forbearance
Borrowers with loans insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or the Rural Housing Service (RHS) may be eligible for mortgage forebearance for 6-12 months. A forbearance is a temporary postponement or reduction of mortgage payments. It is not payment forgiveness. To request this forbearance, do the following:
- Contact your mortgage servicer to request forbearance. Contact information is found on your monthly mortgage statement.
- Utilize servicers’ websites or email as a primary method of communication and be patient. Servicers are facing large volumes of requests
Find the HUD factsheet on mortgage forbearnace here.
Utilities
For basic needs assistance during this time (utility, rental & mortgage, food), you can call the Community Care Alliance Family Support Center at (401) 235-6033. You can also call the United Way at 2-1-1 for support.
Due to COVID-19, National Grid reports that it has suspended all collection-related activities, including service disconnections, until further notice. For more information, visit their COVID-19 FAQ page.
If any of your services were disconnected before the moratorium, they can be reconnected by paying 10% of their balance and entering into a payment plan. Call your provider to discuss getting your service turned back on.
If you need help with utility issues, you can contact the RI Center for Justice at (401) 491-1101.
Homelessness Supports
Crossroads – Operations continuing as usual
Woonsocket Shelter – (families with children or single women) (401) 67-6976
Jellison House – substance abuse prevention/recovery (men only) (401) 235-7439
Wilson House – general outpatient program, shelter (men and women) (401) 235-7287
Childcare
Care.com has opened their platform to support healthcare and other frontline workers in Rhode Island with finding caregiving services for children, seniors, and pets. They are offering three months of their service for free. Visit www.care.com/rineed to find the help you need.
Care.com also allows individuals to register to be care providers. Log in to care.com to register.
Meal Sites, Restaurants & Take-Out Service
Meal sites
New Beginnings Soup Kitchen, 323 Rathbun St, (401) 356-4066, Monday-Thursday 12 pm-1 pm
Boys & Girls Club, 72 Kendrick Ave, Monday-Friday 1:00-1:15 pm; ring bell and someone will bring you a meal
Serenity House, 66 Social St, Monday-Friday 1:20-1:45 pm
Dunn Park (Fairmount District), Monday-Friday 2:00-2:30 pm, if food is available
Meal sites for school-aged children
Visit the RI Central Meal site Database for Children for meal sites across the state.
Local Sites
Citizens/Potheier ES Front Parking Lot, 250 Winthrop St, 11 am-1 pm
Coleman ES Parking Lot, 96 Second Ave, 11 am-1 pm
Hamlet Middle School Front Driveway, 60 Florence Dr, 11 am-1 pm
Emergency Food
If you need food, call Boys & Girls Club between 10am-2pm, (401) 766-9242
For emergency food services, call (401) 309-5220
Restaurants open for take-out
For a list of restaurants open for takeout state-wide, click here.
Delivery for those in Quarantine or Isolation
RI Delivers is your connection to find grocery stores, markets and restaurants that will deliver to your home. Visit the website here.
AHOPE (Americans Helping Others ProspEr) is a nonprofit organization with volunteers throughout the state who deliver groceries/medicines to homebound (High-Risk) individuals. To place request, go to www.covidHelpRI.com or call 401-484-1819. Deliveries are typically fulfilled within 24 hours. All volunteers receive background checks.
Food Pantries
The Rhode Island Food Bank is keeping an up-to-date list of open food pantries during the COVID crisis, which you can find here.
Local Sites
All Saints Church Pantry: 323 Rathbun St, (401) 762-1100, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10-11:30 am, pantry in basement of church, guests can visit weekly
Community Care Alliance Food Pantry: 245 Main St., (401) 235-6033 , Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-11 am, 1-4 pm; Tuesday 9-11 am; Thursday, 1-5 pm. Woonsocket residents only, CCA social services enrollment required, guests can visit monthly
Connecting Children and Families: 37 Center St., (401) 766-3384, Tuesdays 9 am-12 pm & emergencies as needed, guests can visit monthly
Holy Trinity Church Food Pantry: 1409 Park Ave, (401) 762-5117, Tuesday and Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 pm, guests can visit monthly
St. James Episcopal Church Food Pantry: 24 Hamlet Ave, (401) 762-2222, Monday and Wednesdays, 3-4 pm, with referral from CCA or other agencies/clergy
St. Agatha Church: 34 Joffre Ave, (401) 767-2950, 1st and 3rd Friday 10-11:30 am (call first), guests can visit twice per month
Having Trouble Finding Hand Sanitizer?
A few local Rhode Island businesses have created their own hand santizers and are providing it to the public on a limited basis.
- The Honey Shop, 6 Winthrop St. Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895, 401 597-6885
- JB Pharmacy & Compounding, 1165 Main Ave, Warwick, RI 02886, (401) 861-1194
- Industrious Spirits Company, pick up from 1-4pm Monday-Friday, 1 Sims Avenue #103, Providence, RI 02909. See their Instagram page @iscospirits for updates
If you are a business, Sons of Liberty is filling requests for businesses that need hand sanitizer. Visit their website to fill out the request form.
Finances and Emergency Support
Stimulus Payments
Stimulus payments have started to be dispersed by the IRS. If you’d like to check on the status of your stimulus payment, or to see if you are eligible, visit the IRS’s Get My Payment website.
Unemployment, Temporary Disability, and Temporary Caretaker Insurance
If you are unable to work, but your place of business remains open, you may be eligible for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Find more information directly from the Department of Labor and Training here.
- To apply for TDI, please visit http://www.dlt.ri.gov/tdi/TDIfile.htm
- Be sure to clearly indicate on your application that you have been impacted by COVID-19.
If you are out of work and are not being compensated, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI).
- If your place of business closes, or you are directed by your employer to remain home, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance (UI). To apply for UI, please visit http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/
- Please be sure to indicate that your claim is a result of COVID-19. DLT will waive the seven-day waiting period for UI claims related to COVID-19.
Find more information here.
DHS Benefits
DHS has closed their customer-facing lobbies and are not seeing clients in person, however, the DHS call center capacity has been increased by 63% during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure families and individuals can still access benefits. Individuals can:
- Use the customer portal
- Call the DHS call center: 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347)
- Drop off application forms or other information at a DHS office, DHS staff will follow up via telephone
IRS and State Income Tax Relief
The IRS has extended the income tax payment deadline from April 15th to July 15, 2020. More information from the IRS on the deadline extension can be found here. The deadline for State income taxes have also been delayed until July 15th. Read more about the decision here.
Federal Student Loan Relief
Federal student loan borrowers can temporarily stop making monthly loan payments by being put on administrative forbearance. Read the Federal Student Aid’s borrower Q&As below to learn more, and contact your loan servicer to find out your specific options.
United Way Support
United Way remains available to all Rhode Islanders 24/7/365 to connect you to resources in your area. Call 211 to speak to a United Way representative.
Employment
Employ RI Job Site
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and Commerce have re-launched a state job-seeking platform to help connect Rhode Islanders with nearly 2,000 open jobs. Many of the jobs posted are frontline positions in the fight against COVID-19. Jobseekers can visit www.EmployRI.org to find jobs as well as other important resources including information on unemployment insurance, resume tips and other COVID-19 updates.
Skills for RI Future – link Here
Small Business Resources – Commerce RI
Healthcare
A special enrollment period for Rhode Islanders without health insurance is now available through April 30th, 2020 to qualified individuals who are uninsured. Visit HealthSourceRI.com to enroll, or call customer support or use our web chat function between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday at 1-855-840-4774. For anyone who is concerned that they need to be tested for coronavirus — or anyone who is seeking care because of coronavirus exposure — coverage will start retroactively.
The Community Care Alliance and Thundermist Health Centers have insurance navigators to assist with applying for state health insurance.
Call the CCA navigators at (401) 617-2972 or (401) 235-6063.
Call the Thundermist navigator at (401) 767-4100.
Healthcare Services
Community Care Alliance
- Basic Needs, Recovery, Support, HIV/AIDS and testing: (401) 235-6057
- Children’s care intake line: (401) 235-7181
- Emergency services: (401) 235-7120
- Mental and Behavioral Health, Addictions Treatment, Counseling: (401) 235-7121
- Opioid Addiction Treatment: (401) 654-3706
- Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-844-702-7473
- Health Check
- Staying Well in Challenging Times
Thundermist Health Center
- Convenient Care (walk in) hours: 8am-8pm weekdays
- All dental services have been rescheduled for later dates
Thundermist requests you do not go to the convenient care if you recently traveled out of the United States, have COVID-19 symptoms, or recently came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
If you have an appointment scheduled that you will miss, Thundermist is requesting that you do not call them to cancel, just don’t show up and you can reschedule at a later time. They are experiencing high call volumes and long wait times for callers and want to reduce that to essential calls only.
Kids’ Link and BH Link
Kids’ Link is a 24/7 hotline for children in emotional crisis or suffering from behavioral problems/psychiatric illness. Call 1-855-543-5465 if your child is feeling excessive anger, sadness, or worry, is lashing out at others, or hurting themslves or others.
BH Link offers behavioral health services for anyone 18+ experiencing behavioral health or substance abuse issues. Call (401) 414-5465 to be connected to their resources.
Virtual AA Meetings
A list of virtual AA meetings can be found here.
Medication Delivery
GreenLine Apothecary – for both prescription and over the counter medications.
To arrange delivery, call (401) 633-8100 or fill out this form: https://www.greenlineapothecary.com/prescriptionrefill.
To transfer prescriptions, fill out this form: https://www.greenlineapothecary.com/prescriptiontransfer.
CVS and Walgreens are also offering free deivery of prescriptions during the crisis. Contact your pharmacy to see if they deliver to your area.
Mental Health Resources
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided information on how to deal with stress, anxiety, and coping with social distancing/isolation:
- CDC on Stress and Coping
- CDC on Taking Care of Your Mental Health
- WHO on Taking Care of Your Mental Health
- Grief Counseling Resources
- NAMI COVID-19 Resource Guide
Blue Cross Blue Sheild has waived all co-pays on mental health visits until June. If you are insured by BCBS, take advantage of this opportunity by reaching out to mental health practioners, or by asking your primary care doctor for a referral.
Rhode Island Cognitive Behavioral Health (RICBT) also has a COVID-19 Resource Blog with guidance and information on managing your mental health during this time.
Substance Abuse Resources
People with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD) can access telehealth service for initiation of buprenorphine treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Rhode Island’s Buprenorphine Hotline: 401-606-5456.
Harm Reduction and Substance Abuse Recovery Resources
Quitting Smoking and Vaping
People who use tobacco are at higher risk of more severe illness from COVID-19 because the virus that causes COVID-19 attacks the lungs.
- The state’s FREE Rhode Island Nicotine Helpline is ready to help tobacco users quit and manage stress to stay quit. Certified tobacco treatment specialists (TTS) provide motivational interviewing counseling by phone. Adults 18+ may also receive FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) gum, patches, or lozenges mailed direct to their home. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)
- Teens ages 13+ can also get FREE, safe, and confidential vaping and smoking quit support by visiting www.mylifemyquit.com or texting START MY QUIT to 855-891-9989.
Resources for Undocumented Immigrants
Get healthcare
The following places provide access to healthcare regardless of immigration status. These places may ask about your status, but only to help determine your eligibility for coverage, and must keep this information confidential.
- Community Health Centers: Call 401-274-1771 or see the Rhode Island Health Center Association website to find a health center near you (for adults and children).
- Rhode Island Free Clinic (for adults only): Call for an eligibility appointment: 401-274-6374.
- Clinica Esperanza-Hope Clinic (for adults only): For patients who might have COVID-19, call 401-408-0238. For general questions, call 401-347-9093.
Hospital care
- Seeking care: Anyone, regardless of immigration status, can seek healthcare at hospitals, emergency departments, and health centers If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call first before showing up at the facility.
- Charity Care: If you need care at a hospital, ask about the hospital ‘charity care’ program and request an application. The hospital may cover all or part of your bill if you are unable to pay. Charity care is available regardless of immigration status.
- Emergency Medicaid: If you are in need to of emergency services at a hospital (in-patient or emergency room), but are ineligible for Medicaid solely because of your immigration status, you may nevertheless be eligible to have Medicaid pay the hospital bills. The hospital will help you apply.
Medicaid coverage for undocumented pregnant women is available, regardless of immigration status, as long as income and state residency requirements are met. You can apply for Medicaid any time. Call 1-855-840-4774 or apply online at healthsourceri.com
Get tested
If you are undocumented or without health insurance, you can still get tested for COVID-19.
- Call your primary care provider and ask them to refer you for a COVID-19 test at a drive-up testing site at CCRI in Warwick or at Rhode Island College in Providence.
- Go online to be pre-screened for CVS rapid testing and get an appointment.
- Make an appointment to get tested at Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic in Providence.
- Make an appointment to get tested through a community-based Respiratory Clinic, such as a Community Health Center. When you make an appointment, confirm that the site provides free testing and related services for people without health insurance, regardless of immigration status.
RI Department of Health provides more information here.
Access to interpreters: All Rhode Island healthcare providers who receive federal funds are required to provide interpretation services for their patients, at no cost to the patients, regardless of immigration status.
Public Charge: USCIS has released a statement declaring that testing, treatment, and preventive care related to COVID-19 will not negatively affect any immigrant in a future public charge determination. As a reminder, WIC does not ask immigration status and is not included in public charge determinations.
The Economic Progress Institute has posted information online for undocumented immigrants, and for DACA, TPS, and DED holders.
Transportation
RIPTA
Bus services are still running, however, the following hubs have been closed:
- Kennedy Plaza Intermodal Transportation Center.
- Newport Transportation Center
- Pawtucket Transit Center
- Photo ID Office at Kennedy Plaza
- Photo ID Office at RIPTA Headquarters, 705 Elmwood Avenue, Providence
For more information, see RIPTA’s COVID-19 page at https://www.ripta.com/covid-19.
Commuter Rail
The MBTA has announced that as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, “trains and buses will run with reduced service to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.” They have also increased cleaning and sanitation at stations and in their vehicles. See the MBTA website https://www.mbta.com/covid19 for updates on modified service routes.
Amtrak
Amtrak continues to operate but has temporarily suspended some services due to reduced demand. See the Amtrack website for updates: https://www.amtrak.com/coronavirus
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Know of additional resources that should be included on this list?
E-mail them to Katie – kowens@neighborworksbrv.org
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