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Help for single moms in Rhode Island

By Emma Johnson | Updated Jun. 10, 2024
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If you’re a single mom in Rhode Island struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You're a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Many of the programs on this list determine eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). These are the 2024 federal poverty guidelines:

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,060
2$20,440
3$25,820
4$31,200
5$36,580
6$41,960
7$47,340
8$52,720

* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,380 for each additional person.

You can also look up your area median income (AMI) here.

Emergency cash for low-income families in Rhode Island

If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:

Rhode Island Works

RIW helps families with children with cash assistance while they look for work. Families can receive up to 48 months of assistance. A family of three can get up to $721 per month. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Rhode Island resident
  • Have a dependent child or be pregnant
  • Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
  • Meet income requirements, which vary based on whether you live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing
  • Less than $5,000 in resources

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Rhode Island: 

Single moms in Rhode Island can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Rhode Island

If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help: 

Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Rhode Island

The Housing Choice Voucher Program gives Rhode Islanders cash vouchers to help them pay rent. The program generally subtracts 30% of a family’s adjusted gross income from the rent amount or standard rent rate for the area to calculate how much assistance they receive.

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Rhode Island

If you need help buying a home in Rhode Island, these programs can help: 

Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI)

HAF-RI helps Rhode Island homeowners pay mortgages that they can’t afford due to a pandemic-related financial hardship. The program can also help with homeowner’s association fees, utility payments, and property taxes. Homeowners can get up to $50,000 in aid.

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island homeowner
  • Primary residence only
  • Financial hardship affecting your ability to pay your housing-related costs
  • Mortgage within conforming loan limits
  • Income lower than 150% of AMI                                             

How to get help: 

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage in Rhode Island

This program helps first-time homebuyers get affordable mortgages on homes up to $546,752.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Meet income limits  
  • Eligibility determined by the lender 

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

RIHousing Extra Assistance

Homebuyers in Rhode Island can get the lower amount of up to 6% of their purchase price or $15,000 as a second-lien loan to help pay a down payment. The loan’s interest rate will be the same as the interest rate on your first mortgage in most cases. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Minimum 620 credit score
  • Take a homebuyer education course
  • Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

RI Statewide DPA Grant

The RI Statewide DPA Grant pays up to $17,500 for first-time homebuyers to use toward down payment assistance or closing costs. Homebuyers do not need to repay the grant money. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
  • Minimum 660 credit score
  • Take a homebuyer education course
  • Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program    

How to get help: 

Contact a participating lender.

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

Homeless assistance in Rhode Island

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs: 

Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness

This organization oversees Rhode Island’s homelessness call center and other programs to help people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The Coordinated Entry System (CES) and Continuum of Care program connect families to housing resources.

How to get help: 

Intensive Housing Stabilization Program (IHSP)

IHSP helps families in need of permanent housing. They provide a case management team to give families the support they need, like affordable rental homes and rental assistance.

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in Rhode Island

If you need transportation help, here are some resources available to low-income families in Rhode Island:

Discounts on public transportation in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is the state’s mass transit provider. If you are a senior aged 65 or over or a disabled person with a low income, you may be eligible for free rides for two years. 

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • 65 or over or disabled
  • Income at or below 200% of the FPL

RIPTA also offers discounted fares during off-peak hours for seniors and disabled persons regardless of income.

How to get help:

Nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Rhode Island

MTM provides NEMT for the state of Rhode Island. The service provides free rides or bus passes for eligible riders.

Qualifications:

  • Medicaid recipients who cannot get to Medicaid-covered health appointments
  • People who qualify for the MTM Elderly Transportation Program (60 and over with no access to transportation)
  • Working TANF (RI Works) recipients

How to get help:

Free cars in Rhode Island

This charity provides cars to qualified applicants in Rhode Island:

Free Charity Cars 

Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program. 

Qualifications:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Have a genuine need for a vehicle 
  • Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
  • Sign up for an online account 
  • Complete an online application for a vehicle
  • Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.,
  • Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded 

How to get help:

If you're ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Loan Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Loan Express >>

Electric bill assistance in Rhode Island

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Rhode Island, check out the following programs:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Rhode Island

LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their utility bills on time. The program offers a one-time payment to the family’s energy company or crisis assistance for families who are at risk of a heating shut-off for past-due payments.

Qualifications:       

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Rhode Island

WAP makes energy-efficient upgrades to the homes of enrolled families. The program pays for upgrades and repairs, like fixing air ventilation problems and controlling air drafts in the home. 

Qualifications:

Families who qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island also qualify for WAP.

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HSRRP)

HSRRP pays homeowners for one repair or replacement of their home’s heating equipment to improve efficiency.

Qualifications:

Families who qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island also qualify for HSRRP.

How to get help:

Contact your nearest Community Action Program agency.

Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy provides electricity for most of the state. The energy company offers multiple programs to help you pay your bill if you are having trouble, including:

  • Discounted energy rates: Get up to 30% off of your monthly energy bill if you receive government assistance such as SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid
  • Payment plans: Get an extension to pay your bill in installments
  • Bill forgiveness: If you have a past due balance of $300 and are more than 60 days late, you may be eligible to have up to $1,500 forgiven if you follow a payment plan
  • Budget billing: Based on your annual usage, this options breaks your bill into 12 equal payments so you know what to expect each month
  • Protection from shut-off: If your household members include an infant, seniors 62 and over, disabled or seriously ill persons, you may be able to avoid shut-off

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own guidelines and process, so check with a Rhode Island Energy representative for details

How to get help:

  • Call 855-743-1101 for electric
  • Call 800-870-1664 for gas

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Rhode Island

Rhode Island families who need help paying for medical or dental services can see if they’re eligible for the following programs. 

Dental Lifeline in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Dental Lifeline works with more than 200 volunteer dental professionals to provide free or affordable dental services to people who need necessary care. 

How to get help: 

Rhode Island Free and Affordable Dental Clinics

Rhode Island has several dental clinics that give free or low-cost dental services to families in need. 

Qualifications: 

Each dental clinic sets its own rules and qualifications for patients.

How to get help: 

Molar Express

Molar Express is a traveling dental clinic that visits participating schools around Rhode Island to give school children affordable dental services. Families with insurance will have their insurance billed with no out-of-pocket costs. Families without insurance pay an affordable sliding scale fee based on their income.

Qualifications: 

  • Under age 21
  • Attend a participating school or Head Start program

How to get help: 

Call 866-665-2797.

Seal RI

This free program provides dental sealants to children during school hours. The program bills your insurance for the cost, but if you don’t have insurance, you won’t pay a fee.

Qualifications: 

Students must attend an eligible school or program.

How to get help: 

Contact your local Community Action Program.

Rite Care and Rite Share (Medicaid in Rhode Island)

Rite Care and Rite Share are Medicaid programs for families with children in Rhode Island who earn more than the amounts allowed by Medicaid. Pregnant women can also get coverage.

Rite Care is full health coverage, while Rite Share is supplemental coverage that helps families afford an employer’s health care plan. Rite Share pays all of the family’s health plan costs if their income is 150% or below the FPL. Families with higher incomes pay a cost share fee.

Rite Care pays for:

  • Doctor visits
  • Specialist referrals
  • Parenting classes
  • Transportation
  • Lab tests
  • Vaccines
  • Prescriptions
  • Emergency care

Qualifications: 

  • Rhode Island resident
  • U.S. citizen
  • Pregnant or have a child under 19
  • Meet income guidelines

How to get help: 

Rhode Island Mission of Mercy

The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy (RIMOM) is a free two-day dental care event offered by the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation. All patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Yearly event is announced on the RIMOM site.

The dental staff educate patients about oral health and provide the following care:

  • Cleanings
  • Fillings
  • X-rays
  • Extractions
  • Root canals (front teeth only)

Qualifications:

  • At least 12 years old (all patients 12-18 must be with a parent or guardian)
  • Cannot afford dental care
  • Do not have a dentist

How to get help:

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Rhode Island

A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:

Rhode Island Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Click here for a list of what you can and cannot buy. A family of three in Rhode Island can receive up to $740 per month, depending on their income. 

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • U.S. citizen 
  • Gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
  • Gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level if someone 60 or older is part of the household

How to get help: 

  • Apply online
  • Mail an application to: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787
  • Visit a DHS office

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Rhode Island

Rhode Island moms and pregnant women can get help from WIC to pay for infant formula and nutritious foods for themselves and their children. WIC also offers development screenings, breastfeeding support, and help finding health care resources.

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Apply at your local WIC office.

School Food Programs in Rhode Island

The school lunch and breakfast programs give Rhode Island students free or reduced meals if their family income qualifies. 

Kindergarteners who do not have access to these programs can still participate in the Special Milk Program, which provides free milk during school meals.

Children participating in after-school programs can also get a free snack or meal from the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Qualifications: 

  • Attend a participating school
  • Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school for more information
  • Call 401-222-4269
  • Email [email protected] 

Summer Food Service Program in Rhode Island

Children attending participating schools or programs can get free meals throughout the summer. 

Qualifications: 

Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals.

How to get help: 

Find a participating program.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Rhode Island Community Food Bank raises money and distributes food to help families in need. Its programs include:

  • Healthy Habits Nutrition Education: Hosts classes and programs to teach communities how to eat healthily.
  • School Pantries and Backpack Programs: These programs help stock schools with food to give to children in need.
  • Meals4Kids Boxes: Gives school-aged children boxes of food for winter and summer breaks.
  • Kids Cafe: Gives kids after-school meals.

How to get help: 

Project Hand Up

Project Hand Up is a nonprofit that rescues food and provides it to Rhode Islanders in need. For $6, you can receive groceries worth about $200. This is a drive through pantry. They offer contact-free curbside pickup, and volunteers will load your food into your vehicle.

If you are a veteran or a senior aged 62 and over you can shop on any of the three grocery days, other shoppers can get groceries as follows:

  • Tuesday: From 3-5 p.m. if your last name starts with A through K
  • Thursday: From 3-5 p.m. if your last name start with L through Z
  • Friday: From 3-4:30 p.m. anyone regardless of last name or age

Qualifications:

  • Any Rhode Island resident is welcome to shop at Project Hand Up

How to get help:

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Rhode Island

The following programs can help single moms in Rhode Island afford child care while they work or go to school.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Rhode Island

CCAP pays for some or all of a family’s child care costs while parents/caregivers attend work or school. Monthly co-pays are between 0%-7% of your child care costs, depending on your family’s income. For instance, a three-person family can receive up to $23,030/year with no co-pay or up to $46,060/year with a co-pay up to $62. 

Qualifications: 

  • Child under 13
  • Income up to 200% of FPL 
  • Work at least 20 hours each week

How to apply: 

Rhode Island Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Child age 0-5
  • Income at or below FPL
  • Homeless or in foster care

How to apply: 

Download the Head Start program guide to find a program in your area.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Rhode Island

If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Rhode Island, here are some helpful resources: 

Adult Education in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers the General Educational Development (GED) test and National External Diploma Program (NEDP) for people who haven’t finished high school.

The GED test includes four testing areas, each costing:

  • $30 for an in-person test
  • $36 for an online test

You can apply for a fee waiver through the Rhode Island Department of Education. Applicants must be 18 to apply with no restrictions, but 16 and 17-year-olds can participate if they’re homeschooled or have an alternative learning plan through their school. 

NEDP grades a student’s high-school-level skills through real-world activities over several weekly small group appointments. You must be 21 or older to participate in NEDP. 

How to apply: 

Rhode Island Promise

All recent high school graduates are eligible to attend the Community College of Rhode Island tuition free to pursue an associate degree. You must attend college the first semester after graduation or earning a GED.

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • Diploma or GED

How to get help:

Grants and scholarships in Rhode Island

RIScholarships is an online database of scholarships to use for your college education in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Foundation offers grants and scholarships to Rhode Islanders pursuing a college program. Browse and apply for scholarships through Rhode Island Foundation.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Rhode Island

Workforce programs in Rhode Island provide training and assist with employment:

Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits

Rhode Island pays unemployment benefits to eligible residents who have lost a job, been laid off, or who have had their hours cut at work. Rhode Islanders can get benefits for each week they qualify. 

Qualifications: 

  • Rhode Island resident
  • Unemployed, laid off, or had a reduction of hours
  • Actively search for a new job
  • Meet wage requirements

How to get help: 

Register an account and file your weekly claims online at UI Online. 

Rhode Island Works

While this program offers cash assistance for people with low incomes, it also provides employment and training opportunities. The program can help with job readiness, job placement, and retention services.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Rhode Island resident
  • Have a dependent child or be pregnant
  • Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
  • Meet income requirements, which vary based on whether you live in subsidized or non-subsidized housing
  • Less than $5,000 in resources

How to get help:

We Make RI

We Make RI offers free training to learn skills that can help you launch a career in the manufacturing industry. You can choose from three programs:

  • General manufacturing: Learn the basics about manufacturing and get real-life experience working in a manufacturing role on projects and order processing
  • Materials handling: Learn how to move and track materials in a factory environment using inventory and control systems, forklifts, and processes for packing, shipping, loading and unloading
  • Industrial sewing: Learn how to use an industrial sewing machine 

As a graduate of this program, you will have a job coach to help you find full-time work with an employer that partners with We Make RI. The program also holds a monthly job fair and free resume consultation to ensure you are prepared to meet with employers.

Qualifications:

Each program has its own requirements, but in general you need to be:

  • A Rhode Island resident
  • 18 and over
  • A high school graduate (or have a GED)
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Seeking a full-time job

How to get help:

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Rhode Island

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Rhode Island that offer support to single moms:

Sojourner House

Soujourner House operates across Rhode Island to help people who need shelter, job training, or sexual health support. It also helps victims of domestic abuse. 

How to get help: 

  • Call the office at 401-861-6191 or the 24/7 hotline at 401-765-3232
  • Email [email protected] 

Parent Support Network of Rhode Island

The Parent Support Network of Rhode Island is made up of parents and community members committed to helping families find the resources they need for behavioral health challenges.

Qualifications:

  • Open to all families in Rhode Island

How to get help:

  • Call 401-467-6855

Moms on Missions

Moms on Missions provides a supportive community to help single moms set and reach career, education, and life goals.

The nonprofit provides:

  • Career counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Resume and cover letter help
  • Interview coaching
  • Guidance for pursuing higher education
  • GED enrollment
  • Youth social development activities

Qualifications:

  • Single moms in Rhode Island

How to get help:

Project Undercover

Project Undercover provides free diapers, wipes, underwear and socks to families with children who are in need. They distribute these much needed resources through partner agencies.

Qualifications:

  • Any Rhode Island family with children experiencing financial hardship 

How to get help:

The Salvation Army of Rhode Island

The Salvation Army has several Rhode Island locations offering help to families in their local communities. Services include:

  • Job training
  • Financial assistance
  • Skill building
  • Gifts for holidays
  • Domestic violence support
  • LGBTQ+ support
  • Food donations
  • Emergency shelter
  • Housing assistance
  • After-school programs
  • Youth activities

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army of Rhode Island website to find your local chapter. 

United Way of Rhode Island

The United Way of Rhode Island helps the state’s communities in numerous ways. The organization raises money for charities, hosts workplace training events, and runs book drives for kids. Families can receive help through sponsored programs, like food banks, education scholarships, and rental assistance.

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Providence, Rhode Island

The following resources serve residents of Providence, R.I.:

Housing help in Providence

If you need transitional housing support, check out this resource:

Crossroads of Rhode Island

Crossroads offers multiple programs for families in need including housing, emergency shelter, health care, and education/employment services to families in Providence. 

Qualifications:

  • Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

How to get help:

  • Call 401-277-4316

Transportation help in Providence

If you need help with purchasing a vehicle, this program provides financial support in Providence:

Keys to Success

The Genesis Center is a nonprofit that helps immigrants, refugees, and low-income families in Providence find resources for education and career advancement. The Keys to Success vehicle savings program helps Providence residents purchase a car by matching up to $2,000 through a special savings account.

In six months to a year, participants commit to regular savings to meet a goal. So, if your goal is to save $2,000 to purchase a car, once you reach your goal, you can get an additional $2,000 from the program.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a Providence metro area resident
  • Income is at or below 80% AMI for household size

How to get help:

Food assistance in Providence

Here are some food resources in Providence, R.I.:

Amos House

Amos House provides free weekly meals, as follows:

  • Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m., Monday through Friday
  • Lunch 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Lunch 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturdays (no lunch on the first Saturday of each month)

Meals are served at 460 Pine Street in Providence. There are some alternative options available for diners who have food requirements based on health concerns or religious practices.

Qualifications:

  • This service is available to anyone in need in the Providence area

How to get help:

  • Call 401-272-0220

Farm Fresh RI

Farm Fresh RI is a nonprofit that offers several programs to make food accessible and affordable, reduce food waste on local farms, and encourage Rhode Islanders to use fresh local ingredients in their meals.

The nonprofit offers:

  • Farmer’s markets: Markets are placed in areas where locals have less access to fresh, whole foods with year-round and seasonal options and EBT is accepted
  • Education programs: Farm to School and Community Education deliver food education to kids inside of K-12 schools and in the community in public places such as libraries
  • Bonus Bucks: This program allows SNAP recipients to get $1 of free Bonus Bucks to spend on fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for every SNAP dollar spent through EBT
  • Hope’s Harvest: A volunteer program that harvests excess fruits and vegetable from local farms, pays growers, and distributes the food to relief agencies
  • Harvest Kitchen: A job training program for youth aged 16-19 that allows them to learn culinary arts using food from local farms and sell what they make in local farmer’s markets and in the Farm Fresh RI cafe
  • Market Mobile: A food delivery and pickup service that benefits businesses and families who want fresh local produce

Qualifications:

  • You must be a SNAP recipient to use the Bonus Bucks program, but all other options are open to any Rhode Island resident

How to get help:

  • Call 401-312-4250

Electric bill help in Providence

If you need help with your heating bill, check out the following resource:

Keep the Heat On

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence offers last resort help for families in Rhode Island that are behind on heating bills.

Qualifications:

  • Experiencing financial hardship
  • Past due heating bill
  • Proof of denial from other heating assistance providers like LIHEAP and Salvation Army

How to get help:

Education help in Providence

Check out this free resource to support children in PreK-12:

Inspiring Minds

If your child needs extra help in school, Inspiring Minds provides multiple programs to support your child’s learning. The nonprofit offers tutoring, mentoring, afterschool programs, and summer learning programs.

Qualifications:

  • Children in PreK-12 in Providence Public Schools

How to get help:

Employment assistance in Providence

These employment resources in Providence can help you train for a new career:

Providence Public Library Workforce Classes

The Providence Public Library (PPL) offers free adult education classes for all skill levels. You can use these classes for personal development, to help you pursue a job, or get knowledge to change careers. Some classes may require a one-time registration fee.

The PPL offers the following classes:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Computer Science
  • Excel
  • Coding

Qualifications:

  • These classes are open to all adults but may have requirements, such as proficient English or basic Excel knowledge

How to get help:

  • Call 401-455-8000

Providence ¡CityArts!

Providence ¡CityArts! provides free afterschool arts programs for youth in the spring, fall and winter during the school year. Class sizes are small, and are first-come, first serve. You must register your child to participate. 

Students can choose from the following arts programs:

  • Visual arts
  • Design
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Digital media
  • Theatre
  • Creative writing

Qualifications:

  • Residents of Providence, aged 8-14

How to get help:

  • Register during open enrollment
  • Call 401-548-4282

Free and reduced cost training programs

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has multiple free training programs that have an 80% success rate of job placement after completion. There are also reduced cost education programs and apprenticeships available.

Here are some of the programs you can choose from:

  • Welding
  • Defense industry placement and internships
  • Software and data analytics training
  • Self-employment incubator
  • ServSafe hospitality training
  • Teacher assistant
  • Automotive technician

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

How to get help:

Enroll RI

The Rhode Island Department of Education’s Enroll RI offers access to several free education resources for students K-12 and adults including:

  • Adult Education: Free classes to help adults complete a GED, get job training, improve English, increase digital literacy, and prepare for U.S. citizenship
  • All Course Network: Free courses available online or at colleges and schools across the state for students in PreK-12 (Uses a lottery system for placement)
  • Career and Tech Education (CTE): Free training in over 200 CTE programs available to high school students who seek technology careers upon graduation
  • Charter public schools: Free enrollment at a charter public school, giving parents a choice of schools for their children (Uses a lottery system for placement)

Qualifications:

  • Rhode Island resident
  • Each program will have its own requirements, so check with the program of your choice

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Providence

This local charity provides free and low-cost bikes for children:

Recycle-A-Bike

Recycle-A-Bike is a community bike shop that sells refurbished bikes, offers free bikes for children, and space to work on your bike among other bike enthusiasts in your community.

Qualifications:

  • Free bikes are available for children in sizes 12”-20” based on availability

How to get help:

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families

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Emma Johnson

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