Essential Needs & Services
Partner Services
Providence Public Library is pleased to partner with these community organizations to help connect members of our community with these essential needs and services.
CROSSROADS RHODE ISLAND
If you or anyone you know is experiencing homelessness, the Crossroads Housing Problem Solving Department has dedicated services to help you navigate through different programs and understand the options available and will work to get sustainable solutions.
As a partner with Providence Public Library, Crossroads has dedicated their staff at PPL every Tuesday from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm and can be reached at any time with the contact information below.
Housing Problem Solving Dept.
401-865-6215
Will Blais (Mobile Outreach)
401-563-8313
Karina Marmol
401-865-6211
Mariah Moore
401-865-6212
Vidalia Rubie
401-865-6213
Andrew Murphy
401-865-6214
BETTER LIVES RHODE ISLAND
Better Lives RI staff are available for case management services at Providence Public Library every Monday afternoon during our walk-in hours from 1 - 3 pm.
If you need further assistance, please call 401-454-7422 to schedule an appointment with a case manager.
Somali Dasilva
401-443-6218
Amy Santiago
401-328-1206
Better Lives Rhode Island is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to provide stability, justice, and hope to those in need through advocacy and direct service.
Better Lives RI has been serving the needs of low income and homeless people since 1974. We currently operate three programs that are all client centered and are designed to treat everyone with dignity, respect and kindness.
Downtown Food Pantry – Established in 1974, Better Lives RI Food Pantry serves all residents of Rhode Island whose income is at or below federal poverty guidelines. Those in need can access our food pantry once a week, Tuesday through Thursdays from 9 am - 1 pm at 15 Hayes Street, Providence.
Friday Community Meal Site – The doors open at 3 pm and dinner is served from 3:30 - 5 pm. Address is 134 Mathewson Street, Providence.
Homeless Outreach and Case Management – Established in 2004, this program was started by a formerly homeless volunteer who began distributing clothing and toiletries. He was hired as the first case manager and developed the program based on how he would have liked to be treated when he was homeless. We try to provide a one stop shop so clients do not have to visit three or four agencies to accomplish their goal. We empower people to attain their self-stated goals. Although we do not provide housing, we collaborate with housing providers on our client’s behalf.
