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.
AmeriCorps -- Accessing Home
AmeriCorps Accessing Home program can help with the following:
- Packaging rental assistance applications
- Support for individuls and families into the Coordinated Entry System, alleviating the impacts of homelessness
- Connecting residents with state, federal, and local resources such as: SNAP benefits, Childcare benefits, healthcare, food, clothing, job training programs, mental health supports, Rent Relief RI, DHS, food banks and other essential supports
- Providing financial capability, eviction prevention and foreclosure mitigation support and services to residents
Program Hours and Information
Partner Office RM M01
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
401-455-8050
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.
