COVID-19 resources
Pandemic help for rhode islanders
Find a list of online meetings here.
From the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
- What you need to know
- Information forNon-Filers
Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) provides information on the impact of COVID on schools on their website.
Food Delivery Services
- Visit RIDeliversto find links to programs and food delivery services available throughout the state.
- Farm Fresh RI– This online farmers market offers home delivery services to Providence, Pawtucket, & East Bay. Customers outside of these delivery areas can still place orders online for curbside pickup in Pawtucket.
Food Pantries
Find food pantries near you with the RI Community Food Bank’s virtual food map, or see their Food Assistance List (updated daily).
Meals for School-Aged Children
All schools in Rhode Island are closed. See a complete list of school closures here. Free grab-and-go meals are available in many cities. Find a list of food sites here.
Free grab-and-go dinners are also available from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at all 11 recreation centers through the City of Providence.
Restaurants Providing Take-Out/Delivery
See a list of restaurants compiled by Eat Drink RI.
See a list of open restaurants in Southern RI.
Women, Infants, & Children
WIC Income Guidelines – Effective until June 30, 2020
Health
RI Department of Health (RIDOH)
For general questions about COVID-19, call RIDOH’s COVID-19 hotline: (401) 222-8022.
If you think you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider. DO NOT go directly to a healthcare facility without calling first (unless you are experiencing a medical emergency). For more information, see RIDOH’s COVID-19 information page.
To find out how to get tested, visit RIDOH’s Testing for the General Public page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 information page.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Visit WHO’s COVID-19 information page.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Information on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), such as Ibuprofen, for Covid-19
Free Prescription Delivery
CVS free prescription delivery is available until May 1. Prescriptions take 1 – 2 days to arrive.
Walgreens free prescription delivery is available for a limited time. Prescriptions take at least 1 day to arrive.
Green Line Apothecary free prescription delivery is available continually. Statewide deliveries are made daily.
HealthSource RI Enrollment
Due to the spread of COVID-19, a special enrollment period is now available through HealthSource RI until April 30 for Rhode Islanders seeking health insurance coverage.
Food
Food Delivery Services
- Visit RIDelivers to find links to programs and food delivery services available throughout the state.
- Farm Fresh RI – This online farmers market offers home delivery services to Providence, Pawtucket, & East Bay. Customers outside of these delivery areas can still place orders online for curbside pickup in Pawtucket.
Food Pantries
Find food pantries near you with the RI Community Food Bank’s virtual food map, or see their Food Assistance List (updated daily).
Meals for School-Aged Children
All schools in Rhode Island are closed. See a complete list of school closures here. Free grab-and-go meals are available in many cities. Find a list of food sites here.
Free grab-and-go dinners are also available from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at all 11 recreation centers through the City of Providence.
Restaurants Providing Take-Out/Delivery
See a list of restaurants compiled by Eat Drink RI.
See a list of open restaurants in Southern RI.
Women, Infants, & Children
WIC Income Guidlines – Effective until June 30, 2020
Housing
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.
See Housing Help RI’s FAQ and apply for housing assistance.
Economic Impact Payments
From the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
- What you need to know
- Information for Non-Filers
Home Delivery Services
Westerly Rotary Club – offers free delivery for groceries, prescriptions, & other essential goods to local residents.
Childcare Supports
Care.com is providing three months of free, premium access to RI residents to find help for children, parents & pets.
Evictions
HomesRI Fact Sheet on Evictions – For Renters
For Nonprofits
Paycheck Protection Program
Commerce RI is ready to help nonprofits apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If you wish to apply but don’t have access to a financial institution — or if your bank/lender has told you it is unable to assist you — review this info sheet and complete the application here. For more information, email Commerce RI.
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation offers PPP information in 15 languages.
Behavioral Health Fund Grants
Apply here for COVID-19 Behavioral Health Fund Grants.
Creative Support
If your organization needs design, writing, or other creative support, fill out this form.
Virtual Workshops
Access virtual workshops from the Rhode Island Foundation that can help strengthen organizational capacity.
For All Businesses
From the Governor’s Workforce Board:
If your organization needs assistance with work related to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, apply here for the COVID-19 Response Summer Jobs Program. This opportunity is available for businesses, non-profits, schools, and municipalities to receive funding to provide employment to youth (ages 16-24) during the summer months.
For more information, contact Pauline Abetti at at Pauline.Abetti@dlt.ri.gov
From City of Providence:
Resource Guide for Employers, Employees & Businesses
From ABC6 – Rhode Island News:
ABC6 “Whats Open” – Newscasters will be providing viewers with information on businesses that are still open and how they are operating differently during this time – contact ABC6 if your business is interested in being listed.
From Rhode Island Commerce:
- If your business has been affected by COVID-19, call the RI Commerce Corporation Small Business Hotline: (401) 521-4357.
- If you have questions about your operating business during this time, visit the RI Commerce FAQ page.
From Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce:
- For answers to general, business legal questions, call the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Here2Help Hotline.
- Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQ
- Bridge Loans for Restaurants and Microbusinesses
- Information on step-by-step guides for COVID Employer Tax Credit & Disaster Loans can be found here
For Small Businesses:
For information on Small Business Administration loans:
- apply online at www.disasterloan.sba.gov, call 1-800-659-2955 or email – disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.ela
- SBA Disaster Loan FAQ
- List of participating lenders
Information about the Providence Business Loan Fund
Covid-19 Small Business Survey – The City of Providence Office of Economic Improvement is collecting feedback to improve its supports for small businesses.
For Artists, Teaching Artists, Arts Administrators, & Freelancers:
- Rhode Island Artist Relief Fund – Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to Artists who have lost income during this time.
- Rhode Island Expansion Arts Emergency Relief Program
Information for Seniors
From Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging
Information for Veterans
From RI Office of Veteran Services
Mental Health Management
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
From the World Health Organization:
From BHLink:
- Find confidential support or get connected to care by visiting bhlink.org or contact 401-414-5465.
- To access general resources for coping during the crisis, visit bhlink.org/covid-19.
Income: Temporary Disability / Unemployment / Paid Leave
If you are unable to work, but your workplace remains open, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance.
If your workplace closes, or your employer tells you to stay home, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance. For more information, see the RI Department of Labor and Training’s COVID-19 Workplace Fact Sheet.
Fact Sheet: Understanding Rhode Island and Federal Paid Leave & Unemployment Insurance
Fact sheet from Economic Progress Institute/English and Fact Sheet/Spanish on what to do if you cannot work.
Tax Preparation
United Way and H&R Block have teamed up to provide free online tax filing. To learn more, visit MyFreeTaxes.
Student Loan Relief
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
Apply here for student loan relief for up to three months if your income has been negatively impacted during this time.
Online Learning
Discounted Internet Access for Distance Learning
Cox Communications is offering discounted internet access for families with K – 12 students.
Other Resources:
RI Distance Learning Helpline – (904)-414-4927
Highlights at Home – This a free collection of family-friendly activities such as puzzles, crafts, and more.
Junior Achievement Program Resources – Learning experiences for students to complete on their own or with families.
Thrive Global Educational Resources for Kids – Find fun activities that will keep your children occupied while you’re working at home.
Roger Williams Park Zoo – online Zoo School
Utilities
Capital Good Fund: Apply here for a Crisis Relief Loan which can be used for:
- Paying utilities
- Medical bills
- Rent
- Groceries
Utility Assistance
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to individuals and families struggling to pay their utility bills, including as a result of COVID-19. Call or visit your local Community Action Program to apply.
Technology Resources
State of RI Division of Information Technology – Find technology resources for businesses, schools, & individuals.
Virtual AA Meetings
Find a list of online meetings here.
Transportation
Funeral Information
Information for funeral directors about COVID-19 from the National Funeral Directors Association and from the RI Funeral Directors Association
Other Community Resources
Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI) Covid-19 Resources:
This page provides additional informational resources for:
- Help with health insurance
- Finances, food, & housing
- Support
- Substance use disorder
- Tools for wellness
- General information
- Mental health providers
- Resources for parents
- Resources for caregivers
Have questions? Contact United Way 211 in Rhode Island.
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.
Westerly Rotary Club – offers free delivery for groceries, prescriptions, & other essential goods to local residents.
If you are unable to work, but your workplace remains open, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Insurance.
If your workplace closes, or your employer tells you to stay home, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance. For more information, see the RI Department of Labor and Training’s COVID-19 Workplace Fact Sheet.
Fact Sheet: Understanding Rhode Island and Federal Paid Leave & Unemployment Insurance
Fact sheet from Economic Progress Institute/English and Fact Sheet/Spanish on what to do if you cannot work.
Mental Health Association of Rhode Island (MHARI) Covid-19 Resources:
This page provides additional informational resources for:
- Help with health insurance
- Finances, food, & housing
- Support
- Substance use disorder
- Tools for wellness
- General information
- Mental health providers
- Resources for parents
- Resources for caregivers
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
From the World Health Organization:
From BHLink:
- Find confidential support or get connected to care by visiting orgor contact 401-414-5465.
- To access general resources for coping during the crisis, visit org/covid-19.
Discounted Internet Access for Distance Learning
Cox Communications is offering discounted internet access for families with K – 12 students.
Other Resources:
RI Distance Learning Helpline – (904)-414-4927
Highlights at Home – This a free collection of family-friendly activities such as puzzles, crafts, and more.
Junior Achievement Program Resources – Learning experiences for students to complete on their own or with families.
Thrive Global Educational Resources for Kids – Find fun activities that will keep your children occupied while you’re working at home.
Roger Williams Park Zoo – online Zoo School
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority
Apply here for student loan relief for up to three months if your income has been negatively impacted during this time.
United Way and H&R Block have teamed up to provide free online tax filing. To learn more, visit MyFreeTaxes.
Capital Good Fund: Apply here for a Crisis Relief Loan which can be used for:
- Paying utilities
- Medical bills
- Rent
- Groceries
Utility Assistance
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to individuals and families struggling to pay their utility bills, including as a result of COVID-19. Call or visit your local Community Action Program to apply.
Technology Resources
State of RI Division of Information Technology – Find technology resources for businesses, schools, & individuals.
From the Governor’s Workforce Board:
If your organization needs assistance with work related to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, apply here for the COVID-19 Response Summer Jobs Program. This opportunity is available for businesses, non-profits, schools, and municipalities to receive funding to provide employment to youth (ages 16-24) during the summer months.
For more information, contact Pauline Abetti at at Pauline.Abetti@dlt.ri.gov
From City of Providence:
Resource Guide for Employers, Employees & Businesses
From ABC6 – Rhode Island News:
ABC6 “Whats Open” – Newscasters will be providing viewers with information on businesses that are still open and how they are operating differently during this time – contact ABC6 if your business is interested in being listed.
From Rhode Island Commerce:
- If your business has been affected by COVID-19, call the RI Commerce Corporation Small Business Hotline: (401) 521-4357.
- If you have questions about your operating business during this time, visit the RI Commerce FAQ page.
From Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce:
- For answers to general, business legal questions, call the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Here2Help Hotline.
- Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQ
- Bridge Loans for Restaurants and Microbusinesses
- Information on step-by-step guides for COVID Employer Tax Credit & Disaster Loans can be found here
For Small Businesses:
For information on Small Business Administration loans:
- apply online at www.disasterloan.gov,call 1-800-659-2955 or email – disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.ela
- SBA Disaster Loan FAQ
- List of participating lenders
Information about the Providence Business Loan Fund
Covid-19 Small Business Survey – The City of Providence Office of Economic Improvement is collecting feedback to improve its supports for small businesses.
For Artists, Teaching Artists, Arts Administrators, & Freelancers:
- Rhode Island Artist Relief Fund– Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded to Artists who have lost income during this time.
- Rhode Island Expansion Arts Emergency Relief Program
Paycheck Protection Program
Rhode Island Commerce is ready to help nonprofits apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If you wish to apply but don’t have access to a financial institution — or if your bank/lender has told you it is unable to assist you — review this info sheet and complete the application here. For more information, email Commerce RI.
Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation offers PPP information in 15 languages.
Behavioral Health Fund Grants
Apply here for COVID-19 Behavioral Health Fund Grants.
Creative Support
If your organization needs design, writing, or other creative support, fill out this form.
Virtual Workshops
Access virtual workshops from the Rhode Island Foundation that can help strengthen organizational capacity.
Call Point, the healthy aging helpdesk, at United Way of Rhode Island at (401) 462-4444.
Learn more about Point here.
Find information at the

PBN announces 2023 Best Places to Work honorees
Providence Business News
Sixty-seven honorees, including United Way of Rhode Island, have been named by Providence Business News for its 2023 Best Places to Work Awards program... The honorees will be recognized June 7 for their efforts in a ceremony at Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick, where the company rankings in each category will be announced.

Five Qs With: Anthony Botelho
Providence Business News
Anthony Botelho serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. He was recently appointed to lead the bank’s commercial lending growth in Connecticut, where the company recently opened a New Haven commercial lending office. Anthony also serves on United Way of Rhode Island's Board of Directors.

Rethinking how one of R.I.’s largest nonprofits can grow
The Boston Globe
In October, [Idrees "Lanre"] Ajakaiye was appointed the new chief development officer at... United Way of Rhode Island where he'll be in charge of helping... United Way achieve its current strategic plan, which outlines the nonprofit's investment of $100 million over five years to help achieve racial equity.
United Way Investing $10 Million in Community Programs
With a focus on achieving the goals of its LIVE UNITED 2025 plan to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is investing $10 million in the work of community organizations over three years. These latest grants have been awarded from United Way’s Community Impact Fund and received by… 45 local nonprofits.
Power The Future
On Aug. 19, 2023, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, the area’s premier youth and family workforce development and career awareness event will be brought to you by United Way of Rhode Island. It’s called Power The Future. Power The Future will be an annual empowerment event aligned with the 2030 plan of raising incomes, […]
Director Sought for New Statewide Nonprofit Center
A new, first-of-its-kind statewide resource center for Rhode Island nonprofits is becoming a reality. United Way of Rhode Island, which has convened the state’s nonprofit community to establish the center, today announced it has opened the hiring for the center’s inaugural director.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Power The Future
Join us at the Rhode Island Convention Center for the area’s premier youth and family workforce development and career awareness event.