United Way of Rhode Island connects communities with critical resources before, during, and after disasters. In times of crisis, we stand United
Our Commitment to Disaster Resilience
United Way of Rhode Island is dedicated to helping our Rhode Island community mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we work to ensure that all Rhode Islanders, especially the most vulnerable, have access to the support they need in times of crisis.
United Way of Rhode Island is dedicated to:
- Reduce risk before disaster strikes
- Stay informed and ready for emergencies
- Respond quickly to urgent needs
- Rebuild stronger and more equitably
Our goal is to ensure no Rhode Islander faces a crisis alone, especially our most vulnerable neighbors.
Helpline in Emergencies
Our 211 helpline is available 24/7, providing assistance and connecting individuals with information regarding essential services such as shelter, food, and medical care during emergencies.
In 2020, United Way of Rhode Island awarded $600,000 in 'Rhode Island Recovers' grants to 41 local organizations, supporting their ability to continue vital services amid the COVID-19 crisis. https://www.unitedwayri.org/press-release/united-way-sends-600000-in-rhode-island-recovers-grants-to-41-local-organizations-to-support-continuity-of-serv
UWRI's commitment to disaster preparedness, immediate relief, and long-term recovery
Preparedness: Providing resources and education to help communities prepare for disasters.
Immediate Relief: Mobilizing resources quickly to provide shelter, food, and essential services.
Long-Term Recovery: Collaborating with partners to rebuild and restore affected communities.
Resources to Know:
Find information and tips about how to prepare for a disaster, plan templates, and more at these sites.
Floodplain Mapping | Emergency Management Agency
FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Welcome!
Department of Homeland Security - Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov Spanish: Listo.gov Planifique con anticipación para los desastres | Ready.gov
Sign-up alerts for:
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency:
Welcome | Emergency Management Agency Direct sign-up link: Community Notification Enrollment
Rhode Island Department of Health: Emergencies | Department of Health
Local Emergency Management Agencies:
City of Providence Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security - City of Providence
Emergency Management | City of East Providence, RI
Emergency Management | East Greenwich, RI
Emergency Management Agency | City of Woonsocket RI
All Rhode Island Emergency Contacts through RIEMA
Local Contacts | Emergency Management Agency
Preparedness Tools and Education
Building a Disaster Kit:
In Rhode Island, where coastal storms, winter weather, and power outages are real concerns, having a well-stocked emergency supply kit is essential.
Find information on building a kit at Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Make a Family Plan
Step 1: Create a Family Emergency Plan
Sit down with your household and make a simple, clear plan for what to do during different types of disasters (storms, floods, fires, etc.).
Use FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan Template (PDF): Family Emergency Plan
Include:
- Meeting locations (one near home, one outside neighborhood)
- Emergency contacts (in and out of state)
- Evacuation routes and shelter locations
- Special needs or medications for household members
Step 2: Establish a Communication Plan
During disasters, local phone lines may be down. Choose an out-of-state relative or friend as your main contact. Teach all family members how to text and when to call 911.
Use this worksheet: Family Communication Plan | Ready.gov
Step 3: Build a Custom Emergency Supply Kit
Each person needs 72 hours of essential supplies:
Step 4: Know Your Local Hazards & Evacuation Routes
Rhode Island’s coastal location puts it at risk for hurricanes, flooding, and nor’easters.
Learn what disasters affect your area:
Welcome | Emergency Management Agency
Sign up for alerts in your area:
- Code Red Community Notification Enrollment
- View hurricane evacuation maps (PDF):
- Evacuation | Emergency Management Agency
- Step 5: Include Pets and Seniors
- Pets should have:
- Food, water, collar/ID, leash
- Crate or carrier
- Medications and vet info
- Care for older adults or those with disabilities:
- Extra medications, mobility aids
- Backup power for medical devices
- Include your caregiver in planning
- You can help save animals today. | ASPCA
- People with Disabilities | Ready.gov
- Step 6: Practice Your Plan
- Review and rehearse your plan twice a year:
- Fire drill and evacuation practice
- Practice using go bags and emergency contacts
- Update kits and plans as family needs change
- Print this plan and keep copies:
- In go-bags
- In cars
- With your emergency contact
Flood Insurance
Rhode Island is vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes, coastal storms, nor’easters, and heavy rainfall. Standard homeowners or renters insurance does not cover flood damage. That means just one inch of water could cost thousands of dollars in repairs—and only flood insurance can protect against that.
How to Get Flood Insurance in Rhode Island
Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, and sold by most private insurance agents.
You can buy flood insurance for:
- Homes
- Condos
- Businesses
- Renters (to cover contents)
30-Day Waiting Period
There’s usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage begin so don’t wait until a storm is on the horizon to buy.
RIEMA Flood Resources Page:
FEMA Flood Map Tool (Know Your Zone):
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
Check your property’s flood risk.
Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC):
They oversee construction and rebuilding in coastal flood zones and offer floodplain development advice.
Stay Safe In The Heat
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Drink plenty of water- avoid alcohol and caffeine.
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Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
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Take frequent breaks in shade or A/C.
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Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (11 AM – 4 PM).
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Never leave kids, pets, or anyone in a parked car- even briefly.
Call 2-1-1 or visit: Cooling Centers | Emergency Management Agency
BE READY, STAY SAFE INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Infectious disease outbreaks can happen unexpectedly.
The best way to prevent many infectious diseases is to get a vaccine for yourself and for your children on the schedule that the public health authorities recommend.
Sometimes, new and harmful viruses emerge, and humans do not have any immunity to them. When that happens, it is very easy for the virus to spread across the world quickly, and do much damage. This is called a pandemic.
Best ways to stay safe during a pandemic or infectious disease outbreak:
- Stay informed. Watch or listen to the news.
- Avoid misinformation by using trusted health information resources.
- Follow public health advice.
- Wash hands often with water and soap.
- Know the signs and symptoms of infectious diseases.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Go to the doctor if you are sick.
- Wear a mask when public health authorities recommend it.
Call 211 or the ADRC if you need to connect with health or vaccination resources.
Prepare Your Household
- Keep extra medicine on hand, and enough food and water for several days.
- Keep enough food for your pets to last several days.
- Create a plan for working from home and for childcare.
- Stay connected with friends and neighbors.
You can help 211 support Rhode Islanders in need 24/7/365.
BE READY, STAY SAFE FIRE PREPAREDNESS AND CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Fire and smoke can spread quickly and be deadly. Being prepared can help you and your loved ones stay safe in an emergency.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas which has no odor. It is also very poisonous, and can make people and pets ill, or even kill them.
What can you do?
Call 911 immediately if you smell smoke or see fire.
How can you prevent a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning in your home?
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them each month.
- Change the batteries when you change the clocks in the spring and in the fall.
- Identify two ways to escape each room in your home.
- Develop a fire escape plan and pick a meeting point outside of your home.
- Make sure your children know what to do and where to meet you.
- Practice your plan at least twice a year.
Call 211 if you need to connect with your local fire station to help make a fire safety plan.
Prepare Your Home
- Make sure your home is accessible to firefighters
- Firefighters should be able to see the number of your house clearly from the street.
- Keep a charged fire extinguisher near your kitchen.
- Check the expiration date on your extinguisher at least once a year.
- Store paint cans, thinner, gasoline, and other flammable materials safely.
- Make sure nothing flammable is too close to your boiler or water heater
- Know how to shut off the gas and electricity if a fire starts in your basement.
You can help 211 support Rhode Islanders in need 24/7/365.
BE READY, STAY SAFE NATURAL DISASTERS
- Know your risks and identify hazards in your area (floods, earthquakes, fires, etc.)
- Buy insurance for your home and review its coverage every year.
- Sign up to receive emergency alerts and listen to the news.
- Make a family emergency plan and make sure your family understands it.
- Decide on a safe meeting point away from home in case phones do not work.
- Learn and practice evacuation routes from your home or workplace.
- Keep phones and extra phone batteries charged.
- Keep at least a half tank of gasoline in your car at all times.
Make a basic “Go” Kit
- Important ID and personal documents that are difficult to replace (passports, birth certificates, copy of your home deed.)
- Prescription medications for humans and pets
- Enough water for three days (1 gallon per person per day)
- Enough food that doesn’t need refrigeration for three days
- Can opener
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Phone charger
- First aid kit
- Cash
During some emergencies, 211 coordinates with the RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) to help Rhode Islanders find shelter locations, vaccinations sites, warming centers, etc.
Call United Way’s 211 helpline for assistance.
You can help 211 support Rhode Islanders in need 24/7/365.
STORM PREPAREDNESS - Make a Kit. Make a Plan. Stay Informed.
To-do in advance
- Know if you live in a flood zone and buy flood insurance if you can.
- Learn evacuation routes from your home.
- Decide on a meeting point with loved ones.
- Trim trees and clean gutters
- Have your local emergency contacts and phone numbers printed.
- Make plans for your pets –not all shelters allow animals.
Right before the storm
- Secure or bring outdoor items inside
- Board up windows with storm shutters or plywood
- Charge your phones and extra phone batteries
- Identify a safe room in your home, on high ground and away from windows.
During the Storm
- Take shelter in your safe room.
- Stay tuned to the news and emergency broadcasts.
- Follow evacuation orders. Do not drive into flooded areas or moving water.
- Shut off your gas and electricity if the authorities recommend it.
- If you are using a generator, make sure it is outdoors and at least 20 ft away from the house to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If 211 is activated, we will have a list of shelter locations and other resources available.
- Use phones for emergencies only.
- Let family & friends know your location and your plans.
After the Storm
- Return home only when it's declared safe.
- Avoid flooded roads & downed power lines.
- Take pictures of the damage to show your insurance company.
- Throw out any food that was at room temperature over 4 hours.
- 211 can help you connect with FEMA to make a report
You can help 211 support Rhode Islanders during emergencies.
Reflecting the Communities We Serve
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe the people leading and guiding our work should reflect the diverse communities we serve. Over the past five years, we have been intentional about building a staff and board whose lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives mirror those of Rhode Islanders across the state.
Today, nearly half of our board members identify as people of color, compared to 38% of Rhode Island’s population, ensuring that voices from historically underrepresented communities help shape our strategy, funding decisions, and advocacy priorities.
Our staff, too, represents a broad range of racial, ethnic, and cultural identities, bringing language skills, community knowledge, and professional expertise that make our work stronger and more inclusive.
This diversity matters. It helps us listen more deeply, partner more authentically, and ensure that equity is not just a goal, but a value reflected in every decision we make.
Why it matters: When leadership reflects the community, solutions are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
Internally United
As we reflect on the last five years, it’s clear that the impact we create in the community depends on the strength of the organization behind it—which is why our own growth and evolution deserve to be part of this story. We have invested not only in our community but in ourselves—building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected United Way. From embracing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) values in everything we do, to strengthening our workplace culture, aligning staff and board leadership with the communities we serve, and modernizing how we work together, this internal transformation has made us a better partner to Rhode Island.
Living Our Values: JEDI Culture and a Best Place to Work
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe that building a stronger, more just state starts within our own walls. Guided by the Live United 2025 plan, we have worked to create a workplace where Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) are not just ideals—they are everyday practices.
Our team reflects the communities we serve—multicultural, multidimensional, and deeply committed to equity. We focus on strengths-based leadership, ensuring every staff member can do what they do best, supported by professional development and a culture that values collaboration, respect, and shared purpose.
This focus on people and values is why employees have voted United Way one of the Best Places to Work in Rhode Island for six years. Staff consistently cite the combination of mission-driven work, community impact, and an inclusive environment as reasons why United Way is a place where they feel proud to work and grow.
Our JEDI commitment is woven through our strategic priorities, our internal culture, and the way we partner with the community. By living these values every day, we aim to model the kind of equity-centered leadership that drives lasting change across Rhode Island.
Why it matters: When we build an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, we attract and retain the talent needed to advance equity and strengthen communities statewide.
JEDI STAFF Testimonials
“I can personally attest to United Way’s commitment to equity. When life took a hard turn for me, the organization, and our leadership, demonstrated what it truly means to live our values, putting their words into action. They stood by me and made sure I had what I needed to fulfill my role, and to continue growing and thriving. This experience affirmed for me that our culture is not performative; it is authentic, lived, and practiced.”
Courtney Smith – Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, United Way of RI
“I couldn't have finished college without the team's support and the amazing mentors I had along the way… it is a breath of fresh air to see a team that regards themselves as family. As a first-generation college student, I am thankful that I get to share one of my biggest accomplishments with the people who believed in me and took a chance.”
Ana Mercado, Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable, United Way of RI
Equity Challenge: Building a Shared Language for Change
Achieving racial equity and social justice begins with learning—and a willingness to see the world through a different lens. That’s why United Way of Rhode Island launched the Equity Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to help individuals and organizations explore issues like implicit bias, privilege, systemic racism, and allyship through daily readings, videos, and reflection prompts.
Under Live United 2025, the Equity Challenge invited thousands of Rhode Islanders to commit to learning together, year after year. Each cycle brought new themes, updated content, and fresh opportunities for reflection—helping participants build a shared language and deeper understanding of what it takes to create a more equitable Rhode Island.
The Challenge also created a pathway for action. Many workplaces used it as a springboard for internal conversations, professional development, and policy changes. Others became United Way Equity Champions, signaling their commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in lasting ways.
One of the most important lessons from the Equity Challenge is that we are all works in progress. But progress comes from commitment—and United Way remains dedicated to creating spaces where learning leads to action, and action leads to change.
Why it matters: When we build a shared understanding of equity, we lay the foundation for a Rhode Island where everyone can thrive.
Rhode Island Kicks-Off State Employee Giving Campaign in Support of United Way, Local Nonprofits
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through the campaign, which has raised $2.6 million over the last ten years alone Providence, R.I. (September 30, 2025) – The State of Rhode Island has officially launched its annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign in support of United Way of RI and local nonprofits. The […]
Local Leaders join United Way’s Community Advisory Board
Providence, R.I. (September 15, 2025) – United Way of Rhode Island has bolstered its Community Advisory Board, appointing two new members to serve on the volunteer leadership group. The advisory board is a diverse collection of industry leaders who come together to lend their expertise and unique experiences and insights to help United Way align […]
Rhode Island Launches 2025 State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign
More than 17,000 public servants invited to give back through annual campaign running through Thanksgiving
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year's theme is: "Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support"
This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 - Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)
-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832
September Speaker Series: Women United – Global to Local Impact – Sept. 19th
Celebrate the power of Women United—from global leadership to community action right here in Rhode Island. Join us virtually and hear inspiring stories of Women United’s influence, creative member engagement, and the tangible results of our Community Impact Fund—including the work of grant award recipients making a difference for families across Rhode Island.
📅 Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (EST)
📍 Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
🔗 Register Today: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136363030
Featured Speakers:
• Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Esq. – Women United Global Leadership Council, United Way of Lake County (IL)
• Jenny Holsman Tetreault – Chair, Women United Global Leadership Council, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Litigation & Compliance TPI Composites, Inc.
• Carolyn Kennedy Chubb – Women United Executive Council Chair, United Way of Northern New Jersey
• Roshni Darnal - Director, Community Investments, United Way of Rhode Island