EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING OPENS 2026–2027 WINTER RESPONSE GRANT TO HELP STRENGTHEN RHODE ISLAND’S HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE SYSTEM
Published on Friday, August 14, 2026
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing (EOH) today announced the opening of the 2026–2027 Winter Response Grant, a competitive funding opportunity that will support seasonal emergency shelters and innovative winter response initiatives to protect Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year, alongside the McKee Administrations year-round homelessness response strategy.
“One of my top priorities as Governor has been to ensure that Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness have access to safe, stable emergency shelter all year round, especially during the winter months,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This grant will help communities strengthen their response while connecting more Rhode Islanders to the services and support they need.”
“Homelessness response requires an all-hands-on-deck approach," said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. "We encourage organizations across Rhode Island to think creatively about how they can strengthen their community's response this winter by meeting people where they are, reducing harm, and connecting them to ongoing supports that will keep Rhode Islanders safe.”
This funding opportunity will provide grants to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, public housing authorities, community action agencies, and other eligible partners to launch or expand winter response efforts.
EOH is seeking proposals in two funding categories:
Seasonal Emergency Shelters
Seasonal Emergency Shelters offer safe overnight accommodations—beds or cots—for individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
Seasonal Emergency Shelters are required to remain open overnight from November 1, 2026-April 30, 2027. As part of Rhode Island’s coordinated winter response, providers are encouraged to offer supportive services such as case management, housing navigation, behavioral health care, substance use disorder services, meals, and other resources that help individuals transition to permanent housing.
Flexible Winter Response Projects
For organizations that are not able to operate a seasonal emergency shelter throughout the winter, funding is also available for Flexible Winter Response Projects, designed to help people experiencing unsheltered homelessness by providing communities with additional ways to protect vulnerable residents, reduce the risk of winter-related illness and death, and create pathways to longer-term housing stability.
Common examples include, but are not limited to, emergency shelter services; case management and/or housing stability services; transportation for individuals seeking winter response services; meal programs; outreach services; and emergency pop-up sites that operate during periods of inclement weather.
EOH encourages applicants to develop collaborative proposals that leverage partnerships, braid funding sources, and maximize available community resources to deliver the greatest impact.
Organizations currently funded through the Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHF) may apply to expand winter-specific services but are not eligible to receive duplicate funding for services already supported through existing CHF awards.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning August 14, 2026, and will remain open until available funding has been fully obligated or December 31, 2026, whichever occurs first.
For complete eligibility requirements, application materials, and instructions for applying, visit the Executive Office of Housing's Apply for Funds & Grants webpage.
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