RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING ANNOUNCES AWARDS FOR WINTER RESOURCES TO SUPPORT RHODE ISLANDERS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

Published on Friday, October 30, 2026

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As Rhode Island prepares for the winter months, the Executive Office of Housing (EOH) today announced approximately $1.8 million in Winter Response Grant awards to support emergency shelter capacity and services during the 2026–2027 winter season. 

“Keeping Rhode Islanders safe during the winter requires a strong, coordinated response that brings communities together,” said Governor Dan McKee. “That’s why my administration has established a sustainable funding stream for homelessness services and worked closely with municipalities, faith-based organizations, and community providers to strengthen our statewide response. These partnerships help ensure communities have the resources and support they need to provide shelter and assistance to Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness.” 

The winter shelter awards will support ten organizations to help ensure communities across Rhode Island are prepared to respond to increased demand for shelter during the winter months. Funding will support a range of emergency shelter operations and services, including winter shelters and emergency pop-up sites. These resources will add 296 overnight beds and daytime warming center capacity to Rhode Island’s homelessness response system, supplementing existing year-round shelter capacity. 

“Winter brings additional challenges for Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, and our responsibility is to make sure our communities are prepared before those challenges arrive,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “These awards will help providers maintain and expand shelter capacity, strengthen coordination across the state, and make sure people know where they can turn when they need a safe place to stay.”

A list of tentative awards to providers for seasonal shelter and flexible winter response projects is included below. For additional project details, including location and hours of operation, please visit www.housing.ri.gov/resources/individuals-experiencing-homelessness  

Seasonal Shelter Awards: 

These projects offer safe, overnight accommodations from November to April, regardless of outside temperature. Many also provide daytime services such as meals, case management, behavioral health and substance use support, and housing navigation. 

·         Catholic Social Services Seasonal Shelter – $184,731.18  

·         Crossroads Seasonal Shelter – $349,897.94  

·         OpenDoors Seasonal Shelter – $158,375.00  

·         WARM Seasonal Shelter – $290,000.00  

·         Housing Hotline Seasonal Shelter – $75,000.00  

Flexible Winter Response Project Awards:  

These projects operate on an as-needed basis during periods of severe or inclement weather. These efforts include daytime and overnight warming centers, operational support services, and transportation to safe locations.

·         Crossroads Family Warming Center – $151,944.75 

·         RI State Council of Churches Overnight Warming Center – $373,806.00 

·         McAuley Ministries Warming Center – $50,000.00 

·         Newport Bridge Warming Center – $25,000.00  

·         West Warwick Overnight Warming Center – $75,037.52 

·         RI Coalition to End Homelessness Operations Coordination – $69,905.45 

All above awards are pending final acceptance by awardees. 

Applications for the Winter Response Grant will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis, until available funding has been fully obligated or December 31, 2026, whichever occurs first. To learn more and apply for this funding opportunity, please visit EUNA.  

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