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State of Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing

RHODE ISLAND EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING ANNOUNCES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE THIS WINTER

Published on Friday, August 15, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing (EOH) today announced the opening of the application period for the 2025–2026 Winter Response Grant, a competitive funding opportunity to bolster the state’s homelessness response system during the coldest months and help more Rhode Islanders transition into stable, permanent housing.  

This communication builds on last week’s announcement of $20 million for Year-Round Shelters, Services, and Homelessness Prevention, underscoring the McKee Administration’s commitment to a comprehensive, year-round approach to housing stability. 

The Winter Response Grant is specifically designed to provide additional winter support while avoiding duplication of existing funding. Programs already funded by the Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHF) are not eligible for additional funding for services they already provide. However, expansions or new winter-specific services from existing CHF-funded programs will be considered. 

“Last week, we took a major step to strengthen year-round homelessness services and improve access to shelter,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This week, we’re following through with winter response funding so when the cold sets in our most vulnerable neighbors have the support they need.” 

Funded with State Fiscal Recovery Funds, this funding opportunity will provide grants to support new or expanded Seasonal Emergency Shelters and Flexible Winter Response Projects. This RFP is open to municipalities, faith leaders, and service providers. 

“We strongly encourage municipalities, service providers, and faith-based organizations to step forward and apply,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “Collaboration and support from our partners are critical to ensuring vulnerable Rhode Islanders receive the resources they need to stay safe and stable during the harsh winter months.” 

The overall impact of this funding — including the potential addition of approximately 200 shelter beds statewide — will depend on engagement and proposal volume from applicants. 

Two types of projects will be funded through this RFP:  

Seasonal Emergency Shelter 

Seasonal Emergency Shelters offer safe overnight accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. 

Seasonal Emergency Shelters are required to remain open overnight from November 1, 2025-April 30, 2026. As part of Rhode Island’s coordinated winter response, some shelters may also provide additional daytime services.  

These shelters provide life-saving protection from inclement weather and may also offer wraparound services such as case management, behavioral health support, substance use disorder treatment, meals, and housing navigation. 

Flexible Winter Response Projects 

This category is for projects that will not operate every night from November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, but still provide essential support and emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months. 

Projects should seek to protect individuals during inclement weather, meet people where they are, reduce the risks and harms associated with inclement weather, and connect individuals to ongoing services and supports to permanent housing. 

Common examples include, but are not limited to: 

  • Transportation services to bring individuals to safe locations during severe weather
  • Emergency Pop-up Sites that operate during periods of inclement weather.
  • These sites provide immediate protection for unsheltered individuals, do not follow a fixed schedule, and can open for short periods as needed based on local conditions. 

While these activities are eligible for funding through this solicitation, EOH does not want to limit proposals to projects funded in prior years. Creative, community-driven proposals that address local needs in practical and impactful ways are strongly encouraged. 

Applications for both project types will be accepted on a rolling basis starting August 15, 2025, and will remain open until funds are fully committed or March 1, 2026, whichever comes first. 

All applications must be submitted via email to Theresa McDevitt at Theresa.McDevitt@housing.ri.gov.

For complete details, eligibility requirements, and application materials, visit: https://housing.ri.gov/homelessness/apply-funds-grants

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