Resources Index:
Health Resources for COVID-19
Updates Regarding the Federal, State, and City’s Response to COVID-19
City Hall Updates
How to Volunteer, Help Your Neighbors, How to Safely Grocery Shop, & Restaurant Food Donations
How Can a Business Donate to the Department of Health
How to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Resources Regarding Providence City Schools and Meal Services for Residents 18 & Younger
Resources Around Utilities, Social, Federal and State Services
Resources for Seniors
Resources for Renters & Homeowners
Resources for Lost Wages and Employee Rights
Resources for the Self-Employed, Contract Workers, Sole Proprietors. or Gig Workers
Resources for Small Businesses
Changes to Municipal Courts, Fines, Scofflaw Booting, and State Courts
Potential Resources for Educators, Learners, and those Craving the Arts
Providence Restaurants Open for Takeout or Delivery
Health Resources for COVID-19
- To stay up to date with the latest guidelines, restrictions and resources in the State of Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
- For frequent national COVID-19 updates and advice from health professionals, visit this CDC web page
- Rhode Island is in the beginning stages of distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. It is safe to get vaccinated and Rhode Island is working hard to get the vaccine to those who need it the most. To learn more about the vaccine and distribution plans, click here.
- Everyone must wear face masks when at work or out in public until further notice. Learn more about masks here: Face Masks
- Walk-up and drive-thru testing is available at several locations throughout Providence. Click here for information about when and where to get tested (English and Spanish): https://bit.ly/35flOQE
- If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed you can access services for adults and children where you will be matched with mental health professionals. Adults can call BHLink at 414-Link and for children, you can call KidsLink at 855-543-5465. If you are experiencing violence in the home or other mental health struggles here is a great resource provided by the RI Department of Health: In English En Español
- If you are sick at all – headache, runny nose, cough, fever or other symptoms you must stay home from work.
- If you are in quarantine the state has set up a program for food service, you can go to RIDelivers.com or call 211 to access this service.
- Keep a daily log of where you have been and who you came in contact with to help in mitigation and contact tracing if you become infected with the COVID-19 virus.
- The Red Cross has launched the Virtual Family Assistance Center. This program will provide help to families who have lost a family member due to COVID-19, this includes counseling services, legal resources, funeral information and more.
Updates Regarding the Federal, State, and City’s Response to COVID-19
- As of December 20, 2020 new guidance is in effect for the state of Rhode Island. Click here to see the latest social distancing guidelines and restrictions.
- Anyone who would like confidential assistance with any questions they have regarding healthcare, testing, housing, food delivery, etc, can call “The Point” this is a confidential help line. The number is 401-462-4444
- The State of Rhode Island has launched a website to describe the plan to reopen the economy here you can find guidance for reopening your business, plans for the phases of re-opening and resources: REOPENINGRI.COM
- Rhode Island launched a one-stop COVID-19 app called Crush COVID RI. This app is available on the Apple app store and on Google Play in English and Spanish.
- Any public facing employee (store clerks, office workers, etc.) will be required to wear a cloth face mask while at work. Residents also must wear the same type of cloth masks while out in public. Be sure that it covers your nose and mouth to keep others safe from the virus and other germs. To learn more visit: Face Masks How To’s
- The RI Department of Health is looking for part-time or retired public health workers including doctors, nurses, LPN’s, CNA’s, CNE’s, social workers and mental health workers to help during the crisis. If you would like to sign-up please visit RIResponds.Org.
- The RI DMV is providing 90-day extensions on registrations, renewals, etc. from the date of March 1, 2020 until the crisis is over.
- Don’t fall prey to COVID-19 Scams. No government agency will ask for your SSN or your address, they know it. For more information visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site regarding scams: FTC
- If you are seeing price gouging the Attorney General has created an online complaint form: Online Complaint Form
- There is now a 30-day waiting period for the purchase of firearms in place, due to the need to have safety personnel available to assist with the ongoing health crisis.
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Governor Raimondo announced the WeR1 initiative, in an effort to bring relief to Rhode Islanders who are undocumented and therefore are not eligible to benefit from Federal and State relief programs. Donations to the weR1 Rhode Island Fund can be made at http://bit.ly/give-wer1 or by texting weR1 to 27126. Learn more here.
City Hall Updates
- The City Council Office is now open and ready to assist you. Please call our office at 401-521-7477 or email us at council@providenceri.gov
- All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and—for life safety matters only— Animal Control will continue regular operations.
- City Hall is open for business. All visitors must come in through the back door on Eddy St and will be screened for COVID-19 Symptoms.
How to Volunteer, Help Your Neighbors, How to Safely Grocery Shop, & Restaurant Food Donations
- The United Way of Rhode Island is creating a list of volunteers as a proactive measure to protect and support our communities during COVID-19. If you’re interested in helping nonprofits meet Rhode Islanders’ basic needs, please complete this short survey. Note: we’ll only contact you if there is a match.
- The RI Department of Health is looking for part-time or retired public health workers including doctors, nurses, LPN’s, CNA’s, CNE’s, social workers and mental health workers to help during the crisis. If you would like to sign-up please visit RIResponds.Org
- Check out this handy guide of best practices that City Council has created: English and En Español
- The City’s Healthy Communities Department has issued the following guidelines for grocery shopping: English and En Español
- If you are a restaurant or would like to donate food from a restaurant, please follow these guidelines: English and En Español
How Can a Business Donate to the Department of Health
- If you are a business owner and have the ability, supplies, or equipment to donate to the Health Department please fill out this online form: Health Donation Form
How to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
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- Wash your hands, and here’s why: The Science Behind HandWashing in COVID-19
- Stay inside as much as possible.
- Do not congregate in groups.
- Do not go to malls or areas where large numbers of people may be – like bars or restaurants.
- Do go for a walk or a run – it just means that you need to keep your distance from other people. Otherwise seemingly healthy people can be a carrier for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, but it can quickly spread – especially to individuals over the age of 60 or to those who have compromised immune systems or other underlying health concerns. So please be mindful.
- Practice Social Distancing: Social Distancing is the practice of keeping a distance of roughly 4 to 6 feet between you and other people – even your loved ones. It means no close personal contact like hugging or handshaking. Say hello or nod your head when greeting a friend or neighbor.
- Remember to practice safe hygiene by washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbows, using hand sanitizer, and staying indoors and at home if feeling sick.
Resources Regarding Providence City Schools and Meal Services for Residents 18 & Younger.
- The Providence Public School Department has a distance learning hotline for students and families: 401-456-0686
- What Distance Learning looks like – check out this Google Document for more information: Distance Learning
- For updates regarding the Providence Public School Department’s response to COVID-19 click here.
- To answer any questions about the new 2020-2021 school year for Providence Public Schools visit: reopenpvdschools.org
- Grab and Go meals will be provided for distance learners under the age of 18 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:30-4:30 PM. For more details and a list of pick-up locations in English and Spanish, click here.
Resources Around Utilities, Social, Federal and State Services
- To find out more information regarding the U.S. Economic Impact Payment Program (Stimulus Checks) see these Resurces:
- Stimulus Checks 101 Webinar April 21 (RI Coalition for the Homeless)
- For non-filers visit here: Non-Filer Payment Info (IRS)
- Fact Sheet on Economic Impact Payments (Economic Progress Institute)
- If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call this anonymous line: 24/7 Domestic Violence Anonymous Chat Line (RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
- If you find yourself experiencing homelessness or know someone who is here is a great resource: RI Coalition for the Homeless.
- Residential trash and recycling pick-ups are considered essential services and will continue as scheduled.
- Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and HealthSource RI will be moving to online and telephone-only services until further notice. This includes all new applications, renewals, or changes in benefits. Individuals who need to drop off paper applications will be able to do so without speaking with a customer service representative.
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SNAP recipients are now able to buy groceries online from Amazon and participating Walmarts with their EBT cards.
Resources for Seniors
- Providence has several meal sites dedicated to serving older adults throughout the city. Please contact each site directly as information may change daily: Senior Meal Sites
- Grocery stores throughout Rhode Island are providing dedicated shopping hours to promote the safety and wellness of older adults: Dedicated Senior Shopping Hours
- SeniorLiving.Org has compiled information on how to help seniors with communication, grocery delivery, home care and, health monitoring. This guide, Social Distancing: Apps for Seniors, provides practical apps for seniors (tech-savvy or not), along with setup assistance.
- Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Office of Health Aging held a Facebook Town Hall for older Rhode Islanders. This can be viewed here.
- Governor Raimondo took some time to go over the current situation in nursing homes.
- About 76% of Rhode Island deaths due to COVID-19 have been nursing home residents. This is higher than both Massachusetts and Connecticut.
- However, on a per capita basis, Rhode Island has seen less nursing home deaths compared to MA and CT.
- Rhode Island is currently in the third phase of nursing home testing; through this program, every nursing home employee is able to get tested for COVID-19.
- The National Guard has been providing assistance to any nursing home that requests it. This assistance includes employee PPE training, supplemented staffing for understaffed shifts, grief and trauma counseling, increased employee wages and increased PPE funding.
Resources for Renters & Homeowners
- The State of Rhode Island has created a fund to help individuals who have past due rent and for those eligible can seek a grant of up to $5K. To find out if you are eligible, please visit HousingHelpRI.com or call the United Way at 2-1-1 if you don’t have access to the internet.
- The State of Rhode Island has partnered with several financial institutions to provide a 90-day grace period on residential mortgage payments, no negative impacts to credit ratings from this relief, no late fees or charges, and a 60-day moratorium on initiating foreclosure sales or evictions for those who are impacted by COVID-19. To find a list of participating financial institutions visit the Department of Business Regulation.
- HomesRI has released fact sheets on your rights as a tenant and how you can be protected during this COVID-19 crisis: In English En Español
- HomesRI has released fact sheets on your rights as a homeowner and how you can be protected during this COVID-19 crisis: In English En Español
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Are you a tenant behind on your rent because of COVID-19? Or a landlord whose tenants need help getting back on their feet? Then you may be able to take advantage of the Safe Harbor Housing Program from the United Way of Rhode Island. Click here to learn more.
Resources for Lost Wages and Employee Rights
Here is a great resource of what you may or may not qualify for, and how to apply as published by WPRI News.
- If you need to stay home because of COVID-19, there are resources for you. Please DO NOT go into work if you are sick. Click here for the various resources available, including paid sick leave, unemployment benefits and options for undocumented immigrants.
- If you lost a job due to COVID-19 or you are unemployed, the State has launched a new website to match employees with companies that are hiring: employri.org
- If you have lost work or have to stay home because of COVID-19, the state may be able to help: Workplace Aid
- If you are quarantined with COVID-19 you can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): TDI Application
- If the place where you work closes or your employer tells you that you must stay home without pay, you may be able to collect Unemployment Insurance if you can please fill out the form online and not call the office as it slows down processing of checks: File an Unemployment Claim
- Rhode Islanders have a right to paid sick time as passed by the General Assembly in 2018. Use them: Paid Sick Leave Fact Sheet
- Are you a member of the RI AFL-CIO? Here’s a comprehensive guide of resources if you are out of work and other benefits: AFL-CIO
Resources for the Self-Employed, Contract Workers, Sole Proprietors, or Gig Workers
- Gig workers, contract workers, self-employed, small business owners, sole proprietors, and other people who do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are covered in the new federal CARES Act, can file online here: File an Unemployment Claim
Resources for Small Businesses
- A second stimulus package has replenished the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fund. If you are a small business owner you are encouraged to call your banker immediately. If you do not currently have a relationship with a bank please email ppp@commerceri.com and they will help you find a lender.
- If you are a business owner you have likely heard about the Small Business Paycheck Protection Program. Here you will find an overview of the program, a fact sheet about the program, and the application of the program provided to the City Council by Bank Newport. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.
- The City of Providence has made adjustments to the Providence Business Loan Fund (PBLF) allowing businesses to borrow as little as $10K with closing costs capped at $500, with zero interest for up to 12 months, and deferred loan payments for 6-12 months. To further address the current disruption to the business community, PBLF is suspending the accrual of interest and fees on the loans to all current borrowers in April. Businesses interested in learning more about PBLF—including eligibility requirements—should visit providencebusinessloanfund.com, or contact PBLF Director Tom Hoagland by calling 401-680-8412.
- The state is launching a short-term bridge loan program for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The loan fund is seeded with $2M, and you are able to apply for the loan after you have filled out the SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application. Call (401) 521-HELP.
- The SBA Disaster Loan Assistance has been approved by the Small Business Administration, please note due to high volume the website has had a tendency to move slow or crash: Application
- If you own a small business and need assistance because of COVID-19, the RI Commerce Corporation asks that you call: The Small Business Hotline (401) 521-HELP during normal business hours or via e-mail at info@commerceri.com any time. They can help by guiding you through the claims process.
- The Center for Women & Enterprise has shared a very valuable webinar on the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance application. You can view the webinar here: CW&E Webinar
- Commerce RI, with support from volunteers from the Tech Community, will provide free tech support and advice on moving their businesses to remote working.
- The Department of Business Regulations‘ regulations include a defined number of people allowed in the establishment at one time, creating social distancing in lines, increased and more thorough cleaning, and having designated staff to keep a physical count of shoppers in a store at any given one time.
- If you are having issues with the Disaster Loan Assistance application, or have been issued a denial please call 401-521-HELP.
- If you have lost business because of COVID-19, we ask that you fill out the Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet shared by the US Small Business Administration. By doing this, it may help Rhode Island get federal aid in support of our small businesses who have suffered adversely due to the ramifications of COVID-19.
Potential Resources for Educators, Learners, and those Craving the Arts
- The Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Connection website has a number of resources including tips to prepare for and implement robust digital learning plans and our partner Digital Promise has helpful COVID-19 online learning resources and FAQs.
- The Smithsonian has shared a list of online distance learning resources that can be found here: The Smithsonian Learning Lab, Distance Learning Hub, Smithsonian Science Education Center’s Game Center, “Tami’s Tower: Let’s Think About Engineering.” They also have a series of non-tech resources like these activity pages. They even have an online program for older students like the Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide.
- Here is a great selection of sites that have waived subscription fees during this period: Online Learning
- The Roger Williams Park and Zoo are offering “Zoo School” on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 2 PM on Facebook!
- The Social Distancing Festival – Opera, Dance, Theater – all in one spot – and Free: Social Distancing Festival
- If you have access to streaming services, some of Broadway’s best shows are available across platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple, Netflix, Hulu, PBS and a host of others. Here’s a good list compiled by Playbill: Broadway on the Small Screen
- Fan of opera? Want to expose your young ones to one of the oldest performance artforms, NYC’s Metropolitan Opera is offering nightly viewings of some of their most revered performances: OperaWire
- 12 of the world’s most famous museums have virtual tours you can access online for free. Check out this article from Travel & Leisure to find one you might want to visit! Virtual Museum Tours
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The Rhode Island Department of Education is launching “Sail” Courses this summer. This temporary program is designed for students of all ages who may have fallen behind in distance learning. This program is free and there are a wide variety of courses for students from PreK-12. More information can be found on https://www.ride.ri.gov/Home.aspx
Providence Restaurants Open for Takeout or Delivery: Thank You Eat Drink RI for This List For a Complete List of Restaurants Open in Rhode Island: Eat Drink RI
- Ahava Catering, Providence – 401-272-4835
- Andino’s, Providence – 401-453-3164 or delivery
- Angelo’s Civita Farnese, Providence – take out
- Anthony’s, Providence – 401-273-5900 or delivery
- Anthony’s Italian Deli, Providence – 401-621-8106
- Bagel Express, Providence – 401-455-1212
- Bajas Taqueria, Providence- take out
- Bajas Tex Mex Grill, Providence- take out
- Bites by Bre, Providence – delivery
- Cafeteria La Rueda, Providence – (401) 941-4438
- Carolina, Providence – 401-941-1333
- Cassarino’s Restaurant, Providence – 401-648-4900 or delivery
- Centro Restaurant, Providence – 401-228-6802
- Ceremony, Providence – take out
- Chef Ho’s, Providence – 401-831-0777 or delivery
- Chelos, Providence – (401) 861-6644
- Chez Pascal, Providence – take out
- Costantino’s Venda Bar Ristorante, Providence – 401-528-1100 or delivery
- Deluxe Nutrition, Providence – 401-338-8241 take out
- Dolores, Providence – take out
- Don José Tequilas, Providence – 401-454-8951 or delivery
- El Eden, Providence – 401-270-1446
- El Eden Express, Providence, (401) 490-0802
- El Fogon, Providence – 401-383-8239
- El Mogote, Providence – (401) 490-0053
- El Provocon Restaurant, Providence – (401) 228-6322
- Enjoy Cafeteria, Providence – (401) 270-9660
- The Family Cake, Providence – take out
- Federal Hill Pizza, Providence – delivery
- Fire Works Catering, Providence – 401-831-9221
- Folklore Latino, Providence – (401) 524-1511
- Friskie Fries, Providence – take out
- Gasbarro’s Wines, Providence – 401- 421-4170
- Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches, Providence – take out & delivery
- Great Northern BBQ Co., Providence – 401-421-1513 or delivery
- Gregg’s, Providence – take out or delivery
- Good Game Grill, Providence – 401-537-7174
- Hudson Street Deli, Providence – 401-228-8555
- Hometown Poké, Providence – take out or delivery
- The Industrious Spirit Company, Providence – take out bottle of RI made vodka (see this Instagram post)
- Julian’s, Providence – 401-861-1770
- Kabob and Curry, Providence – take out & delivery
- La Broa Pizza, Providence – (401) 270-4884
- La Gran Parada, Providence – 401-941-4610
- La Sonrisa, Providence – 401-228-3470
- Lekker Seiromushi, Providence – 401-285-9999 or delivery
- Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails, Providence – delivery (DELIVERY COCKTAILS!)
- Los Andes, Providence – 401-649-4911 or delivery
- Lotus Garden Noodle & Sushi House, Providence – 401-383-4774 or delivery
- Mi Casa Restaurant, Providence – (401) 270-0798
- Minerva’s Pizza, Providence – take out & delivery
- Murphy’s, Providence – 401-621-8467 or 401-421-1188 or delivery
- Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery 1 or delivery 2
- New China Restaurant, Providence – (401) 437-8220
- Newport Creamery, Providence – take out
- Nicks on Broadway, Providence – 401-421-0286
- Nicks on Westminster, Providence – take out
- The Nitro Bar, Providence – take out & delivery
- Noodles 102, Providence – 401-383-5004
- Ocean State Sandwich Company, Providence – take out or delivery
- Olneyville NY System, Providence – take out or delivery
- Opa, Providence – 401-351-8282 or delivery
- Pasta Beach, Providence – 401-270-0740
- Pito Restaurant, Providence – (401) 941-4320
- Pito’s Restaurant II, Providence – (401) 351-7988
- Pizza J, Providence – take out
- Pizza Pie-er, Providence – take out
- Plant City, Providence you can order from their apps Apple & Android – take out & delivery
- Providence Pizza Palace, Providence – (401) 415-8967
- Providence Bagel, Providence – take out
- Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery
- Rebelle Artisan Bagels, Providence – take out
- Roma, Providence – 401-331-5000
- Rosmarin, Providence – 401-500-5189
- Rue Bis, Providence – 401-490-9966
- Salted Slate, Providence – take out
- Serendipity Gourmet, Providence – 401-270-2233 or delivery
- Schasteâ, Providence – take out
- Sicilia’s, Providence – 401-273-9222 or delivery
- Shake Shack, Providence – 401-214-1823
- The Shop, Providence – 401-684-1140
- Sin, Providence – 401-369-8427
- Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, Providence – take out or delivery
- Subway Waterman St., Providence – 401-490-8178
- Sydney, Providence – 401-648-4994 ex. 1
- Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, Providence – take out & delivery
- Trinity Brewhouse, Providence – take out
- Tommy’s Pizza, Providence – 401-351-4141 or 401-621-3509
- Tori Tomo, Providence – 401-409-2077
- Trattoria Zooma, Providence – 401-383-2002 or delivery
- Troop, Providence – take out or delivery
- Wes’s Rib House, Providence – 401-421-9090
- Umelt, Providence – take out or delivery
- Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill, Providence – 401-369-7974
- Wise Guys Deli & Pizza, Providence – 401-621-8111 or delivery
- Wok & Pot, Providence – take out & delivery
- Y Noodle & Bar, Providence – 401-661-9666
- Yang Restaurant, Providence – (401) 780-0777
- Yoleni’s, Providence – take out & delivery
We will update this page as information becomes available.