Resources Index:

Updates Regarding the Federal, State, and City’s Response to COVID-19

Health Resources for 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

Updates Regarding the Federal, State, and City’s Response to COVID-19

1. 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
2.  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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. The RI DMV is providing 90-day extensions on registrations, renewals, etc. from the date of March 1, 2020 until the crisis is over.
7. If you are a frontline worker in need of childcare or eldercare the State has partnered with Care.com to offer 90 Free Days of premium access to our state’s hospital, public safety, and other frontline personnel. This is a paid service. You can also volunteer as a provider offering your services for free, or sign-up to be a provider. Please visit: Care.Com RI
8. 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
9. If you are seeing price gouging the Attorney General has created an online complaint form: Online Complaint Form
10. 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.
11. The Department of Administration has implemented the Federal Work Share Program for State Employees. Voluntary participation is highly encouraged as a way to immediately cut costs while preventing widespread layoffs or furloughs.
12. 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.

Reopening Rhode Island

1. 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 to share your ideas: REOPENINGRI.COM
2. Governor Raimondo shared what the guidelines looked like for determining wether or not the state is ready to move on to a new phase of re-opening. These guidelines can be viewed here.

Health Resources for COVID-19

1. Everyone must wear face masks when at work or out in public until further notice. Learn more about masks here: Face Masks
2. There are several walk up and drive-thru testing sites in Providence as well as many across the state. To get tested, you will need a referral from your doctor. There are tests being offered at Clinica Esperenza, Rhode Island Department of Health, local hospitals and respiratory clinics, Stop & Shop testing locations and CVS’s rapid COVID-19 Testing Sites. In all cases you need to make an appointment first, either with your primary care physician or urgent care facility. At the CVS sites no doctor referral required and testing is free. Make your appointment on CVS.com.
3. 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
4. For more information on what you should do if you feel that you may have contracted COVID-19, or come into contact with someone that could potentially have COVID-19 please visit the Rhode Island Health Department’s website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
5. Any person in the State of Rhode Island currently on Medicaid will remain on the plan until the health crisis is resolved.
6. Governor Raimondo has announced that testing and treatment for COVID-19 would be free for Rhode Islanders, with no co-pay or out of pocket expenses.
7. If you are sick at all – headache, runny nose, cough, fever or other symptoms you must stay home from work.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Interesting interactive article from The New York Times: How the Virus Got Out.
11. 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.
12. CVS has opened 10 new drive through testing sites throughout the state. These are appointment only, you can make the appointment on CVS.com. The locations offer same-day testing, but results will take 2-3 days.

City Hall Updates

1. 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
2. All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and—for life safety matters only— Animal Control will continue regular operations.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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
3. Check out this handy guide of best practices that City Council has created: English and En Español
4. The City’s Healthy Communities Department has issued the following guidelines for grocery shopping: English and En Español
5. 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

1. 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

1. 1. Wash your hands, and here’s why: The Science Behind HandWashing in COVID-19
   2. Stay inside as much as possible.
   3. Do not congregate in groups.
   4. Do not go to malls or areas where large numbers of people may be – like bars or restaurants.
   5. 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.
   6. 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.
   7. 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.

1. The Providence Public School Department has a distance learning hotline for students and families: 401-456-0686
2. What Distance Learning looks like – check out this Google Document for more information: Distance Learning
3. To answer any questions about the new 2020-2021 school year for Providence Public Schools visit: reopenpvdschools.org
4. 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

1. To find out more information regarding the U.S. Economic Impact Payment Program (Stimulus Checks) see these Resurces:
   1. Stimulus Checks 101 Webinar April 21 (RI Coalition for the Homeless)
   2. For non-filers visit here: Non-Filer Payment Info (IRS)
   3. Fact Sheet on Economic Impact Payments (Economic Progress Institute)
2. If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call this anonymous line: 24/7 Domestic Violence Anonymous Chat Line (RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
3. If you find yourself experiencing homelessness or know someone who is here is a great resource: RI Coalition for the Homeless.
4. Residential trash and recycling pick-ups are considered essential services and will continue as scheduled.
5. 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.
6. SNAP recipients are now able to buy groceries online from Amazon and participating Walmarts with their EBT cards.

Resources for Seniors

1. 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
2. Grocery stores throughout Rhode Island are providing dedicated shopping hours to promote the safety and wellness of older adults: Dedicated Senior Shopping Hours
3. 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.
4. Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Office of Health Aging held a Facebook Town Hall for older Rhode Islanders. This can be viewed here.
5. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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
5. Governor Raimondo is allocating and additional $5 million to emergency rental assistance. Those who qualify can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for past due rent. Visit https://www.housinghelpri.com/ for more info.

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.

1. 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
2. If you have lost work or have to stay home because of COVID-19, the state may be able to help: Workplace Aid 
3. If you are quarantined with COVID-19 you can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): TDI Application
4. 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
5. Rhode Islanders have a right to paid sick time as passed by the General Assembly in 2018. Use them: Paid Sick Leave Fact Sheet
6. 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

1. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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
8. Commerce RI, with support from volunteers from the Tech Community, will provide free tech support and advice on moving their businesses to remote working.
9. 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.
10. If you are having issues with the Disaster Loan Assistance application, or have been issued a denial please call 401-521-HELP.
11. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Here is a great selection of sites that have waived subscription fees during this period: Online Learning
4. The Roger Williams Park and Zoo are offering “Zoo School” on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 2 PM on Facebook!
5. The Social Distancing Festival – Opera, Dance, Theater – all in one spot – and Free: Social Distancing Festival
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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

1. Ahava Catering, Providence – 401-272-4835
2. Andino’s, Providence – 401-453-3164 or delivery
3. Angelo’s Civita Farnese, Providence – take out
4. Anthony’s, Providence – 401-273-5900 or delivery
5. Anthony’s Italian Deli, Providence – 401-621-8106
6. Bagel Express, Providence – 401-455-1212
7. Bajas Taqueria, Providence- take out
8. Bajas Tex Mex Grill, Providence- take out
9. Bites by Bre, Providence – delivery
10. Cafeteria La Rueda, Providence – (401) 941-4438
11. Carolina, Providence – 401-941-1333
12. Cassarino’s Restaurant, Providence – 401-648-4900 or delivery
13. Centro Restaurant, Providence – 401-228-6802
14. Ceremony, Providence – take out
15. Chef Ho’s, Providence – 401-831-0777 or delivery
16. Chelos, Providence – (401) 861-6644
17. Chez Pascal, Providence – take out
18. Costantino’s Venda Bar Ristorante, Providence – 401-528-1100 or delivery
19. Deluxe Nutrition, Providence – 401-338-8241 take out
20. Dolores, Providence – take out
21. Don José Tequilas, Providence – 401-454-8951 or delivery
22. El Eden, Providence – 401-270-1446
23. El Eden Express, Providence, (401) 490-0802
24. El Fogon, Providence – 401-383-8239
25. El Mogote, Providence – (401) 490-0053
26. El Provocon Restaurant, Providence –  (401) 228-6322
27. Enjoy Cafeteria, Providence – (401) 270-9660
28. The Family Cake, Providence – take out
29. Federal Hill Pizza, Providence – delivery
30. Fire Works Catering, Providence – 401-831-9221
31. Folklore Latino, Providence – (401) 524-1511
32. Friskie Fries, Providence – take out
33. Gasbarro’s Wines, Providence – 401- 421-4170
34. Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches, Providence – take out & delivery
35. Great Northern BBQ Co., Providence – 401-421-1513 or delivery
36. Gregg’s, Providence – take out or delivery
37. Good Game Grill, Providence – 401-537-7174
38. Hudson Street Deli, Providence – 401-228-8555
39. Hometown Poké, Providence – take out or delivery
40. The Industrious Spirit Company, Providence – take out bottle of RI made vodka (see this Instagram post)
41. Julian’s, Providence – 401-861-1770
42. Kabob and Curry, Providence – take out & delivery
43. La Broa Pizza, Providence – (401) 270-4884
44. La Gran Parada, Providence – 401-941-4610
45. La Sonrisa, Providence – 401-228-3470
46. Lekker Seiromushi, Providence – 401-285-9999 or delivery
47. Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails, Providence – delivery (DELIVERY COCKTAILS!)
48. Los Andes, Providence – 401-649-4911 or delivery
49. Lotus Garden Noodle & Sushi House, Providence – 401-383-4774 or delivery
50. Mi Casa Restaurant, Providence – (401) 270-0798
51. Minerva’s Pizza, Providence – take out & delivery
52. Murphy’s, Providence – 401-621-8467 or 401-421-1188 or delivery
53. Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery 1 or delivery 2
54. New China Restaurant, Providence – (401) 437-8220
55. Newport Creamery, Providence – take out
56. Nicks on Broadway, Providence – 401-421-0286
57. Nicks on Westminster, Providence – take out
58. The Nitro Bar, Providence – take out & delivery
59. Noodles 102, Providence – 401-383-5004
60. Ocean State Sandwich Company, Providence – take out or delivery
61. Olneyville NY System, Providence – take out or delivery
62. Opa, Providence – 401-351-8282 or delivery
63. Pasta Beach, Providence – 401-270-0740
64. Pito Restaurant, Providence –  (401) 941-4320
65. Pito’s Restaurant II, Providence – (401) 351-7988
66. Pizza J, Providence – take out
67. Pizza Pie-er, Providence – take out
68. Plant City, Providence you can order from their apps Apple & Android – take out & delivery
69. Providence Pizza Palace, Providence – (401) 415-8967
70. Providence Bagel, Providence – take out
71. Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Providence – take out or delivery
72. Rebelle Artisan Bagels, Providence – take out
73. Roma, Providence – 401-331-5000
74. Rosmarin, Providence – 401-500-5189
75. Rue Bis, Providence – 401-490-9966
76. Salted Slate, Providence – take out
77. Serendipity Gourmet, Providence – 401-270-2233 or delivery
78. Schasteâ, Providence – take out
79. Sicilia’s, Providence – 401-273-9222 or delivery
80. Shake Shack, Providence – 401-214-1823
81. The Shop, Providence – 401-684-1140
82. Sin, Providence – 401-369-8427
83. Spike’s Junkyard Dogs, Providence – take out or delivery
84. Subway Waterman St., Providence – 401-490-8178
85. Sydney, Providence – 401-648-4994 ex. 1
86. Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, Providence – take out & delivery
87. Trinity Brewhouse, Providence – take out
88. Tommy’s Pizza, Providence – 401-351-4141 or 401-621-3509
89. Tori Tomo, Providence – 401-409-2077
90. Trattoria Zooma, Providence – 401-383-2002 or delivery
91. Troop, Providence – take out or delivery
92. Wes’s Rib House, Providence – 401-421-9090
93. Umelt, Providence – take out or delivery
94. Viva Mexico Cantina & Grill, Providence – 401-369-7974
95. Wise Guys Deli & Pizza, Providence – 401-621-8111 or delivery
96. Wok & Pot, Providence – take out & delivery
97. Y Noodle & Bar, Providence – 401-661-9666
98. Yang Restaurant, Providence – (401) 780-0777
99. Yoleni’s, Providence – take out & delivery

We will update this page as information becomes available.