CITY ISSUES
In my regular letters to Ward 2, I occasionally address a question or an issue at greater length, offering some context on a question related to municipal finance or a common problem like road repair. Some of those explanations:
- A Sustainable Pension System (9/26/20)
- Providence and Road Paving (10/26/21)
- 2021 Providence Redistricting (1/10/21)
- Environmental Justice in Providence (1/13/21)
COVID-19 INFORMATION
For the latest updates, please see the Ward 2 Letter
LOCAL INFORMATION
- State of RI
- City of Providence Contact 3-1-1 Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM to access city services or report a problem
HEALTH
- RI Department of Health COVID Hotline: 401-222-8022
- Many workers in RI have a right to paid sick days.
- If you are sick with COVID and can’t work, you can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI).
- HealthSource RI can help you get health insurance or help you apply for Medicaid. 855-840-4774
- If you have insurance and need help getting payment call RI REACH Hotline: 855-747-3224
- Questions about Medicaid benefits? Contact the Department of Human Services Call Center: 855-697-4347
UNEMPLOYMENT & LOST WAGES
- If you are sick or quarantined with COVID you can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
- If you are laid off or the place where you work closes, you can file for Unemployment Insurance
- Independent contractors and self-employed people should contact the RI Department of Labor about benefits
401-462-2020
SCHOOLS & CHILD CARE
- RI Department of Education
401-222-4600 - Providence Public Schools
Online Learning Hotline: 401-456-0686
School Department: 401-456-9100 - Child-care centers must work with the RI Department of Human Services guidelines for safety.
- People who must work and need child-care or elder care can visit: care.com/RINeed
FOOD
- Some grocery stores have special hours for seniors and people with health conditions.
- Farm Fresh RI will deliver local vegetables to your house
- Food banks in Rhode Island offering free food
rifoodbank.org/find-food/ - RI Meals on Wheels delivers daily meals to seniors.
- Schools are giving free meals to students on weekdays.
- Providence Recreation Centers are giving free meals to children and youth.
HOUSING
- Tenants in private rental housing can call Rhode Island Center for Justice at 401-491-1101.
- Advice for Renters and Tenants from Homes RI
- RI Housing offers free, confidential support by email and phone to prevent foreclosure 401-457-1130
FOR ELDERS
- RI Office of Health Aging
The Point Help Desk: 401-462-4444
HOW CAN I HELP?
The best way to help is to stay healthy
- Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Viruses can spread by coughing or sneezing on other people or into your hands.
- Wear a mask when you leave your home.
Check in on your neighbors.
- Does anyone need help? Do neighbors need supplies?
- Groups where neighbors can help one another are forming around the state. Connect with your neighbors and see who needs help.
- COVID-19 PVD Area Mutual Aid and Community Assistance
Volunteer
- RI Responds seeking healthcare and community volunteers who can help when skilled individuals are most needed.
- RI Blood Center is seeking to double the blood reserves to prevent shortages.
- United Way is gathering names of interested volunteers for future needs in local communities. volunteer@uwri.org
- PEMA Volunteers will be given training, support, and personal protective equipment and will serve in no-contact roles.
- Volunteer as a caregiver for the children of essential frontline workers.