In Rhode Island, homeless individuals and families can receive emergency hotel vouchers through state agencies, non-profit organizations, and community programs. These vouchers provide temporary shelter in motels or hotels when standard shelters are full or unsafe, helping people stay off the streets while they work to secure stable housing.
Do Hotel Vouchers Exist in Rhode Island?
Yes, vouchers for hotels (or motels) do exist in Rhode Island; however, they are very limited and are generally granted only in emergency situations.
Most of the time, the state does not rely on hotels as a standard housing solution. In fact, Rhode Island has been working to move away from using hotels as emergency shelter and, instead, focus on traditional shelters and housing programs.
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you should turn to the Regional Access Points (RAP) system. These serve as “one-stop shops” for assessing housing needs and providing referrals to shelters.
Organizations or Programs Providing Hotel Vouchers, Shelter & Housing Support
Regional Access Point” (RAP)
The Coordinated Entry System is the mandatory first step for anyone seeking emergency shelter in Rhode Island. They assess your situation and refer you to available beds. Dial 2-1-1 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or call 401-277-4316, or request a “Regional Access Point” (RAP) to initiate an assessment for shelter or housing assistance.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
While the DHS does not issue hotel vouchers, RIHousing and the RI Coalition to End Homelessness administer federal Emergency Housing Vouchers for long-term rental assistance; however, these are typically prioritized for individuals who are already in high-risk situations or enrolled in rehousing programs.
Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) no longer provides hotel vouchers for emergency housing. As of August 2025, the state has ceased using hotels as emergency shelter, opting instead for a more coordinated shelter system available year-round.
Community Action Agencies
In Rhode Island, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) generally do not provide direct hotel vouchers. While they offer extensive support regarding emergency housing, the majority of direct hotel accommodation within the state is managed strictly through the Regional Access Point (RAP) system or through specific sites contracted by the state.
Most CAAs focus on homelessness prevention (assistance with back rent and utility bills) rather than on emergency hotel stays. If you are currently experiencing homelessness, you must contact the designated agencies listed below.
- Community Care Alliance (CCA) (Woonsocket): Serves as a major RAP and specifically states that motel vouchers are not available through its standard programs, although it operates a “Dignity Bus” and family shelters.
- Crossroads Rhode Island (Providence): The largest RAP, which manages shelters for both families and women.
- OpenDoors (Pawtucket/Warwick): Operates the Motel 6 shelter in Warwick. Note: You cannot obtain a voucher directly at the motel; you must be referred through a RAP or the Coordinated Entry System (401-277-4316). Crossroads Rhode Island
The state’s largest provider of housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. They manage specific programs tailored to individuals, families, and survivors of domestic violence. As of 2025, Rhode Island has transitioned from a centralized hotline to Regional Access Points (RAPs). Shelter beds—including those available at motel-based facilities, such as the Motel 6 Shelter in Warwick—can only be secured through these referrals.
Visit the Crossroads RAP at 160 Broad Street, Providence (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or call the Crossroads hotline at 401-865-6215. Phone assistance is available on weekdays (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and weekends (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
OpenDoors RI (Motel 6 Shelter)
Open Doors RI operates an exclusive shelter at the Motel 6 in Warwick. Note: Direct entry without an appointment is not accepted; you must be referred through the Coordinated Entry System (401-277-4316).
Amos House
Amos House does not provide vouchers for hotels or motels. While in the past they have assisted families in transitioning from hotels to permanent or seasonal housing, their current emergency assistance programs focus on beds in physical shelters, recovery-oriented housing, and essential social services.
McAuley Ministries
McAuley Ministries in Rhode Island offers essential social services and transitional housing, but does not issue emergency hotel vouchers. Their housing assistance focuses on long-term stability rather than temporary hotel stays, which have been largely phased out by the state.
Emmanuel House
Emmanuel House, operated by the Diocese of Providence, is an emergency shelter for homeless individuals and a year-round warming center. It serves as a vital refuge for unhoused men and women in the Providence area. Emmanuel House offers overnight accommodations and operates as a 24-hour warming center during periods of extreme cold.
To access a bed at Emmanuel House, you may go directly to their facility for an overnight assessment or call 401-421-7888. As with most shelters in Rhode Island, it is recommended that you first complete an assessment through a Regional Access Point or the Coordinated Entry System (CES) by calling 401-277-4316, to ensure you are connected with all available state resources. Location: 239 Public Street, Providence, RI 02903.
Community Action Agency (CAA) Housing Programs
While they may not offer hotel vouchers, your local CAA can provide crucial support to help you retain your housing or find a permanent home:
- CCAP (Comprehensive Community Action): Offers an Emergency Housing Assistance Program for residents of Cranston, Coventry, Scituate, and Foster, designed to cover back rent and security deposits.
- Tri-County Community Action Agency: Provides an Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) to offer aid with rent and mortgage payments in emergency situations.
- BVCAP (Blackstone Valley CAP): Offers housing counseling and placement services for residents of Pawtucket and the surrounding areas. EBCAP (East Bay Community Action Program): Operates the East Bay Coalition for the Homeless, providing safe housing and case management to families with children.
Specialized Housing Assistance Programs in Rhode Island
Domestic Violence
If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 1-800-494-8100. They may have access to confidential emergency motel accommodations that are not available to the general public.
Families with Children
Contact the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) at 1-888-RI-FAMILY. In some crisis situations involving children, they may fund temporary emergency stays.
Veterans
Veterans should contact a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 to obtain specialized housing vouchers (HUD-VASH).
How to Apply for Help in Rhode Island
Instead of applying directly for a motel voucher, you must go through the state’s homeless assistance system.
1. Visit a Regional Access Point (RAP)
Rhode Island uses Regional Access Points (RAPs) to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These centers:
- Assess your situation
- Connect you with shelters or services
- Assist with housing plans
You may visit in person during business hours or call and leave a message.
2. Go directly to a shelter
If you need immediate assistance, you can go directly to an emergency shelter. If space is available, they may admit you. Otherwise, they may refer you elsewhere.
3. Contact local community agencies
Some non-profit organizations may provide temporary motel vouchers in urgent cases. For example:
Community Action Agencies can assist families facing a sudden housing crisis.
Some programs offer vouchers for a few nights if you meet the eligibility requirements. These programs typically have strict eligibility rules and limited funding.
Who Qualifies?
- Individuals who are currently homeless (living outdoors, in cars, or in unsafe locations).
- Families with children who do not have a safe place to stay tonight.
- Individuals facing domestic violence or unsafe housing conditions.
- Those at immediate risk of losing their housing.
Other Assistance Available Instead of Hotel Vouchers in Rhode Island
Emergency Shelters
For many people, emergency shelters are the first step toward safety. These shelters are located throughout Rhode Island and provide a warm place to sleep, meals, and basic necessities. More than just a place to sleep, shelters often have staff available to listen to you and help you determine your next steps. They can connect you with housing programs, employment support services, and healthcare. If a shelter is full, they will often try to refer you to another location where space may be available.
Seasonal Shelters (Winter)
Winters in Rhode Island can be very cold and dangerous. During the winter months, additional shelters open to protect people from freezing temperatures.
These seasonal shelters provide warmth, meals, and safety when they are needed most. They constitute an important part of the state’s effort to ensure that no one is left out in the cold in life-threatening conditions.
Rapid Rehousing Programs
One of the most useful programs available is Rapid Rehousing. Instead of keeping people in temporary placements for long periods, this program helps them move quickly into a permanent home.
Rapid Rehousing can provide assistance with rent, security deposits, and—at times—even with finding a landlord. It also provides short-term financial support to help people adjust and regain their stability.
Key Points
Despite being a small state, Rhode Island has a robust assistance network for people experiencing homelessness.
Hotel vouchers serve as a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to go tonight.
The fastest way to get help is by calling 2-1-1 or contacting Crossroads Rhode Island.
These programs aim to keep people safe while connecting them with permanent housing solutions.
