Basic Needs Assistance

Family Support Center & LIHEAP

LIHEAP Services (see below)

Our Family Support Center provides basic needs assistance to low income households and connects families to financial literacy and other programs to strengthen their financial condition. 

The Family Support Center serves low and moderate income Woonsocket residents depending on eligibility requirements for fund-specific programs.

At the Family Support Center, it's all about lending a helping hand!

Resources and support includes:

• Food assistance (USDA food commodities, vouchers to local food pantries, links to other food resources in the community)

• Utility assistance

• Clothing vouchers

• Emergency rental & mortgage assistance (very limited)

• Referral to public & subsidized housing

• Health insurance navigation through the Affordable Care Act and HealthSource RI 

• Information, referral and advocacy

• Assistance through the Milk Fund, a supplemental nutrition program for low-income families living in any city or town where The Call is delivered. 

• Just for You Clothes Closet - for children & kids newborn - 17, created by the Rotary Club of Woonsocket. Limited hours. Contact just4youcloset@gmail.com

LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

This program features Heating Assistance, Crisis Assistance, Weatherization and AMP (RI Appliance Maintenance Program) for households that rent or own. 

The application period is from October through May. To qualify for this program, you must be a resident of Woonsocket or N. Smithfield and meet income eligibility requirements.

Income Guidelines

Application Portal

Grants are provided for emergency situations, such as 1/4 or lower oil or propane fuel tank level, pending termination of utility service, etc. 

The following documentation is required for all services

• Proof of all household income or no income, most recent RI Works/SNAP (food stamp) statement, TDI, unemployment statement, SSI/SSDI award letter, 4 weeks of pay stubs
• Picture ID for applicant only
• Social security cards for ALL household members
• Proof of birth for ALL household members (birth certificates/RI Medicaid cards)
• Proof of rent or mortgage amount (current rent receipt, current lease, current mortgage statement)
• Medical cards for family members
• Current electric, gas/oil bills
• Documentation of crisis (fire report, doctor’s note, etc.)