At Better Lives Rhode Island, our mission is clear: we help people better their own lives. For nearly five decades, we have been serving the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families, making a significant impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors. As a Charitable Organization, these services are free to those who need them but are certainly not free to us.
Homelessness is expensive. According to Global Giving, “The government spends an average of $35,578 per year for every person who must endure chronic homelessness.” That is footed by the taxpayer. Meanwhile, a donation as small as $5 can help a Rhode Islander get the background check necessary to apply for housing or work, with the assistance needed to maintain self-sufficiency.
What sets Better Lives RI apart is our one-on-one approach. We believe that personalized care and attention can make a world of difference in helping individuals overcome challenges and improve their lives.
These days, we can provide essential services to over 62,000 people annually. Our dedication to offering stability, justice, and hope to those in need is evident through our three program areas. We understand the importance of accessibility. All our services are provided free of charge and are made possible through grants and the generous support of individual donors.
- Food Security: We operate a Food Pantry that brings necessary nutrition to struggling Rhode Islanders. We also conduct a weekly meal site that has fed over 45,000 people in 2023.
- Homeless Outreach: Our homeless outreach program provides intensive, holistic case management to over 150 unsheltered individuals every month. We are committed to helping those experiencing homelessness find a path to stability.
- Support Services: Our personalized approach extends to all our services, ensuring that every interaction is tailored to the unique needs of the individuals we serve.
Our services are made possible by generous donors who support our mission and unhoused Rhode Islanders in need of assistance. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who need it most.
We’ve experienced firsthand the impact that Homeless Outreach can have on a family.
From Executive Director, Paula Hudson: “Very early in my Better Lives RI career, a family came to us for help. Mom and Dad were living in a truck, their five-year-old son was staying with a relative, and Mom was seven months pregnant. We (Me, Mom & Dad) all worked tirelessly to get them out of the truck and into a home. On the day Mom delivered a baby girl, Dad was at Providence Housing Authority receiving their Section 8 voucher. The following week they signed a lease on a beautiful apartment.”
Charities are struggling. Without public support, Rhode Islanders in need could become another statistic in a system that does not prioritize the needs of the unhoused. Better Lives RI is a crucial resource to prevent malnutrition, rehouse the homeless, promote self-sufficiency, and save lives. People rely on us, and we rely on donations to make help possible.
This Giving Tuesday, Help bring dignity to those struggling in the Rhode Island community by donating to Better Lives RI today!
If you’d like to learn more about our services or get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at 401-454-7422 or via email at phudson@betterlivesri.org.