Working together to create Better Lives for EVERYONE in Rhode Island.
Homeless and not sure what to do next?
or visit our Day Center at 12 Abbott Park Place.
OUR MISSION:
Helping People Better Their Own Lives
We help people better their own lives by providing hope and support for a better tomorrow—and food security and homeless services to get through today. From our Providence food pantry and day center to outreach across the state, Better Lives RI is here for those experiencing hunger and homelessness in Rhode Island.
Our Core Services in Providence
We serve residents across Elmwood, South Side, West End, Federal Hill, Mount Pleasant, and beyond.
Downtown Food Pantry
12 Abbott Park Place, Providence
Mon 3–6pm | Tues & Wed 9am–1pm
Our food pantry in Providence is open to all Providence residents, who may visit twice a month. Shoppers can choose their own groceries and receive help with SNAP enrollment, health insurance, vaccinations, and healthy eating resources. Please bring your own bags. Located near the Providence food bank and supported by donations to food banks in Rhode Island, our pantry is part of a statewide effort to combat hunger.
Friday Community Meal
134 Mathewson St, Providence
Fridays | Doors open at 3pm, dinner served 3–5pm
Enjoy a full, hot meal in a safe, respectful setting—everyone is welcome. In partnership with the 134 Collaborative, we also offer free health screenings, legal clinics, flu shots, and have Providence homeless outreach workers onsite to connect guests to services and shelter.
Homeless Outreach Across Providence County
Our outreach team meets individuals experiencing homelessness where they are—on the streets, at meal programs, and in encampments. We provide water, food, hygiene kits, clothing, bedding, and compassionate support. Outreach workers connect people to RI homeless shelters, family shelters in Rhode Island, RI food pantry programs, and other resources. If you're searching for “homeless shelters near my location”, our team can help.
Day Center & Housing Support
12 Abbott Park Place, Providence
Mon–Thu 9:30am–4:30pm | Fri 11:30am–2:30pm
Our Day Center provides critical daytime services for people who are homeless in Rhode Island. We assist with photo ID vouchers, SNAP and SSI/SSDI benefits, and housing applications. We help clients overcome barriers like incarceration, low credit, and eviction risk—working to keep people in housing and out of the cycle. Looking for park place outreach photos or on-site assistance? Visit us in person or call today.
Transitional Housing for Women Leaving Incarceration
Providence, RI
We operate a fully staffed, six-bed home for women leaving prison and experiencing homelessness. With 24/7 support, we provide a safe place to begin again—and reduce the high recidivism rate among the RI homeless population.
Reviews From People We've Served
By the Numbers:
Our Community Impact
Thanks to your donations and volunteering, we feed:
- Over 2,000 people per month
- More than 30,000 Rhode Islanders annually
- Over 2.25 million people in the last 50 years
Want to see how your support is making a difference?
How You Can Help
Whether you have time, skills, or resources to offer, you can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
- Volunteer at a food pantry in Providence, Friday meal, or with outreach
- Donate—one-time or monthly via card, ACH, or Apple Pay
- Sponsor a Friday Community Meal for $300–$400
- Shop Our Amazon Wishlist to send needed items directly to our pantry and outreach teams
- Apply for Open Job Opportunities and help create better lives
- Sign up for Our Newsletter to stay informed and involved
- Organize Food drives, events and more.
Featured Blog Posts
Stay up to date with news, stories, and updates from Better Lives RI.
FAQ
Answers to some of our most common questions.
For more information please call 401-454-7422
Food Pantry Location and Hours
We are located at 12 Abbott Park Place, Providence. We are open Monday 3pm-6pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-1pm. On street parking only - please do not park in church lot.
Who is eligible for pantry food?
All Providence residents are welcome and can shop with us twice a month. Registration is required. Please bring your own bags. Shopping is limited to one person per household per visit.
Why a Community Meal?
Not everyone has access to a hot nutritious meal - people staying in shelters, cars, tents and on the streets often don’t. In 2023, we served 5,189 hot meals to hungry people. Our Community Meal is open to anyone and everyone – no questions asked. Doors open at 3pm. Meals are served from 3pm – 5pm every Friday at 134 Matthewson St. Providence.
Can I volunteer? How can I help?
We are currently seeking volunteers for our food pantry and community meal programs. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, diapers etc.) are welcome. Please call 401-454-7422.
Is Homelessness really an issue in RI?
According to RI Coalition to End Homelessness, as of March 2024 there were 815 people, including families with children, (511 households) living in unsheltered conditions in our state. In total, there are 2225 homeless individuals (1401 households) waiting for housing. Despite a shortage of affordable housing and shelter beds, Better Lives RI helped connect 57 people with shelter and secured permanent housing situations for 96 individuals including locating 43 affordable rentals in 2023.
