Welfare Services

Social Services / Welfare is a Community resource for North Kingstown residents who need emergency assistance and don't know where to get help. Limited Town funds are available for clients in the areas of rent, medications, fuel, utilities and other services essential to maintaining families or individuals who are North Kingstown residents. All assistance is granted in voucher form and no cash assistance is issued.

Mission Statement

To supply professional, efficient and confidential support and relief to North Kingstown residents who are in an emergency situation.

Marie K. Marcotte is Director of North Kingstown Senior and Human Services and fulfills the duties of the Welfare Director according to Rhode Island state law. This position assumes by law the obligation of supplying relief and support to all persons lawfully residing in the Town of North Kingstown who are in an emergency situation. This means acting as a liaison between the Town and State administrations in matters relating to SNAP benefits, social services, assistance payments, medical assistance and community support systems.

The department provides an essential link between the community and the multitude of Federal/State social service programs with a strict degree of confidentiality. The Director administers the Public Assistance Account and the indigent Aid Escrow Account that are Town Funds used to assist the clients who come in seeking emergency assistance who do not qualify for any State programs, or who are pending eligibility for a State program. All assistance is granted in voucher form or directly to vendors and no cash assistance is issued.

The Social Services Department is the contact for the Salvation Army and is the contact for the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund which is administered by the Salvation Army. Proof of income may be necessary to qualify for certain programs and services.

Medical Assistance

For information about medical assistance and eligibility, call the DHS Call Center at (855) 697-4347 (1-855-MYRIDHS) or visit the DHS website.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

To apply for SNAP benefits or to determine eligibility, call the DHS Call Center at (855) 697-4347 or visit the DHS website.

Emergency Food/Heating Assistance

Emergency Food is available through the North Kingstown Food Pantry and other community resources. The North Kingstown Food Pantry also accepts donations of non-perishable food items and grocery store gift certificates at the following collection sites:

-North Kingstown Senior and Human Services "Beechwood"

-North Kingstown Library

-North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce                                     

-Dave's Market, Tower Hill Road and Gate Road (Quonset Point) locations

During the months of September through December, the Department also handles requests for emergency and holiday assistance.