DHS Awards Grant to Amos House, Dorcas International to Offer Expanded Benefits Counseling

Published on Wednesday, December 01, 2021

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) is supporting Amos House and Dorcas International with expertise and an award in the amount of $100,000 to further provide benefits counseling for Rhode Islanders seeking social safety net services.

DHS Interim Director Celia J. Blue joined Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, Amos House Executive Director Eileen Hayes, Dorcas International Director Kathleen Cloutier, United Way President Cortney Nicolato, Rhode Island Foundation President Neil Steinberg and a program participant Wednesday morning at a press conference organized by the City of Providence where leaders shared an update on Providence’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program.

In the month of November, Providence issued the first $500 in payments to 110 Providence residents who are participating in the pilot program. Benefits counseling was offered to the residents selected for the pilot program and the expansion of that benefits counseling was another key focus of the conference.

“The expanded benefits counseling support for the City’s pilot program will assist individuals who are looking to make the best possible decision for their household,” said Director Blue. “Guaranteed income and other social safety net services such as SNAP and RI Works cash assistance are needed more than ever.”

An independent component of the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program led by the City of Providence, the expanded benefits counseling service will help families and individuals participating in the City’s pilot program as well as the broader Rhode Island community.

Rhode Islanders applying for benefits should continue to do so at healthyrhode.ri.gov, but the expanded benefits counseling at Amos House and Dorcas International is another tool to help families and individuals who want to better understand public benefits so they are empowered to make an informed decision for their unique situation.

All Rhode Island residents are now eligible to schedule benefits counseling Monday through Friday at Amos House from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dorcas International is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Counseling sessions can last 30 to 45 minutes and are available by phone, virtually or in-person in both English and Spanish. To schedule an appointment at Amos House, customers can call 401-272-0220. Rhode Islanders can also reach out to Dorcas International at 401-784-8600.