PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded a total of $300,000 in year-end emergency grants to four organizations that provide basic human services to Rhode Islanders in need, the nonprofit announced Tuesday.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Crossroads Rhode Island, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and Westerly Area Rest Meals Center were the recipients of the year-end grants.
The food bank and Crossroads each received $100,000 and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and the WARM Center, which serves as the fiscal agent for the Westerly Basic Needs Network, received $50,000 each.
According to a Rhode Island Foundation release, organization leaders say they have all experienced increased requests from families and individuals needing emergency shelter, utility support and food assistance this year.
“As the economic recovery remains sluggish, too many Rhode Islanders are homeless, don’t have enough to eat, and lack the resources to heat their homes,” foundation President and CEO Neil Steinberg said in a statement. “These grants, made possible through the generosity of our donors, represent investments in successful programs that have a positive impact on people’s lives.”
“In addition to bolstering efforts to meet what is now an unprecedented need, we hope these grants inspire others to dig deep and give to their communities this season,” added Steinberg.