Guide to Rhode Island Communities

Housing Choice Voucher Program

 

As an RIHousing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holder, you have the ability to choose a rental home in one of 20 Rhode Island communities. We have created this guide to provide you with an overview of living in any of those communities. With a Housing Choice Voucher, you are required to pay 30-40% of your income towards rent. RIHousing will pay the balance of the rental payment directly to your landlord.

See all RIHousing Jurisdiction

New Shoreham

New Shoreham

The Town of New Shoreham is more commonly known as Block Island, though that is technically the name of the island itself. This town, accessible only by ferry or boat to the main land, is a self-contained community that is proud of its independence and resilience. Its population of under 1,000 residents multiplies significantly during the summer with its seasonal occupants and tourists. The town center is the heart of the community.

Living in New Shoreham:

In recent years, New Shoreham has made strides in seeking to accommodate its seasonal workforce and other lower income residents; however, housing on the island remains very tight.

To use your voucher here, your rent cannot exceed the Fair Market Rate.

Click here to view the latest rates.

 

What is the Fair Market Rate?

FMRs regularly published by HUD, represent the cost to rent a moderately-priced dwelling unit in the local housing market. The housing voucher tenant must pay 30 percent of its monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities, and if the unit rent is greater than the payment standard, the tenant is required to pay the additional amount.

GETTING AROUND

RIPTA: 

None.

 

Driving times by car (average)

Only accessible through ferry. 

DAILY NEEDS + COMMUNITY CENTERS

Town Hall

16 Old Town Rd.
401-466-3200
Library 9 Dodge St.

Post Office

32T Water St.

Police Department

10 Beach Ave.
Recycling Center 14 West Beach Rd.


COMMUNITY CENTERS

Nearest CAP:
Tri-County Community Action Agency – Southern Region
1935 Kingstown Road, Wakefield
401-789-3016
Nearest DHS/ SNAP Office:
South County Regional Family Center (Stedman Center)
4808 Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield
SNAP: 1-401-782-4300
DHS: 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347)

FOOD + SHOPPING

FOOD 

Block Island Grocery 242 Ocean Ave.
Block Island Depot 101 Ocean Ave.
Helping Hands Food Pantry at Harbor Church 21 Water St.

 

SHOPPING

Nearest Walmart Supercenter

1031 Ten Rod Rd., North Kingstown

EDUCATION

 

DAYCARES, PRESCHOOLS AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Infant Care Programs

Toddler Care Programs

Preschool Programs

After School Care Programs

0

1

1

0

Find early learning programs >

 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

District report card site 

    RIDE Rating
Block Island School
Gr. K-12
High Street ★★★☆☆

 

BANKS

Washington Trust 123 Ocean Ave.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Block Island Health Services 6 Payne Road, P.O. Box 919, New Shoreham
401-466-2974
South County Hospital 100 Kenyon Ave., South Kingstown (Wakefield)
(401) 782-8020

 

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Protestant Church 1
Catholic + Episcopal Church 3

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

Guide to RI Communities