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Politics & Government

Department of Human Services Opens Office in Middletown

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services celebrated its official opening of its new location in Middletown

Currently, more than 8,000 Newport County households receive assistance from the . On Friday, the Department announced the grand opening of their new, more inviting location on Valley Road in Middletown.

The facility serves residents in Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Jamestown, Little Compton and Tiverton.

“The new office building provides efficient and welcoming space for the area residents and our staff,” said Sandra M. Powell, Director of the Department of Human Services.

Senator Louis DiPalma said one large advantage of  the new facility is that it is on the bus route, which provides easier access to families without transportation.

“It’s a big deal for the County,” said DiPalma about the new location.  

The Department of Human Services responds to the needs of Rhode Islanders through a variety of programs:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps) helps eligible households buy food

RIte Care/RIte Share (Medicaid) helps pay for health insurance for eligible pregnant women, children, and parents

Low-Income Child Care Assistance helps pay for child care during working hours; RIWorks is designed to help low-income adults enter the workforce

Long Term Care helps people who have disabilities or chronic care needs to optimize their health and retain their independence through home and community-based services and supports

General Public Assistance is available for adults ages 19 - 64 who have very limited income and resources and have an illness or medical condition that keeps them from working.

Additionally, the Department of Human Services administers the state supplemental payment for SSI, and is the home of the Office of Child Support Services, the Division of Elderly Affairs, the Division of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of Rehabilitation Services.

“The programs and services we offer are vital to the well-being of these communities, and so we want to be sure our facilities are accessible and places where residents can easily find the help they need,” said Powell.

Residents can apply for or obtain information about these programs at the newly-relocated office at 272 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842, or call 401-851-2100 or 1-800-675-9397.

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