New Study Ranks Providence as the “Neediest” City in New England
GoLocalProv News Team
New Study Ranks Providence as the “Neediest” City in New England
On the heels of a recent report on the most charitable states, WalletHub compared the more than 180 U.S. cities based on 28 key indicators of economic disadvantage, such as child poverty, food insecurity, and uninsured rates.
Providence scored highest in need in New England.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“According to Feeding America, food insecurity plagues every U.S. county, with 37 million individuals lacking access to adequate food. 11.8 percent of the U.S. population lives in poverty. And in the absence of more affordable housing or accommodations provided by relatives or friends, many must take to the streets or shelters. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, shows that nearly 553,000 people — many of them children — had been homeless at one point in January 2018,” writes WalletHub.
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Overall, Providence ranked #28 in the United States.
Followed by:
New Haven, CT #45
Lewiston, ME #67
Boston, MA #70
Bridgeport, CT #74
Worcester, MA #98
Manchester, NH #101
Burlington, VT, #113
Portland, ME #130
Warwick, RI #168
Nashua, NH #173
South Burlington, VT #172
Methodology
In order to determine the cities with the neediest populations, WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across two key dimensions, “Economic Well-Being” and “Health & Safety.”
We evaluated those dimensions using 28 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of economic disadvantage. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available at the state level only.
Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample. In determining our sample, we considered only the city proper in each case and excluded cities in the surrounding metro area.
Economic Well-Being - Total Points: 60
Child Poverty Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Adult Poverty Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Homelessness Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of homeless persons per 1,000 residents.
Presence of Homeless Criminalization Laws: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This is a binary metric that considers the presence or absence of such legislation.
Change in Family Homelessness (2018 vs 2017): Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Well-Being Index: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This metric refers to the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index.
Consumer Bankruptcy Rate: Half Weight (~1.30 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of nonbusiness bankruptcy filings per capita.
Foreclosure Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Share of Owner Occupied Housing Units Spending at Least 35% of Their Household Income on Housing: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Share of Delinquent Debtors: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Median Credit Score: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
High School Dropout Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Undereducated Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This measures the share of population aged 25 years and over who did not graduate from high school.
Share of Children Eligible for Free or Reduced Price Lunch: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
“Economic Security” Ranking: Half* Weight (~1.30 Points)
Note: This metric measures the state’s policy potential to improve the economic security of workers, families and retirees and is based on the Economic Security Scorecard produced by the WOW (Wider Opportunities for Women) nonprofit organization.
Economic Mobility: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Health & Safety - Total Points: 40
Uninsured Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of residents without health insurance coverage.
Food Insecurity Rate: Double Weight (~7.27 Points)
Share of Homes with Inadequate Plumbing: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units without complete plumbing facilities.
Share of Homes with Inadequate Kitchens: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units without complete kitchen facilities.
Share of Severely Overcrowded Homes: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units that are considered “severely overcrowded”, meaning more than 1.5 persons occupy each room.
Share of Offline Homes: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of households lacking a computer and broadband Internet service.
Share of Adults Who Needed to See a Doctor but Couldn’t: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric refers to the share of adults who needed to see a doctor in the past year, but couldn’t because of costs.
Share of Depressed Adults: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of adults who were diagnosed with depression.
Suicide Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Crime Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
26 Ways to Give in Rhode Island This Holiday Season - 2023
Books are Wings
Statewide
The nonprofit writes:
"Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for our community to come together and support the nonprofits that innovate and inspire."
BAW works to engage students in their classrooms, at school functions, community events, and playgrounds.
"We believe that offering books to children in different environments instills a consistent message that reading is not just school work -- it’s a way of life!" says BAW.
Books are Wings makes a difference by:
- Providing children with FREE books needed in their homes to continue ongoing literacy efforts
PHOTO: John Morgan/Flickr Commons
Providence Animal Rescue League
Providence
Homeless or lost animals often rely on the kindness of volunteers, and in this case a dedicated staff working to help them.
"While we work to save and help more animals in the coming year, we do so with the additional strain of rising costs across all areas of our work including veterinary care, supplies, medications, and pet food. We never want to be in a position where we cannot answer the call for help from an animal in need. That is why your support is so vital and deeply, deeply appreciated," says PARL.
"The good news is that one of our most generous donors wants to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT this holiday season! That means that your year-end donation will be matched by this donor, dollar for dollar, up to $40,000," PARL continues.
Providence Animal Rescue makes a difference by:
- providing appropriate shelter and humane care for homeless animals and seeking permanent responsible homes for adoptable animals
- reducing pet overpopulation through strict spay/neuter measures and providing a diversity of humane education programs to meet community needs.
George Wiley Center
Statewide
Since 1981, the George Wiley Center has been organizing some of the most vulnerable people in our state.
"Today, we are the leading grassroots Utility Justice organization in Rhode Island. This year we’re participating in Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving. We are thankful to all who have given and those who will contribute to keep more people from the cold this winter," said the Center.
By donating to us this Giving Tuesday, you will be providing critical support to help us plan and carry out next year's activities as we continue to fight for affordable energy for all.
"Our victories are the result of our organizing with ordinary people who are directly affected by high bills and utility shutoffs. In order to keep up and expand this grassroots organizing to win bigger and better victories, we need your support," according to the Center.
Giving Tuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations that bring about real change in communities. Taking place on the Tuesday following the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a time to give back. We invite you to join the movement by making a donation HERE
Ronald McDonald House of Providence
Statewide
There is nothing more important to parents and families than being as close to their kids as possible while they are in the hospital.
Every year, over 300 families stay at the House while an additional 1,900 enjoy the Family Room. Both rooms are designed to keep families close during hospitalizations.
The Ronald McDonald House makes a difference by:
- providing a safe and caring environment to families with children at hospitals
PHOTO: Tim Ledo/ Ronald McDonald House of Providence
Rhode Island Food Bank
Statewide
Give the gift of food during the holiday season by donating to the Rhode Island Food Bank.
How important are they? Millions of pounds of donated food and nonfood household products are distributed into the community through their network of over 250 member agency food programs in the state.
The RI Food Bank makes a difference by:
- providing multiple programs to ensure that Rhode Islanders have access to the nutritious food they need
- utilizing Pantry Express and Direct Delivery programs to efficiently distribute healthy foods to high-need communities
Lucy's Hearth
Middletown, Serving Aquidnick Island
Lucy’s Hearth was established in 1984 as a grassroots organization serving as a night-to-night shelter for homeless women and children in the community.
Lucy's Hearth makes a difference by providing:
- an emergency shelter program as well as transitional and permanent apartment programs
- outreach and aftercare programs
Amos House
Providence
Amos House provides direct support for people in need by offering meals, shelter, and other resources that help them achieve stability and services they need.
The Amos House started as a small soup kitchen, and today consists of a campus of 14 buildings including a restaurant, permanent supportive housing, and a mother-child reunification center.
Amos House makes a difference in the community by providing:
- 90-Day recovery-based programs
- ten buildings dedicated to supportive housing as well as a mother-child reunification program
- culinary and carpentry training programs, and a literacy center and social enterprise businesses that employ men and women and generate income
PHOTO: Jessica Salter/Amos House
Special Olympics Rhode Island
Statewide
The mission of Special Olympics Rhode Island is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
All training and competition opportunities are provided free of charge to the athletes and their families, enabling everyone to experience the benefits of Special Olympics that extend well beyond the playing field.
Most recently, the pandemic presented a whole new set of challenges for SORI and its athletes.
Special Olympics RI makes a difference in the community by providing:
- Year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
PHOTO: Speical Olympics RI
Dare to Dream Ranch
Statewide
Dare To Dream Ranch is a multifaceted equine therapy program for service members, veterans, and their families.
The program helps veterans learn new ways to increase energy, explore healthy living, improve confidence and communication skills.
Click here to donate.
Dare to Dream Ranch makes a difference by:
- Providing a multifaceted equine therapy program for service members, veterans, and their families.
- Programs include equine therapy, yoga, reflexology, hypnotherapy, horticulture therapy, nutrition education, healthy cooking and exercise for our US military veterans and service members experiencing PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and loss of job security
Sojourner House
Statewide
Domestic violence is an issue around the country and oftentimes, it takes time for victims to feel safe again.
Sojourner House, Inc. is a domestic violence agency that assists victims of relationship violence by providing shelter, advocacy, and violence prevention education. Donate to their safe house wish list with items like toaster ovens, small tables, pillows, fitted sheets, and pots and pans for their residents.
Sojourner House makes a difference by:
- operating a 24-hour Help Line
- safe house shelter and transitional housing program
- free rapid HIV testing
- support and empowerment group and advocacy services
San Miguel School
Providence
San Miguel is a mission-based Lasallian boys school located in Providence and has been in operation since 1993, serving boys in 5-8th grade who come from under-served populations in the Providence area.
"Sometimes, it's the little things in life that make our teachers happy - a brand new paper cutter, bulletin board supplies, a laminator, & more!" says San Miguel. "Consider a donation today, or on #GivingTuesday, November 29th, towards our teacher wishlist."
Read more about a San Migue alumni who is a rising star in Hollywood.
PHOTO: San Miguel School
Youth Pride Inc.
Providence
Building a community where lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer youth can develop and be themselves is a vital part of the world today.
Youth Pride Inc. makes a difference by:
- providing free programs including individual counseling, weekly discussion groups, leadership trainings, social events and wellness activities.
- being an affirming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning young people to build community, develop connections and be themselves
Potter League
Middletown
The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island’s companion animals.
As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals each year. For more than 90 years, we have been committed to service the needs of the people and animals in the Rhode Island community and across New England as a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit ranking in the top 1% nationally.
Potter says:
- We shelter unaccompanied companion animals and place them in safe and healthy homes.
- We educate the community to embrace humane principals and provide the best care for their pets.
- We provide community support programs which help all pet owners provide better lives for their pets.
- We expand access to essential veterinary care for companion animals.
Foster Forward
Statewide
Foster Forward is a nationally and locally recognized leader committed to ensuring that all children and youth impacted by foster care have safe, healthy, and nurturing families.
They continuously innovate to provide proven programs that engage natural supports and promote healthy development.
Foster Forward makes a difference by:
- Ensuring that all children and youth impacted by foster care have safe, healthy, and nurturing families.
Jonnycake Center for Hope
Peace Dale - Serving South County
Jonnycake’s mission is to provide basic needs, resources, and hope to community members.
“Our vision is a community without hunger and poverty where everyone can reach their full potential and improve their quality of life," says the Center. "Our values are described below."
Respect and Dignity
We treat those seeking our assistance with respect and dignity. We believe in self-determination and appreciate the resilience that our community members demonstrate in tackling life’s challenges.
Outstanding Service
We provide timely and reliable service in an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported. We are committed to hiring staff and placing volunteers who are talented, compassionate, and uphold our values and vision.
Diversity
We welcome and embrace diversity among our members, volunteers, staff and decision-makers. We continually work to be a culturally competent and inclusive organization.
Community and Collaboration
We believe our community has a shared responsibility for ensuring that our neighbors can meet their basic needs. We believe we can accomplish more when we work collaboratively with community members and partners to achieve shared goals.
Riverzedge Arts
Woonsocket
Riverzedge Arts offers young people (ages 12-24) high-quality STEM and arts education, hands-on jobs training, alternative routes to diploma attainment, and opportunities to create vibrant communities through service.
Since 2004, 100% of youth participants in their core Arts & Business program have graduated from high school or earned a GED, and 99% have been accepted to college.
Riverzedge Arts makes a difference by:
- Providing youth high-quality STEM and arts education, hands-on jobs training, alternative routes to diploma attainment and more.
RI Canine Search and Rescue
Rhode Island
Founded in 2004 by Jim Rawley, RICSAR has evolved into a respected, responsive, and professional canine SAR team, with members who are a diverse group of SAR professionals who each bring experience and knowledge to all team trainings and deployments.
It is an all-volunteer group, dedicated to saving lives and providing closure for families whose loved ones have been missing, for whatever reason. RICSAR became a registered not-for-profit 501© organization in 2011.
RICSAR provides Wilderness Search and Rescue, URBAN Search and Rescue in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, water rescue/recovery and cadaver search and recovery.
Clinica Esperanza
Providence
"Uninsurance disproportionately affects minority populations of Rhode Island (Latino/Hispanic, African American, Asian, Caribbean, Central and South American) and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in these population groups. CEHC offers an integrated system of health care that addresses the whole patient,"says Clinica Esperanza. "By combining Health Education and Nutrition information along with Financial Literacy, we hope to enable our patients to succeed and build a better life and a healthier life."
"We are fortunate to partner with a great group of community service organizations who come to our clinic to provide access to their services directly to our patients. Combining health care with access to essential community service organization (English Literacy, Financial Literacy), as implemented by CEHC, has already had a tremendous positive impact on our patients' lives," they add.
Newport Festivals Foundation
Newport
In the past year, the Newport Festivals Foundation has provided financial relief to over 526 musicians impacted by the pandemic and over 56 grants for music education programs across the country.
"For over sixty-five years, our festivals have shown that music has the ability to change lives. Our mission is to foster the legacy and expand the impact of our festivals by supporting artists and music education programs year-round, across the country," says the Foundation.
Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center
Pawtucket
Located at 75 Benefit Street in Pawtucket, the food center’s help for the community is needed more than ever.
The Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center is open the 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of the month -- they are closed the first full week of each month.
The mission of BVEFC is to provide emergency food to people of no income and low income in the Blackstone Valley area (Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cumberland and Lincoln, RI).
"We provide a 10-days supply of food to those in need once a month. That would include meats, produce, bread products and non-perishable items. Applicants are interviewed to determine need. Qualification is based on family income, number of people in the household and any extenuating circumstances that may exist. We are 501c (3) charitable organization staffed entirely by volunteers," says the center.
Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
Cranston
CCAP is a private non-profit community action agency in RI that was formed as part of our nation’s War on Poverty.
CCAP is the largest community action program in Rhode Island providing Family Medicine & Dental Care; Behavior Health Services & Substance Abuse Counseling; Head Start & Child Care; Family Development Services; Social Services, WIC Nutrition Program, Food Bank, Home Heating & Energy Assistance employing over 400 people.
"Last year we touched the lives of over 40,000 Rhode Islanders," said CCAP.
CCAP makes a difference by providing the following services:
- Family health services
- Child and family development
- Youth education and training
- Social service programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI
Rhode Island
Individuals will often attribute their long-term success in life to one or more adults who came into their lives during their formative years and paid attention to them, gave them advice and forever changed the way they saw the world.
Schools, neighborhoods and other social institutions have transformed in ways that have reduced their capacity to provide this important resource to today’s youth.
AS220
Providence
AS220 is one of the preeminent arts organizations in the northeast.
Their values are:
Creative at our core: we believe all people are born creative and that everyone is an artist. We embrace an expansive view of art and resist narrowly defined, Westernized and commercialized definitions of art and its value in society. We experiment with new ideas and alternative models that help us adapt to our staff and communities’ evolving needs. Our own creativity as artists informs all we do at AS220.
Building community: we believe there is magic and power in bringing people from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, identities and perspectives together. We work to build genuine, reciprocal relationships with our artists, audiences, peer organizations and community collaborators, and to honor the connections we make. We nurture a spirit of volunteerism: we welcome and thank people who use their skills, knowledge, expertise and time to build community with us.
Freedom of expression: AS220 was founded on the principle that freedom of expression is crucial for the development of strong communities and individual spirits. We strive to facilitate opportunities for people to discover, explore, and nurture their own creativity and share their unique artistic voice.
Collective impact: we believe artists play a critical role in shaping our communities and together are a force for change. We bring our voices together to advocate, inspire, dream, dissent, engage and vision for the future we want to see for ourselves and our communities.
PHOTO: Theo Meyer
The Wilbury Theatre Group
Providence
An award-winning, not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Wilbury Theatre Group engages the community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking.
“We are idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in our resolve to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires,” says the Wilbury.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Wilbury — like so many arts organizations — has been devastated financially, but not artistically.
It continues to innovate and produce online and outdoor programming, at a time when the arts, and an escape for the audience, are needed more than ever.
PHOTO: Courtesy of the Wilbury
Veterans Inc.
New England
Veterans Inc. is a national leader in ending homelessness among veterans. A 501(c)3, Veterans Inc. is the largest provider of support services to veterans and their families in New England.
Since 1990, it has helped more than 80,000 veterans in need and today operates offices and programs in all six New England states.
Veterans Inc.’s nationally recognized clinical model for treating homelessness among veterans entails numerous programs and services that fall into several categories:
- Case Management (treatment plans, benefits counseling, transportation, legal advice, referrals, etc.)
- Housing (emergency, transitional, and long-term)
- Employment & Training (career counseling, training, job placement, etc.)
- Health & Wellness (peer support groups, substance abuse treatment, etc.)
- Outreach (food pantry, clothing, etc.)
You can support a solider -- and their families -- here.
Capital Good Fund
Rhode Island
The Capital Good Fund is a nonprofit, certified Community Development Financial Institution that helps people fix their finances.
It offers small loans and personalized Financial + Health Coaching to families in Rhode Island, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois, Delaware, and on and on.
Its mission is to create pathways out of poverty and advance a green economy through inclusive financial services.
The little non-profit that started in Providence is now serving people in multiple states across the country.
