How does rental assistance work in Newport and Jamestown?

Newport County does have rental assistance to speak of, but there are different providers depending on which community you live in.

Rental assistance programs work in different ways. Some programs provide cash grants covering 1-2 months of back rent. Others will cover security deposits and first month’s rent for a new lease. Those that provide loans for these purposes generally do so at a zero interest rate. These service providers do things a bit differently.

Housing Authority of the City of Newport

The Newport Housing Authority owns a number of properties that are reserved exclusively for lower income households. They do this to ensure that enough low income housing exists on the island to safely house the service workers and other lower income employees that are needed locally. Since rents on Newport are extremely expensive, this serves to ensure that there is housing available for those who definitely would not be able to afford to live here otherwise. A homeless shelter is also provided in situations of extreme emergencies.

There are two primary options offered by the Newport Housing Authority. For those who need low rents, the agency provides reduced rent apartments. Some of these are available through the Section 8 program, which combines federal subsidies with a percentage of a tenant’s income in order to cover the landlord’s rental requirements. The agency takes it a bit further though, using Section 8 funds to actually assist towards homeownership. For more information on getting help renting or owning a home in Newport, call the housing authority at 401-847-0185.

The agency also administers the Newport Housing Authority Senior Center. Seniors may have additional housing assistance not available to the general public. Seniors in Newport may call 401-846-3887.

Church Community Housing Corporation

Nearly 100 rental properties are administered by Church Community Housing Corporation (CCHC). These homes are located throughout Newport County and are reserved for lower income tenants.

Demand is huge, so you will need to be added to waiting list if you would like to be considered for a future vacancy. Call CCHC at 401-846-5114, extension 17. A pre-rental application is required in order to be added to the waiting list.

CCHC also works in partnership with the Town Planning Department of the Town of Jamestown. The two agencies administer the affordable housing program in Jamestown, with CCHC managing Pemberton Place for Seniors.

Jamestown Housing Authority

A total of 35 individual studio and 1-bedroom apartments are administered by the Jamestown Housing Authority, of which rents are capped at 30% of the adjusted gross monthly income of the tenant. This ensures that tenants who cannot afford normal rents only pay a portion of what they earn.

These units make up Pemberton Apartments. They are reserved for Seniors living on a fixed income. For more information, call the Jamestown Housing Authority at 401-423-1561.

Additional Rental Assistance Programs

These communities also provide reduced rent properties administered through the Section 8 program:

  • Tiverton residents are served by the Tiverton Housing Authority. Call 401-624-4748.
  • Rhode Island Housing serves the communities of Little Compton and Middletown. Call 401-457-1234.
  • Portsmouth is served by the Portsmouth Housing Authority. Call 401-683-3173.

Get help today from one of these helpful agencies. Their reduced rent and homeownership opportunities are always preferred to taking out loans from high interest lenders just to try and pay your rent.