RI DHS To Open Downtown Providence Appointment-Only Office in Shepard Building
CRANSTON, RI – Rhode Island Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito today announced the agency will be opening a new appointment-only regional office in the Shepard Building located in downtown Providence. The office will officially open on Monday, June 16, 2025.
The DHS office located at 1 Reservoir Avenue, also in Providence, will be transitioning all scheduled appointments to this new office, while its last day of operation will be Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Customers will be able to use the office locator tool available on the DHS website (www.dhs.ri.gov) to find their designated home office for scheduled interviews. While services can be accessed at any DHS regional office, the home office is the customer’s assigned location based on their city or town. To find your office, select your city/town from the menu and click “Apply.”
“DHS is focused on continuous improvement for those we serve,” said DHS Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “Ensuring our customers have improved access, shorter wait times, and better experiences is critical. That’s why DHS is pleased to be opening this new office. It ensures our customers can come at a day and time that is convenient for them, while minimizing time on the phone or waiting in line.”
Over the last two years DHS has worked hard to improve functionality on both the customer portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov) and the mobile app, while opening a new regional office on Holden Street in Providence. In addition, extensive focus has been placed on call center improvements, creation of document scanning centers, and back-office operations. Also, the agency is providing hands-on tech support so customers can make effective use of online services, while also modifying the SNAP interview process through the recently launched SNAP Connect pilot, currently underway for Pawtucket customers.
“By improving access, reducing wait times, and integrating digital tools, DHS is helping more Rhode Islanders connect to the services they need, when and how they need them,” said Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. “I commend Director Merolla-Brito and her team for their commitment to continuously improving the customer experience and ensuring that our safety net programs are responsive, respectful and accessible.”
The Shepard Building office, located at 80 Washington St., will operate as an appointment-only facility for in-person visits. It will have ground-floor access, and DHS-specific entry. It will occupy approximately 10,000 square feet of space.
Providence customers needing support with Rhode Island Works (RIW), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other DHS services can schedule their appointments in advance. Those choosing in-person options will be directed to the Shepard Building for their appointments.
For customers attending scheduled in-person appointments at the Shepard Building, validated parking will be available at the Rhode Island Convention Center Garage. Please note customers have the option for on-street parking but that is limited to metered spaces. The Convention Center offers a convenient parking option for those visiting the Shepard Building for scheduled appointments. This office is also conveniently located on the bus line.
The Holden Street office will handle walk-in support and in-person document scanning. Additionally, every Wednesday, this location will provide dedicated technology support, where DHS staff will assist customers with customer portal setup, mobile app downloads, and other technological services. This aligns with DHS’s goal to empower customers with access to digital services 24-hours-a-day/7-days-a-week.
Customers are also encouraged to log on to the customer portal (healthyrhode.ri.gov) or use the HealthyRhode mobile app on their smartphones to accomplish program related tasks and requirements. For more information and a list of all agency regional offices please visit dhs.ri.gov.
