KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Rhode Island Homeless Bill of Rights

On June 20, 2012, Governor Chafee signed the Homeless Bill of Rights into law, making Rhode Island the first state in the nation to formally protect the rights of those experiencing homelessness. The law, RIGL § 34-37.1-3, states:

“No person’s rights, privileges, or access to public services may be denied or abridged solely because he or she is homeless. Such a person shall be granted the same rights and privileges as any other resident of this state.

This information is not intended to serve as legal advice. If you have additional questions, or if you feel your rights have been violated, you can contact the ACLU of RI.

Right to public space
You have the right to use all public sidewalks, public parks, public transportation, and public buildings like all other residents. You cannot be told to “move along” because of how you look or because you have belongings with you.

Right to equal treatment
You have the right to equal treatment by all state and municipal agencies, including but not limited to libraries, police, RIPTA, EMS, city and town halls, parks, and the Rhode Island State House, without discrimination because of your housing status.

Right to employment nondiscrimination
You have the right to not be discriminated against during or while seeking employment due to a lack of permanent mailing address, or because your mailing address is a shelter or that of a social service provider, or because an employer knows or suspects that you are experiencing homelessness.

Right to emergency medical care
You cannot be denied medical care or emergency services because of your housing status. You have the right to be treated like any other patient when seeking medical attention.

Right to vote
You have the right to register to vote, to vote at your local polling place, and receive the necessary documentation to prove your identity when voting without discrimination due to housing status. You don’t need a home to register, but you do have to identify a place of residence (which can be a street corner, a shelter, or another place where you usually stay). You can also use the address of the Board of Canvassers in the town where you usually stay

Right to protection of records
You have the right for your personal records, such as information provided to homeless shelters, service providers, medical professionals, and similar entities, to generally remain confidential.

Right to privacy
You have the right to a reasonable expectation of privacy with your personal property to the same extent you would have in a permanent residence. This includes being protected from unreasonable search or seizure of your personal belongings, such as your backpack or tent.

If you have been discriminated against on the basis of your housing status
Write down or record as much of the incident as you can (what happened, where, when, and who). Try to get the name, badge number, license plate, and other identifying information about the person or law enforcement officer(s) involved.

If you are in immediate need of help
Regional Access Points (RAPs) are local, easy-to-access entry points that individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness can use to begin the process of accessing housing, supportive services, and emergency shelter. If you are unsheltered and not located near a RAP, you can still contact one and they will connect you with a Street Outreach Team to assist you. For a complete list of RAPs, year-round emergency shelters, and more resources, go here.

Organizations you can contact for help
Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (401) 213-4618

Better Lives Rhode Island
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (401) 454-7422

Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project (RIHAP)
Email: [email protected]
Attend a RI Homeless Advocacy Project meeting on Wednesdays, 12pm-1pm, 134 Matthewson St., Providence

ACLU of Rhode Island
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (401) 831-7171

October 2026