WHO WE HELP
Assistance Criteria
Network’s services are available to those who are at or below 185% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The chart illustrates the highest allowable annual and monthly income based on household size.
Additionally, to enroll in Network’s services, we request that our neighbors provide the following:
- Proof of address showing that they live within Network’s SERVICE AREA
- Documentation of income
- Identification for all members of the household
The ability to provide these documents will not affect eligibility to receive food.
OUR SERVICE AREA
Network of Community Ministries serves all 14 zip codes within RISD, INCLUDING the parts of those zip codes that may be a part of other school districts. You do not have to be enrolled in RISD to receive help.
Basic Needs Assistance
Helping our neighbors struggling to afford food, clothing, and utilities.
If you need food assistance and have never been to Network before, please verify that you meet our ASSISTANCE CRITERIA and then visit us at 1500 International Parkway Ste 300 during our service hours to be certified. Please be sure to bring the application, release forms, and requested documents (located above) with you in order to make the process as smooth as possible. You will then receive Network Cards with Network Dollars to use for food at Network.
Shopping in Network's Community Food Market is by appointment only.
If you are currently registered with Network for assistance— You should have received an email with a link to sign up for shopping. You can also visit our front desk or call 972-234-8880 ext. 104 for assistance signing up.
If you are coming to Network for the first time—You will receive the sign-up link when you are registered for services.
Should you have any questions about this process, please send us an email at info@thenetwork.org or contact us at 972-234-8880 ext. 104.
If you need clothing assistance and have never been to Network before, please verify that you meet our ASSISTANCE CRITERIA and then visit us at 1500 International Parkway Ste 300 during our service hours to be certified. Please be sure to bring the application, release forms, and requested documents (located above) with you in order to make the process as smooth as possible. You will then receive Network Cards with Network Dollars to use for clothing at Network.
Shopping in Network's Community Food Market is by appointment only.
If you are currently registered with Network for assistance— You should have received an email with a link to sign up for shopping. You can also visit our front desk or call 972-234-8880 ext. 104 for assistance signing up.
If you are coming to Network for the first time—You will receive the sign-up link when you are registered for services.
Should you have any questions about this process, please send us an email at info@thenetwork.org or contact us at 972-234-8880 ext. 104.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NETWORK IS NOT CURRENTLY OFFERING RENTAL ASSISTANCE DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS.
Network offers utility assistance through partnerships with TXU, Reliant, and Atmos Energy as funds are available. To qualify, you must live in our SERVICE AREA and meet our ASSISTANCE CRITERIA. Please call 972-234-8880 for more information.
Mobile Markets
Network has two Mobile Mobile Food Pantries which visit schools, day cares and other locations within RISD each week.
Pampillonia Stabilization Program
Network’s help with critical basic needs – food, clothing, and utility assistance- is a lifeline to many, often helping them get through challenging times. However, sometimes these same individuals continue to return for assistance due to other obstacles and limitations that keep them from reaching stability.
Call 972-234-8880 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
The Pampillonia Stabilization Program works deeper with our neighbors to provide:
- Comprehensive and emergency case management
- Access to mainstream benefits
- Resources and referrals to partners and community programs
- Life skills coaching
- Budgeting and financial education
- 1-on-1 Job Coaching
- Resume development
- Job readiness skills training
- Assistance completing job applications
- Interview skills training
- Child Care Assistance
- Mock Interviews (with a free outfit)
Network also partners with other community agencies to offer:
- GED
- English Second Language (ESL)
- Microsoft Office Suite
Mental health services
Many of our neighbors cannot afford mental health care, let alone counseling. These services, which Network offers at no cost for as long as the neighbor needs, provide a space to heal and grow in a safe and supportive environment.
- Three mental health professionals– A Qualified Mental Health Professional- QMHP and two Licensed Master Social Workers- LMSW– to provide personalized mental health care for our neighbors
- Depression Screenings and Anxiety Screenings and a Self Sufficiency Survey for all incoming neighbors to help Network better understand and address your needs.
- Parent Cafés– to provide support groups for any/all neighbors that need additional community and social connection.
Email agonzales@thenetwork.org to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Seniors’ Net
Basic needs assistance (food, clothing and utilities) for seniors aged 60 and above or disabled. Seniors’ Net Programs include:
- Home Food Delivery
- Information and Referral
- Handyman Program (available to all seniors in service area – no income qualification)
- Companion Calls
- Seniors’ Day – weekly event open to all seniors in our community- regardless of their financial situation- to enjoy lunch, take part in educational seminars, light exercise and activities and socialize with friends.
Youth Programs
A variety of seasonal youth programming meets the needs of the youngest members of our families in need. Programs include:
Educator Pantry is available for RISD teachers at all levels to pick up nutritious snacks for their students at Network’s onsite Community Market and walk-on Mobile Market.
Network’s Big Meals for Little Kids Program supplies school-aged children with healthy and convenient food options during the summer months when they are no longer receiving breakfast or lunch from their school’s free or reduced cost meal program.
Network’s Tools 4 School Program provides backpacks filled with supplies for school aged-children.
Network’s Toyland Express Program provides toys to children during the holidays.
Through our partnership with Central Arts, Network is able to provide a safe and fun environment where kids can get creative and express themselves after school. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 4- 5 p.m. we'll be painting and crafting with these creative kids.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
