Cranston nonprofit wins grant to offer health and dental services

Help is coming for people who are homeless. The Rhode Island Foundation is giving the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) in Cranston $75,000 to offer health and dental care.

“Developing an inclusive primary care system that promotes healthy lives is one of our core strategic initiatives. These grants will advance our continuing efforts to make quality health care more accessible and affordable,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

CCAP’s grant will serve people who spend nights at Harrington Hall, the state’s homeless shelter in Cranston. They will be assessed for needs and connected to services with an emphasis on housing supports, job training and placement.

“By providing a social worker and health care providers on site, we will be able to engage and educate residents as well as collaborate with shelter staff. We are confident that with transportation and opportunities for a ‘warm handoff,’ we can link residents to needed health care services,” said Joanne McGunagle, CCAP’s president and CEO.

The grant was among nearly $280,000 in grants awarded by the Foundation. Area residents are also expected to benefit from grants awarded to four other nonprofit organizations: the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), Hasbro Children's Hospital, the Rhode Island Center for Justice and the VNA of Care New England.

The Foundation awarded the grants through a fund created in partnership with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, which announced a $1.6 million contribution for future grant-making.

“Philanthropic support can provide the seed funding necessary to take innovative programs like these to the next level,” said Karen Voci, president of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. “I am proud to announce that we are making a final $1.6 million contribution to the Rhode Island Foundation. The contribution caps a long partnership that has generated nearly $2.3 million in grants for health and health care across Rhode Island,” she said.

That new funding will enhance the Foundation’s capacity to invest in projects, programs and organizations that support health and healthcare in Rhode Island. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year as part of the Foundation’s general health-related grant-making.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $114 million and awarded $52 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2018. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.