Employment | Housing | Support Groups

The East Bay retains a strong industrial base. Emerging in the past decade as the major source of employment is the boatbuilding industry and numerous related trades. The East Bay has become one of the largest boatbuilding centers in the United States. Area companies employ well over 1,000 people and produce class and custom boats known throughout the world. Blount Shipyard has become one of the largest builders of cruise ships crafted after the well-known Bay Queen and American-Canadian Cruise liners.

Significant growth has also occurred in the East Bay's service industries. Major employment is provided by area medical facilities, Roger Williams University, and the many small professional offices evident throughout the county. The East Bay has an outstanding mix of businesses to provide visitors and residents with all the basic necessities.

The Town of Warren has a certified Arts District that allows artists living in Warren, creating in Warren, or selling products created in Warren to be exempt from income tax on the art they have sold.  In addition, if you are a merchant that sells products created by a local artist or artisan you do not have to charge your customers sales tax or pay state sales taxes on those products sold. All artists must apply for eligibility through the Rhode Island Council on the Arts, which will submit an application to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation for approval.

Housing
Bristol Housing Authority, 253-4464
1014 Hope Street, Bristol
Providing vouchers and certificates for eligible low income persons to help pay their rent.  Operates Benjamin Church Manor.

East Bay CDC, 253-2080
160 Franklin Street, Bristol
Develops affordable housing for low moderate income families and the elderly which includes rental and home ownership in addition to assisted living.

Warren Housing Authority, 245-7019
20 Libby Lane, Warren
Providing vouchers and certificates for elegible low income persons to help pay their rent.  Operates Kickemuit Village.

Support Groups
Bristol Good Neighbor Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry, 254-0726
378 Hope Street, Bristol
Soup kitchen located in St. Michael's Church parish hall. Coffee and muffins served from 8:30-10:00 am and lunch at 11:30 am.  Donated clothing and groceries are also available.

Bristol-Warren COZ(Child Opportunity Zone)/Family Center, 245-1460
In conjunction with the Bristol-Warren Regional School District, provides information and referrals on educaiton, social services and health programs to the community.

Corliss Institute, 292 Main Street, Warren, Mary Wambach, 245-3609
Services for deaf persons with diverse disabilities.

Department of Children, Youth, & Families , (DCYF) 254-7000
530 Wood Street, Bristol

East Bay Food Pantry & Stone Soup Thrift Shop, 396-9490, 150 Franklin Street, Bristol

In-Sight  (Bristol County Chapter) , Al Finger, 253-7176; Fred Rounds, 253-5577
Support group for the blind, visually impaired and others

Riverwood Mental Health Services, 25 Railroad Avenue, Warren
Dan Kubas-Meyer, 247-4278

Self Help, Inc., 437-1000, 100 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside

W.I.C. 437-1007, 100 Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside

Senior Meals Center, 245-2474, 20 Libby Lane, Warren

Tap-In (Touch a Peson in Need), 247-1444, 281 County Road, Barrington
Resource for furniture, clothing, household goods and appliances for people in need.  Food pantry available.

Women's Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties, 247-2070
624 Main Street, Warren
Open wekkdays:24 hour hotline, Counseling advocacy, appointments, referrals for domestic violence victims, Confidential Shelter, programs for children who witness domestic violence and a school-based Youth Violence Prevention program.