#MiddletownRI officials and its partners aim to assist the close to 1,100 locals potentially impacted by the government shutdown. Visit Services for help with food support, housing, heating, mental health and more.
MIDDLETOWN, PARTNERS STEPPING UP TO ASSIST THOSE IN NEED
MIDDLETOWN, RI (OCTOBER 30, 2025) – The Town of Middletown and its community partners are here to help those dealing with the government shutdown.
Watching national events closely, the town has a wide list of resources available to everyone at https://mdl.town/Services online.
This includes food support through organizations like the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport as well as local food drives like the one organized by the Middletown Employee Wellness Committee.
There’s also information at the #MiddletownHelps webpage to provide support with everything from paying rent to heating assistance along with those who need to talk with someone confidentially.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people and this is real and we hear you,” Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “I was just on a statewide call earlier and people need to know there’s a lot of support here in Middletown and across Rhode Island. No matter what’s going on, everyone needs to know you’re not alone and we’ll get through this together.”
“People need to know first and foremost, the town and its community partners understand and we’re here to help,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “Things are difficult right now for a lot of our residents and they need to know there are resources, good resources available to help everyone.”
On a state level, Rhode Island is channeling those in need through snapsupport.ri.gov online.
For those in Middletown looking to speak with someone directly, contact the following individuals:
- For the Middletown community, contact Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships Lori Turner at lturner@middletownri.gov or 401-842-6599.
- For the Middletown senior population, contact the Middletown Senior Center at akaull@middletownri.gov or (401) 849-8823.
- For the Middletown schools, contact Homeless and Family Liaison Megan Mainzer at mmainzer@mpsri.net or (401) 849-2122.
Turner said she’s sat in on a number of meetings and discussions this week and was happy with the coordinated effort being put together on Middletown’s behalf.
“We have outstanding community partners, second to none, and it helps that we have so many of these relationships already in place,” Turner said. “We’re working with experts in these fields, people who know what to do and how to get things done with a positive outcome.”
Also a member of the Employee Wellness Committee, Turner asked those looking to give to drop off nonperishable food items at donation bins located across the community during normal business hours.
Those include the Department of Public Works at 9 Berkeley Ave.; the Fire Department at 239 Wyatt Road; the Middletown Public Library at 700 West Main Road; the Middletown Senior Center at 650 Green End Ave.; the Police Department at 123 Valley Road and Middletown Town Hall at 350 East Main Road.
All the food and donations generated go to benefit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and its continuing quest to help those in need. The MLK Center’s hunger relief programs include the Island Oasis Food Pantry at Middletown High School and the monthly Mobile Food Pantry in local neighborhoods.
If want to place a collection box at your business or organization to assist the Middletown Employee Wellness Committee food drive, please get in touch with Turner.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have the MLK Center and all our community partners,” Turner said. “When things are difficult, that’s when you get to see the true measure of people and organizations. This is what we do and why we’re here, to help.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Snap
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov