PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island is getting another $6.2 million to help the homeless or people facing eviction during the coronavirus crisis.

The new federal funds will help nonprofits, local governments and public housing authorities provide critical assistance to Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement Friday.

The funding can be used to provide child care, education services, street outreach, employment assistance, outpatient health services, legal assistance, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and transportation.

Overall, Rhode Island has received more than $11 million in so-called Emergency Solutions Grant funding.

“We have to find ways to keep people safe, protect public health, and prevent an affordable housing crisis from becoming an eviction disaster,” the Rhode Island Democrat said in a statement.

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UTILITY BILLS

Newport’s Department of Utilities is allowing customers in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth to set up payment plans if they are experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus.

Anyone who wants to set up a payment plan for their water or sewer bill should contact the office.

“The Department of Utilities understands the hardship our residential and commercial customers are facing and that they have choices to make,” the agency said in a statement to The Newport Daily News.

The department has also temporarily suspended interest charges from accruing on past due amounts as of May 1.