For Limited English Proficiency Persons (LEP) Language can be a barrier to accessing important benefits or services, understanding and exercising important rights, complying with applicable responsibilities, or understanding other information provided by the Providence Housing Authority (PHA). LEP persons are defined as persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English. The PHA offers competent interpretation services free of charge, upon request, to LEP applicants, public housing residents, Section 8 participants, and other participants in PHA programs.
The PHA provides written translations of vital documents for each eligible LEP language group that constitutes 5 percent or 1,000 persons, whichever is less, of the population of persons eligible to be served or likely to be affected or encountered by PHA. Translation of other documents, if needed, can be provided orally; or if there are fewer than 50 persons in a language group that reaches the 5 percent trigger, the PHA may not translate vital written materials, but will provide written notice in the primary language of the LEP language group of the right to receive competent oral interpretation of those written materials, free of cost.
Any person who believes that their right to language access has not been met by the PHA may file a report to Michelle Roccio, PHA Language Access Coordinator, by e-mailing mrocchio@provhousing.org or by calling 401-709-1301 #