R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-6-2: Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide public assistance to residents of the state who are in need and who meet the eligibility requirements of the various programs that constitute public assistance. It shall be the responsibility of the department to provide assistance to residents of Rhode Island found by the department to be eligible for assistance in accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations lawfully promulgated by the department. In that the state has resources to meet the needs of its residents, the department shall determine, upon application, eligibility for those programs financed in whole or in part by the federal government before providing general public assistance as provided in § 40-6-3.