Cuyahoga County assistance programs.

Locate help with rent, utility, and heating bills

Low and moderate income families and individuals of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Ohio can get help from The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC). They are a private, non-profit organization that is committed to providing people assistance and resources to help people make it thru short term needs they may have. The services they offer are below, as well as their phone number.

Rent, mortgage, and foreclosure assistance

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County residents who may be facing foreclosure, eviction, or homelessness may be eligible to receive financial assistance and grants that can be used for paying rent and security deposits, mortgage payments, rent, delinquent real estate and property taxes, or utility and heating bill payments. CEOGC operates a Housing Services office that offers applicants counseling, provides financial assistance and grants, and it can help to identify safe, affordable housing for people who need to move or find a home. Payments from the program are made directly to landlords, lenders, and housing managers on behalf of the eligible homeowners and tenants. Ohio homeowners have several other places they can turn to in order to get mortgage help, including assistance from banks, the federal government, and other agencies.

Grants for utility and heating bills from the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP)

As everyone knows, the Cleveland Ohio area can have a cold, long winter. During the winter heating season as designated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (which normally runs from November to March), the Housing Services Office accepts applications from the thousands of eligible Cuyahoga County and Cleveland residents who need emergency payments to pay for their heating and gas bills, electricity for forced air heat, and bulk fuels such as heating oil, coal, and wood. The application period normally begins on November 1st and ends March 31st every year.

Help for paying summer cooling bills

In addition to the winter program mentioned above, aid is also available from CEOGC during the summer months. Grants and funding may be available to help low and moderate income Cuyahoga County residents pay for the electricity that is necessary to keep their homes cool. In addition, funds are also available to provide fans and even air conditioners for those people who are suffering from illnesses that can be life threatening when summer temperatures are extremely high. The application period for the summer cooling bill program, which is also part of the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP), normally begins on June 1st and ends August 31st of each year.

 

 

 

Job Search Assistance, Training and Placement

The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland offers assistance to job seekers in a resource room that is equipped with computers, a fax machine, and telephones that are accessible to help job seekers search for and apply for job openings, and also follow-up with local employers. In addition to the self service resources offered, job seekers may also be able to receive one-on-one support and counseling during their job searches and they may able be able to receive some direct referrals to employers who have posted their job notices and openings with the program. Candidates may also be able to receive job-readiness training, which will prepare job seekers. It will help them develop their so called “soft skills”; assisting them to write a resume and cover letter; teaching them how to identify their existing skills and talents; giving candidates the opportunity to practice a job interview; and, also show them the skills that are needed to influence them to use their new skills to foster longer-term employment and career growth.

Suspension of Property Tax Foreclosures

Cuyahoga County and Cleveland government official have declared a six-month halt in foreclosures for unpaid property taxes. The moratorium will be in place for at least the next six months, and local government officials say it will help over 1,700 homes that are now in the foreclosure process due to property tax issues and it will also help another 1,700 or so people that are expected to fall behind on their property tax payments in the next half-year.

Officials hope the moratorium on property tax sales will help some owners avoid foreclosure and that is will also prevent more properties from going vacant. It is important to note that taxes will still be owed after the six months moratorium ends, and that interest and penalties will continue to add up during suspension. Find additional ways to get property tax help.

 

 

Other programs offered by Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland

Some other programs offered include free tax preparation, Head Start, and referrals to other government agencies, charities, and organizations.

The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland is located at 1228 Euclid Ave, Suite 700, Cleveland, Ohio, and the phone number is (216) 696-9077.

Cuyahoga County Ohio programs that help people across the state of Ohio

Residents of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland can also get help with utilities, mortgages and foreclosure counseling, free food, and other aid from resources and services that help anyone in Ohio.

• Ohio utility bill assistance
• Ohio HUD foreclosure counseling
• Ohio mortgage programs
• Ohio Section 8 housing programs
• Ohio free community clinics
• Ohio free legal aid
• Ohio free dental centers
• Ohio free food banks

Rent Assistance from the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services administers this program. The goal is to both help people stay in their homes if they are facing an eviction, and to also help currently homeless people find a new home. The prevention efforts focus on providing temporary rent assistance and cash grants to individuals and families with stable incomes to keep them from becoming homeless. The program is not intended to be a charity program, but it will focus on people who are faced with a short term hardship and who need some help to make it through a difficult period. 216.420.6844

Cleveland Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

Housing counselors from Community Housing Solutions can work with individuals and families to assist homeowners in both stopping and ongoing and avoiding a future foreclosure through debt negotiation, providing mortgage assistance, refinancing, loan modifications, obtaining lower terms and rates, assisting families in developing budgets and referrals to other needed resources and Ohio and federal government programs or services as needed. Call the agency at (216) 231-5815.

Cleveland Housing Network is another agency to contact. They offer extensive mortgage help. In total, four different types of mortgage assistance are offered, including partial mortgage payment, principle reduction, past due mortgage payment, and foreclosure transition. These program are offered alone or in combination with other options, all in an effort to help Cleveland area homeowners avoid foreclosure. In addition, they provide ongoing partial mortgage payment assistance in order to keep the homeowner current (funds to pay up to 15 months) as well as payment on past-due or delinquent mortgage expenses in order to bring the homeowner current on their mortgage. Call (216) 881-8443, or learn more on Ohio mortgage programs, including the Ohio hardest hit fund.

Additional mortgage and foreclosure assistance programs, advice, and services are provided by Housing Advocates (216) 431-7400, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland ((216) 687-1900), and Northern Ohio Affordable Housing (216) 932-6624.

The County of Cuyahoga also runs a foreclosure assistance program known as Don’t Borrow Trouble. This is a counseling and mortgage financial assistance program for people in a crisis. More on Cuyahoga County foreclosure assistance.

Tenant and Landlord Assistance Programs

Cleveland Tenants Organization is a local organization that provides numerous resources, information and referrals to other agencies. They focus on resolving and helping with landlord/tenant dispute resolution and mediation services and evictions. They also provide access to Ohio foreclosure mediation programs, and can advice both renters and homeowners on federal, local, and state of Ohio federal landlord/tenant fair housing and related health laws and regulations. Call the organization at (216) 432-0617.

Rent, heating, and energy bill help

Lakewood Christian Service Center (phone (216) 226-6466) is an organization that provides rent payment assistance, energy, gas, and or utility bill assistance to qualified families in order to help them avoid homelessness due to eviction or utility shut-off/disconnection. The amount given to each applicant will vary with each case. In most cases the financial assistance provided will be for no longer than a three month period of time.

The Cleveland Based Emerald Development and Economic Network provides qualified individuals with a wide variety of housing and renal assistance that may be used to prevent evictions and homelessness from occurring. While there are different criteria, depending on the exact situation funds may be used to assist with paying rent expenses, utility and heating bill payment, and/or utility reconnection. Dial (216) 961-9690.

Other agencies that may be able to help include the Harry Ratner/Samuel D. and May Wise Human Service Funds. Send them a fax at (216) 896-0597 and the Parma City of Service Department. Dial (216) 661-7406.

Harry Ratner/Samuel D. and May Wise Human Service Funds - This charity, non-profit organization provides one-time cash grants for individuals and families with critical needs. May only cover a portion of the cost or expense. Some of the assistance provided is for baby clothing, utility bills, cribs, school uniforms, prescriptions, work clothing, furniture, linens, medical bills, dental bills, medical equipment and appliances which include air conditioners for medical purposes. Cleveland Ohio. Call (216) 566-1262

Bay Village City Of - Department Of Community Services - Programs can help pay utility and gas bills, as well as distribute food vouchers. 300 Bryson Lane, Bay Village, Ohio 44140. Phone (440) 899-3442.

Rise Above It - Can patients can receive financial assistance. The not-for profit can assist with hospital bills and expenses, prescription medications, and medical equipment/supplies that are not covered by insurance. Food ,clothing, and travel can also be provided. (440) 476-1088.

AIDS Taskforce Of Greater Cleveland - HIV or AIDs patients can apply for emergency financial assistance, which may be available to assist with meeting rental and utility payments for qualified Cuyahoga residents. 3210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Call (216) 621-0766

Cuyahoga County Department Of Senior And Adult Services - Can help people apply for HEAP (LIHEAP) federal government assistance. In addition, a great place to get referrals to charities, non-profits, and other government aid for housing, health care, and other needs. They also have information on other utility and heating programs. 1701 E 12th St., LL Reserve Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Call (216) 420-6830.

Empowerment Center Of Greater Cleveland - Customers of First Energy/The Illuminating Company can get up to $300 for bills. In addition, vouchers for food and eyeglasses are offered, and other assistance programs are run at the location too. 3030 Euclid Ave. Ste. 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Call (216) 432-4770

Veterans Service Commission - Cuyahoga County - Access food and clothing vouchers in an emergency situation, as well as help for other emergencies,, such as eviction prevention or utility disconnection. 1849 Prospect Ave. Rm. 150, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Phone number (216) 698-2632.

Journey Of Hope - Cancer patients and their families can get up to $500 to help pay for basic needs and expenses. 21139 Lorain Rd. Ste. 1, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126. Call (216) 262-0612

Lakewood Community Services Center - A number of social service programs are run, and they can help people apply for government aid too. For example, the agency provides rent payment assistance and/or utility bill assistance in order to avoid homelessness due to eviction or utility shut-off. Information on food pantries and clinics is available too. Address is 14230 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Call the agency at (216) 226-6466.

Christians In Action - Apply for emergency housing help, or in addition they offer some limited financial assistance for utility shut-off, if money is available (which it is limited). The agency will generally pay half of the utility bill or about $100, whichever is less. 7853 Main St., Olmsted Community Church, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138. Phone (440) 954-4140

A couple dozen other rental assistance programs operate across Cuyahoga and Cleveland Ohio. Read more on Cleveland rent help.

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Salvation Army

They operate several locations around the area, and each site can provide people with utility and heating bill assistance, free food, clothing vouchers, prescription medications, and referrals to other needed services or benefits, including government programs. The food program they offer consists of six pantries sites and it will provide people with a three-day grocery bag of nutritional food to families and / or individuals who are in need of food or other help. Contact the Cleveland Salvation Army at (216) 861-8185.

Child Care Assistance

A child care providers in the Cleveland Ohio area include the Lexington-Bell Community Center (216) 431-2164) which provides qualified families with low cost or free full-day, year round early learning/childhood care. The program covers after school child care and an eight week summer day camp program.

Credit and debt counseling

If you are struggling with paying down your debts, the Cleveland Housing Network helps low income residents. Credit counselors will work hand in hand with clients. The assistance is typically offered for anywhere from 6-12 months, and the counselors will help people resolve outstanding debt commitments and disputes, they will help them work out payment plans with creditors, medical providers, and credit card companies, and they will also educate clients on decision-making abilities. The free credit counseling is also combined with classes on money management, credit repair, and budgeting. Click here to learn more on credit card programs, or dial (216) 574-7100.

Many free credit, debt, and foreclosure programs and workshops are offered to individuals in the area from government approved non-profit agencies. Clients will need to meet certain income thresholds and other criteria. Find a listing of the non-profit credit counseling agencies in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Ohio.

 

 

Legal aid for evictions, foreclosure, and utility disconnections

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will provide low-income, elderly, unemployed, and other qualified individuals with pro bono legal council and free advice. The non-profit law firm can help prevent evictions, utility shut-offs, provide free legal foreclosure aid, and also ensure the enforcement of critical rights of tenants. Dial (216) 687-1900, or read more on Ohio free legal assistance.

Another place to turn to for foreclosure and tenant issues is Cleveland Tenants Organization. This agency can provide free information and referrals regarding landlord/tenant dispute resolution, can offer and mediation services, eviction and foreclosure assistance, and access and information on local, state and federal landlord/tenant fair housing, Ohio mortgage programs, and related health and safety laws.

Community Health

Some of the local clinics and facilities to turn to for health care needs include:

Care Alliance - Get access to free or low cost prescription drugs. In focuses its assistance programs on patients with chronic illness. It also targets patients who are uninsured, those living under federal poverty guidelines, the homeless and minorities, and the unemployed. (216) 781-6228.

Neighborhood Family Practice - This is primarily for the uninsured residents of Cleveland Ohio. The practice provides benefits assistance for the uninsured via a drug access program. Fees for the services will be determined by the NFP's Sliding Fee Schedule and determining eligibility and enrolling in available health coverage and plans. The clinic can be reached at (216) 281-0872.

Cuyahoga and the greater Cleveland Ohio are are supported by a number of other medical and dental centers as well. Most offer low cost or free services to income qualified residents. Find more Cleveland area clinics.

Cuyahoga County food pantries

A listing of places in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Ohio that provide food in an emergency or crisis include the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland ((216) 619-8155), Lights of Heart Villa (phone (440) 232-1991), South Hills Lend a Hand ((440) 526-0514), Affinity Missionary Baptist Church ((216) 780-0101), and the Bethany Baptist Church (216) 791-2673. If these locations can’t help you, find more Cuyahoga County food banks. Call them for food, perishable items, baby formula, holiday meals, and other assistance.