Licking County assistance programs.

Housing repairs

Almost $600,000 is being provided to Newark as part of the Community Housing Improvement Program grant to repair and improve older homes throughout the area. The funds will be used to modernize and improve homes of eligible lower income families. Some of the funds will be used for emergency repairs. The program will help pay for a variety of upgrades, including roofs, new windows, electrical updates, gutters, or even foundation repairs, among other improvements to the homes. Call the Licking County Metropolitan Housing Authority 704-349-8069.

Utility bill help in Licking County

The LEADS Community Action Agency offers program to help residents pay for utility, cooling, and winter heating bills. They receive funds from various government agencies, including federal stimulus funds, as well as local energy companies including Columbia Gas that LEADS uses to pay for the programs. Phone (740) 349-8606.

Emergency assistance programs

Catholic Social Services, which is based in Newark Ohio, provides help to all low income, qualified people, regardless of faith. The programs they offer include the following. Senior Supportive Services, Individual and Family Supportive Services, Transportation, and Payee Services. (614) 221-5891.

Another option is the Newark Ohio Salvation Army. Phone 740-345-8120. The Salvation Army is a national organization that runs several  assistance programs. They provide help for various expenses, including rent, heating and utility bills, free food, and more. They also offer counseling, senior and youth programs. They are also a great resource for people to call to learn about other Ohio and federal government assistance programs.

The LEADS Community Action Agency, which is based in Newark but serves the entire county of Licking, offers various forms of aid. Get help for the following:

• Summer crisis program - Pays for air conditioning bills and units, and other summertime expenses.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - Is a federal government funded program that helps for utility bills.
• Winter Crisis Program - Provides funds and grants for heating bills, if someone is facing a disconnection.
• Food - The agency partnered with Food Pantry Network to provide low income and other qualified families with free food and groceries.
• Emergency Food and Shelter Program - The LEADS community action agency provides help for eligible families if they need assistance with paying for food, rent, energy bills, and temporary housing
• Home repairs and weatherization - Receive minor home repairs and / or weatherization assistance, both of which can help people reduce their energy bills, and make a home safe and modern.
• Clothes - Get free gently used, or occasionally new clothes.

Eviction and utility service disconnection assistance

If you are facing an eviction, need help with rent expenses, or are facing a disconnection of your heating or utility service, contact the Licking County Coalition for the Homeless. They administer an assistance program known as Project Homeline. The non-profit agency known as LCCH provides a " one stop shop" for housing and rent assistance resources, homelessness prevention services, utility help, and landlord and tenant assistance. People who are at risk for utility disconnection, facing an eviction or foreclosure should call for more information or assistance. Call the agency at 740-345-1970.