Summit County assistance programs.

Find help with rent, your monthly mortgage, and utility bills

The Akron Summit Community Action Inc., located at 55 E. Mill Street, Akron, Ohio (Phone: 330-376-7730) offers low to moderate income families access to various programs and resources. Some of what is available is below, as well as information on other assistance programs.

Rent assistance

If you apply and are found to be qualified, you can receive as much as $700 for paying one month's rent or you can receive a $1,000 cash grant that is to be used for one month's mortgage payment (principal and interest only). The community action agency has provided rent/mortgage assistance since the early 1980s. The housing assistance program is funded with federal government dollars that made available through the United Way organization. Learn more on Ohio foreclosure assistance programs.

Food Aid and Nutrition

Receive food assistance and supplemental nutrition if your household is considered low income. Locations, pantries, and outreach sites are located in Akron, Springfield and Barberton.

Optical & Dental Care

If you do not have dental or vision insurance, Akron Summit Community Action Inc. provides an eye exam, dental exam, or pair of glasses as well as filling or extraction of teeth. Find additional medical and hospital bill assistance programs.

 

 

 

Utility and Heating Bill Assistance

• Receive help with energy bills from the Summer Crisis Program (SCP). Assistance is provided to those households with an electric bill payment during the hot summer months. The Summer Crisis Program is available annually from June through August.
   
• Winter Crisis Program (WCP) will help low to moderate income families and individuals who are in danger of having their electric or gas service disconnected, that may have already had their utility service disconnected, or if someone has less than a ten day supply of bulk fuel or heating oil. This program runs annually from November to March.
   
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is an extended payment plan that requires electric and gas companies located in Ohio to accept payments for energy bills based on a percentage of the monthly household income.
   
• Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities Community Service of Summit County, or Lakemore United Community Council, or Hudson Community Services.

All of the programs mentioned above are coordinated by the Akron Summit Community Action Inc. 330-376-7730.

Other assistance programs in the Summit County and Akron area include:

Find housing repair assistance programs

Residents can take advantage of several resources that can help them repair, update, and modernize their homes. Some the aid is available in the form of grants and some as low interest loans. However, note that the potential for assistance does exist. (330) 643-2568.

Akron Urban League/ United Services for All - Housewarming Program

Some of the the types of repairs included in this program are the install insulation in attic and sidewalls, and also a furnace repair and hot water tank replacement. Contact the Urban League at 250 E. Market St. Akron Ohio. (330) 434-3101.

Minor Home Repair from the City of Akron

The general description of this repaid program is that it provides a grant of up to a maximum of $4,000 to correct safety and health items in the home. Any repairs are giving the highest priority. Contact the city of Akron.

 

 

Emergency Home Repair Program

This is offered by the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC). Details of this assistance include residents can receive minor and emergency home repairs, the maximum dollar amount is $450, and emergencies are prioritized. What they will repair is quite extensive, and includes the roof, plumbing, electric service, heating, and more. More information can be had at their office at 1035 Rosemary Blvd., Suite J in Akron Ohio. (330) 724-0244.

Financial assistance for bills, rent, and other aid

Info Line Inc., which is based in Akron Ohio, runs the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing rent assistance and homeless prevention program. It provides grants to pay rent up to 18 months, funds for utility bills and security deposits, and other aid. Dial (330) 615-0566.

Copley Outreach Center ((330) 665-3335) provides very limited grants for utility bill payment assistance, rent payment assistance, housing expenses and prescription expense assistance when funds are available.

Blessed Trinity Parish - A center that offers utility and heating bill payment assistance for individuals and families in need in Summit County Ohio. Funding is very limited for bill assistance so this service may not be available at all times. Akron (330) 376-5144

Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development - They have funds from the federal government funded homeless prevention and rapid rehousing program. This can provide emergency rent assistance for up to 18 months, counseling, funds for paying a security deposits, and even such resources as credit counseling. Dial (330) 375-2090

CANAPI - AIDS/HIV patients can apply for limited financial assistance. Get help with utility bill payment assistance, housing (including mortgage and rent payment assistance) and more. 895 North Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44310, (330) 252-1559

Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation – Cancer patients and families may quality for financial help. Aid is offered on a case by case basis. Ask about utility bill payment assistance, rent payment assistance, transportation costs, mortgage payments, and free food vouchers. Akron, OH 44333. (330) 835-5985

Trinity United Church Of Christ – The church offers emergency financial assistance to avoid utility and heating disconnections. 915 North Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44310, dial (330) 376-7186

Veterans Service Commission – Military members and families can apply for help with rent, energy bills, and other services. 1060 East Waterloo Road, Akron, Ohio 44306, (330) 643-2830

Green Welfare And Recreation Association - Provides limited heating and utility bill payment assistance for people in need of help. 6233 Redbird Terrace, Clinton, Ohio 44216, phone (330) 882-3396

Springfield Township Community Fund – The struggling may receive up to $200 to use for the payment of gas, heating or electric bills. They can also coordinate the payments for heating oil in a crisis. 2094 Portage Line Road, Mogadore (Summit County), Ohio 44260. (330) 784-3990

Please note that about 10 other charities, government programs, and not-for profits operate in the county. Read more on Akron and Summit County rent assistance.

Summit County Ohio financial programs that are available across the state

Individuals and families in Akron and Summit County Ohio can also get help from state programs that assist with paying utilities, mortgages and foreclosure counseling, heating bills, free food, health care and more.

• Ohio free HUD foreclosure prevention
• Ohio energy and heating bill assistance
• Ohio free health care and community clinics
• Ohio section 8 housing programs
• Ohio mortgage and foreclosure programs
• Ohio food bank and distribution centers
• Ohio free legal assistance
• Clinics in Ohio offer low cost dental care. Click here.

Debt assistance, help with mortgage, and foreclosure prevention

There are several non-profit agencies in Akron Ohio and Summit County that provide assistance. Meet with a counselor to help get out of debt, and receive access to foreclosure counseling.

Summit County Consumer Credit Counseling - The agency will help homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments and it will provide assistance to those families who are at risk of losing their homes through foreclosure. Aid is also available for people who are already in the foreclosure process. Also learn about debt management plans and ways to deal with credit card and other debts or loans. Phone (800) 355-2227.

Akron based Mustard Seed Development Center ((330) 631-0350) provides information to people who need help paying their mortgage or who are dealing with a foreclosure. Learn more on government assistance mortgage programs.

Other locations to contact for debt, mortgage, and foreclosure help include Pride Through Empowerment Foundation ((330) 777-3331) and East Akron Neighborhood Development Agency, which employes HUD approved counselors. Dial (330) 724-0244.

Also, click here for debt and mortgage assistance programs from national lenders such as Bank of America.

City of Akron Neighborhood and Housing Development Programs

Akron Ohio offers various housing rehabilitation programs in certain areas of the city. Some of the available programs include Rental Rehabilitation Program, Housing Inspection/Rehabilitation, Community Development Services Programs, and the Neighborhood Housing Petition Program. The city will invest in qualified homes and properties to improve its outward appearance, including windows, roof, siding, porches, gutters, steps, foundation. They will also make sure that the major interior systems, including electrical, heating, and plumbing are in very good working order. This is funded by a combination of grants and low interest loans. Property owners will be eligible for up to a $7,500 free cash grant and they may also receive a $7,500 deferred loan, which is a loan that is set at 0% interest and the loan is repaid when the house is refinanced, sold, or transferred to heirs. Dial 330-762-9631. Click here to learn more on home repair programs.

Ohio Edison Electrical Repair Program

This is a free grant program that offers assistance for owners who reside in their homes (owner-occupied homes) and the money is to be used update their electrical service and keep the home safe. Phone number 330-434-3101.

 

 

Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County

This agency is located at 640 Main Street, Akron, OH 44310. They have limited funding and will try to assist children, disabled and elderly people, and women who need assistance with housing expenses, rent, utilities, water bills, heating expenses, mortgage help, due to terminal illness or unexpected events or crisis. They also have a food pantry and provide holiday meals. Phone number for Catholic Charities is (330) 762-7481.

The Salvation Army-Orrville Service Center

The main office is located at 332 W. High St. Call 330-683-3138. The agency will help people who are in need and who live in in Orrville, Kidron, Dalton, Marshallville and North Lawrence. They have limited funds available, and people in need can apply for rent help, prescription medications, and cash for heating and energy bills. Contact the Akron Salvation Army at (330) 376-5169.

Hudson Community services

This non-profit organization coordinates the distribution of emergency financial assistance in the Akron Ohio community including food, medical supplies, utility and heating bill payments and clothing. It also sponsors activities for senior citizens and refers people to government programs. Call Hudson Community Service Association at 330.653.6509.

Lakemore United Community Council

This Summit County organization provides emergency food, helps with paying utility bills and provides some prescription medications, and it supports athletic and recreational programs for youth and other community members. The programs offered are only for residents of the Village of Lakemore. Dial 330.699.5801 to reach Lakemore United Community Council.

Health and medical care in Summit County Ohio

Tens of thousands of local individuals, including children, do not have health or dental insurance. Three health centers to call for free medical care, prescription medications, or savings on their medical bills are below. Or you can find additional Summit County clinics.

The Barberton Community Health Clinic offers low income patients and the uninsured medical care. It runs a free health care clinic that staffed by volunteer area physicians, nurses, doctors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, lay personnel, and other medical professionals. 330.745.7471.

Akron Community Health Resources (phone (330) 724-5471) provides a full range of primary medical care for adults and children. Patients bills and charges will be based on a sliding fee scale.

Health Connections Network is a volunteer organization that helps and will match uninsured persons and patients with a volunteer primary care physician or doctor who will provide regular health and vision care and referrals for volunteer-provided specialty and other medical care services. Enrolls participants in free or reduced cost prescription programs as well. Click here to find more on medical programs, or dial (866) 706-0209.

Free legal advice from non-profit law firms

Elderly and low-income residents of central northeast Ohio and Summit County can get free legal advice from Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. Click here to read more, or call the agency at 330.535.4191.

Free food, meals, and perishable items

Regardless of your income, background, or religion, a large number of food banks and pantries, charities, and churches serve the needy with groceries, meals, and free or low cost food. If the three locations listed below can’t meet your needs for food, then find more Akron and Summit County food banks.

• Blessed Trinity Parish, call (330) 376-5144. Regardless of religion, this location provides a free food pantry for people in need of help. Clients of this location may receive food assistance up to once every 3 months or a maximum of 4 times per year.
• Ellet Good Neighbors, located at 2630 Albrecht Road in Akron, offers referrals and partners with local food distribution groups and banks. Dial (330) 784-1395.
• Joanne's Pantry, dial (330) 794-2562, runs a food pantry for Akron residents in need of help.