Assistance programs in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Find how to apply for financial assistance or get free stuff in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Struggling families, seniors, and the low income will get help with rent payments or energy bills, a free box of food, bus passes, and even free transportation services. Charities, churches and the government offer grants or immediate help. Locate financial help near you in Cuyahoga County and Cleveland OH.
There are other resources in the Cleveland OH region too. Everything from work from home or online jobs to free school supplies for kids, light bill help, and other goods. Some charities also provide free gasoline cards or vehicle for low-income families and give out Christmas toys during the holidays too.
Financial help with rent, utilities, and transportation in Cuyahoga County
Low or moderate income families and people with no money in Cuyahoga County can get help from Step Forward (formerly The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC)). They are a private, non-profit organization that provides financial assistance and grant money.
- Rent, mortgage, and foreclosure assistance is offered. Cleveland and Cuyahoga County residents who may be facing foreclosure, eviction, or homelessness may be eligible to receive money to pay for their housing costs, including deposits or storage too.
- Grants for utility and heating bills are paid out to help keep the power on. Or get applications to the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP). The non-profit will offer emergency payments to pay energy needs or even fix to a furnace.
- Help for paying summer cooling bills may be offered by the community action agency. Hardship funds are available from Step Forward, with a focus on senior citizens or disabled adults as well as single moms in Cleveland OH. In addition, Step Forward funds are also available to provide free fans and even air conditioners for those people who are suffering from illnesses that can be life threatening when summer temperatures are extremely high.
- Job search assistance, training and placement is a key resource. The Step Forward offers assistance to job seekers in a resource room that is equipped with computers, a fax machine, and telephones that are accessible. Staff will also help clients search for and apply for job openings as well as as follow-up with local employers. Even find work from home jobs.
- Or get free items, such as work clothes, uniforms or laptops. They may also be may able be able to receive some direct referrals to employers who have posted their job notices and openings with the program. Or find other places for free laptops.
- Property tax programs can help homeowners. The resources are limited. There are ways to challenge an assessment in Cuyahoga County. Direct financial aid is limited. Find additional ways to get property tax help.
- Other programs are offered by Step Forward in greater Cleveland. There are referrals too. Some other services offered include free tax preparation, Head Start, and referrals. The goal is to fight poverty and help the disadvantaged.
Step Forward (The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland) is located at 1801 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, and the phone number is (216) 696-9077. More information on Step Forward - Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland programs.
Cleveland Tenants and Housing Information Line has information on tenant and landlord assistance programs are focused on stopping homelessness. There is also information on low-cost, private landlords with houses or apartments to rent. They also provide access to Ohio foreclosure mediation programs.
- The Cleveland Tenants Information Line from legal aid is a local non-profit organization that provides numerous resources and referrals to other agencies. They focus on resolving and helping with landlord/tenant dispute resolution, free mediation services and evictions. There is also information on low income apartments that accept evictions. Call the organization at (216)-861-5955.
Lakewood Christian Service Center (phone (216) 226-6466) is an organization that provides rent payment assistance. There is also grant money to help pay energy, gas, and electric to qualified families. The money is given in order to help them avoid homelessness due to eviction or utility shut-off/disconnection. The address is 14230 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.
Ohio Volunteers of Americaoperates in the Cleveland area as well. A number of basic needs are available, including housing, free Thanksgiving meals, and assistance for seniors. As the name implies, many people from the community volunteer and partner with the less fortunate to offer services. There is also free items and housing resources for veterans and single parents. Homeless people in Cuyahoga County will get help too. Resources include:
- Homeless shelter and transitional homes for low income residents.
- Housing and job training for veterans and others, such as the homeless.
- VOA helps seniors and the disabled in Cuyahoga County.
- Free stuff is given to clients, including clothes, hygiene supplies, winter coats or jackets and more. Or locate a clothing giveaway program near you.
The non-profit offers other support services, with a focus on disabled people, the homeless or seniors. A major focus is on housing and basic needs. Other programs are available too. More on Volunteers of America in Ohio.
 The Cleveland Based Emerald Development and Economic Network (EDEN) provides qualified individuals with a wide variety of housing assistance. There are applications to 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. Some deposits or mobile home rent may be paid too. Dial (216) 961-9690. Location is 7812 Madison Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102.
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. The funds will only cover a portion of the cost or expense. Some of the assistance provided is for baby clothing, utility bills, cribs, school uniforms, or prescription vouchers. There are also details on phone bill help from Lifeline, even including a free government Apple iPhone program.
There will also be free work clothing, furniture, linens, or money for medical or dental bills. Or get free medical equipment and appliances which include air conditioners for medical purposes. Call (216) 566-1262 or 216.771.5077.
Church social service programs - Most faith based groups provide material or in-kind goods. This may be free food, clothing, furniture, cribs for babies, and similar items. On occasion, there may be local churches that offer money for some expenses, such as help with rent in Cleveland or prescriptions however funding is very limited Programs may offer temporary emergency financial aid for expenses including apartment/house/mobile home lots. This can include the rent or security deposits for them.
- Other support is for utility bills, minor car repairs, furnace repairs, food cards, and prescription medications. Over 20 churches in Cuyahoga County and throughout the city help families facing poverty. There is also support for immigrants, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of the community. More Cleveland and Cuyahoga County church assistance programs.
Bay Village City Of - Department Of Community Services - Programs can help pay utility, water and gas bills. The non-profit will also distribute food vouchers. Or get free hot meals for the homeless and applications to benefits. Address is 300 Bryson Lane, Bay Village, Ohio 44140. Phone (440) 899-3442.
Emergency heating bill assistance - If you are struggling with paying your heating bills and meet low income guidelines, then look into some of the programs offered by non-profits and also Cuyahoga County government. Fund, grants, and heating oil are just some of what is offered to the working poor. A formal application process is in place, and the enrollment period usually begins in November. Continue with heating bill programs in Cleveland.
AIDS Taskforce Of Greater Cleveland - HIV or AIDs patients can apply for emergency financial assistance. Everything from medical transportation to subsidized homes or apartments, gasoline vouchers and more. The funds are available to assist with meeting rental and utility payments for qualified Cuyahoga County residents. Location is 3210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Call (216) 621-0766
Cuyahoga County Division 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.
- A focus of this group is one assisting both the disabled as well as senior citizens. The Division of Senior and Adult Service also runs programs such as Home Support, they can coordinate in home care, and they can help people apply for grants from SSI disability or other benefits as well of Aging & Disability Resource Network. Address is 13815 Kinsman Rd, Cleveland, OH 44120. Main phone (216) 420-6700, or click here for details on Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services.
Fatima Family Center offers help for basic needs to income qualified Cuyahoga County families. Some support may be issued in the form of a loan. Assistance may be available for paying rent, utility or heating bills, or a security deposit for those that are qualified. Or get free stuff such as clothes, small appliances, work uniforms or furniture items and other goods. Main office - 6600 Lexington Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44103, call (216) 391-0505.
Debt help is offered in Cuyahoga County. There are free credit counselors. Other solutions may be hardship programs, settlement, reduction in interest rates and more. All sorts of solutions around unpaid bills, including medical debts, can be offered. As one example, find help with credit cards.
Saint Martin De Porres Family Center – The charity organization can assist with basic needs. Free food, personal stuff, clothing, and Christmas assistance may be offered from the church. Or get free school supplies for kids from low-income households. Or some funds for expenses such as rent to stop an eviction or financial support for utilities. Location is 1264 E 123rd St, Cleveland, OH 44108, or dial (216) 268-3909.
Non-profits, lenders, and other agencies in Cleveland and Ohio may be able to provide interest free financing in the region. The non-profit will offer assistance in the form of no interest loans for expenses such as utilities, rent, education costs, and car repairs. Some programs are available regardless of religion, while others are focused on certain parameters of applicants in Cuyahoga. Read more on interest free loans in Cleveland area.
Financial assistance from emergency loans - Cuyahoga County residents, the disabled, veterans, and others have a few sources of cash available to them. The interest rates charged will vary, as will the terms and conditions, but options include:
- Government backed loans to pay for heating equipment, home repairs, or housing.
- Higher risk payday or title lending companies.
- Pawn shops, thrift stores, and more.
- Find more details on financing options. More on emergency loans in Cleveland Ohio area.
Cuyahoga County Catholic Charities - The agency can help the low income, unemployed, immigrants and people facing poverty. Families can get emergency help with meeting their needs and paying bills. Get information on rental assistance, grants for paying utility and heating costs, food, meals, and other items such as clothing. There is also help for immigrants in the Cleveland area and women facing DV. Some programs focus on senior citizens as well as providing meals and gifts during the holidays. Read more Catholic Charities in Cleveland.
- Saint Philip Neri Family Service Center administers crisis relief. They are part of Catholic Charities. This can be a partial rent payment or funds to help the homeless pay a deposit. Or inquire into heating or gas bill assistance programs. Free meals and more is available as well. Another service is the medical care from Project H.O.P.E. 799 E 82nd St., Cleveland, OH 44103. Call (216) 391-4415 for intake. Find programs from St. Philip Neri Family Center.
Housing and funds for rental assistance - In a crisis, if an individual has a short term financial hardship but is otherwise on the path to stability, they may have other financial assistance programs available to them for paying rent or a security deposit. All resources are of course limited. A couple dozen other rental assistance programs operate across Cuyahoga and Cleveland Ohio. Read more on Cleveland area rent help.
- Transitional housing programs are located across the city of Cleveland and all of Cuyahoga County. Using a combination of government and non-profit resources and funds, agencies can house the recently evicted and homeless. However the main focus is on addressing the root cause of those that are struggling. So to this end, agencies will provide case management, job training, and help for basic needs. Also get assistance in finding a home and paying the rent on it when ready to move. More on transitional housing in Cleveland.
Government assistance - The Cuyahoga County Employment and Family Services agency runs many of the social services for the county. Case workers are available to help qualified lower income families. Programs offered include free health insurance, child care, food, heating bill assistance, and more. Some of the programs will even help people find a job or gain new career skills. Read more public assistance Cuyahoga County.
- Applications to the Ohio Fuel Fund Grant Program. This is financial aid for residents facing a disconnection of their heat or utility service. There may also be some grants to pay towards a reconnect fee. Other options may be the Emergency Home Energy Assistance (E-HEAP) / or Winter Crisis Program (WCP). The goal of all of these is to help the less fortunate, including elderly and disabled, keep their heating and electricity on
Veterans Service Commission - Cuyahoga County - Access free food, groceries and clothing vouchers in an emergency situation. The non-profit will help low-income or homeless vets in other ways. Get funds for emergencies, such as eviction prevention or utility disconnection. Or get free gas cards, transportation and stuff for a job. Office is 1849 Prospect Ave. Rm. 150, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Phone number (216) 698-2632.
Sewer and water bills - Qualified applicants can receive discounts or direct financial assistance for paying their water and/or sewer bills. Assistance in prioritized for the low income, elderly, and disabled across Cuyahoga County, however anyone can call to explore their options. The goal is to help keep water on, or even fix a hot water tank. Read more on water bill assistance in Cleveland.
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation will offer assistance for employees of Case Western Reserve University. There is also immediate help for people who work at Cleveland Museum of Art, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals. The funds can be used to pay a portion of their rent and housing costs. Or get help to fix a car for work. Resources are restricted to those employees who meet qualifications. Dial (216) 361-8400. Location is 8111 Quincy Ave # 100, Cleveland, OH 44104.
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. This will help low-income families with an eviction or utility shut-off. Information on food pantries and clinics is available too. Or get a free box of groceries, EBT or SNAP applications, baby formula and other stuff. 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. There are also free motel vouchers, shelter and other support. Or learn about renting furniture with bad credit to help furnish a home. Location is 25615 Bagley Rd, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138. Phone (440) 954-4140
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Diocese in Cleveland is made up of many Conference, or churches. No matter race, religion, ethnicity, etc. they offer help to struggling families. There may be funds to help with bills, rent, mortgages, heating or electric. Hunger Centers feed the hungry from hot meals and free groceries. There are free personal hygiene supplies or school items, winter coats for kids or the elderly Cuyahoga County as well as furniture banks. More on Cuyahoga County SVDP assistance programs.
St. Joan Of Arc Church only helps residents in Chagrin Falls OH zip codes of 44022 and/or 44023. Proof of residency is needed. They charity will offer gift cards for use at local stroes including Giant Eagle, Aldi’s, Heinen’s, Target, Walmart and BP Ga.Address is 496 E Washington St., Chagrin Falls Township., OH 44022. Call (440) 247-7183.
Cleveland Mediation Center is for veterans. May have rental payments and landlord/tenant mediation services as well for individuals who were served an eviction notice. Or get access to a free lawyer, applications to VA benefits, and also job placement or training services. They also help vets find a place to live. Call (216) 621-1919
Frontline Service assists veterans in the county from Supportive Services for Veteran Families. The non-profit, which is at 1744 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, may offer rental deposit and some funds for rent payments in order to pay for permanent housing. Other resources include cash for car repairs, bus tokens, gasoline vouchers, clothing, and household goods. Or get referrals to community as well as federal benefits and services. There is also transportation help, including low cost or free cars. Telephone - (216) 623-6555.
Department Of Aging for the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County offers homeless prevention services. There is case management as well as landlord and tenant mediation from specialist. Zero interest loans may be issued for some expenses, maybe even including rent.
Other care is for seniors such as Meals on Wheels, Medicare applications, and support for caregivers. They also coordinate legal aid, home care for seniors and applications to free money. Both non-profit and government programs help caregivers. The office is at 75 Erieview Plz, Cleveland, OH 44114 and can be reached at (216) 664-2833.
Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Salvation Army helps struggling residents. They operate several locations around the area. There will be immediate utility and gas bill assistance, free food, clothing vouchers, prescription medications, or referrals to other needed benefits, including government programs. The food program they offer consists of free pantries sites and it will provide people with a three-day grocery bag. Free hot meals are also offered, including to homeless people or families.
- Other resources are offered by the Salvation Army. There is the free Christmas gift service from Angel Tree as well as school supplies. A homeless shelter, furniture bank, and soup kitchen are also offered along with employment resources. Contact the Cleveland Salvation Army at (216) 861-8185. Or to get a full listing of the resources and assistance programs offered by the Salvation Army, click here on Cuyahoga County Salvation Army assistance programs.
Parma City - Department of Community Development can assist those with an unforeseen emergency circumstances such as an illness, accident, disability, or death. This can include mortgage relief. Or get hardship funds for utilities (maybe even water bills), and eviction prevention services. Or receive food, groceries, and referrals. Dial (216) 661-7372 or (216) 661-7406 for information.
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging provides help to seniors in Cleveland and the entire county. While some assistance is for low income individuals, other programs are available to all residents. Case managers can help people find jobs from the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), provide information on medical billing assistance from the Senior Medical Patrol.
The agency office will also deliver free meals to the homebound, and help senior citizens sign up for government benefits such as Medicare. Address is 1700 E 13th St #114, Cleveland, OH 44114, call 1-800-626-7277. More on Ohio Senior assistance programs.
Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services may have free vouchers for emergency bills or free stuff for basic needs. The funds can be used to pay for rent, security or deposits, children's beds/mattresses, clothing, furniture and more. A number of restrictions are put into place on the voucher program.
- The agencies from JFS can also assist with utility bills, ranging from water to heating of electric. The government agency can also provide other one time financial help to qualified low income families, ranging from emergency money to pay for living costs or applications to government benefits.
Three offices are 8111 Quincy Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104, (call (216) 987-7000) as well as 9830 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102 ((216) 987-7000). Call (216) 635-2918 or try (216) 391-5027, and there are other offices in the county.
- Southgate Neighborhood Family Service Center is part of the Ohio Job and Family Services. Vouchers may be issued for emergency needs. This may be rent, food, or maybe a car repair. The homeless, or recently evicted, can possibly use the voucher to pay for relocation costs or the security deposit on a new apartment in Cuyahoga County Ohio. The center is located in at 5398 1/2 Northfield Rd., Maple Hts., Ohio 44137. Call (216) 518-4862.
Free stuff for the low-income in Cuyahoga County
Free basic needs including clothing, furniture and household goods are provided from clothing closets as well as thrift stores in Cuyahoga County or free furniture banks. There are also samples for free from corporations. Some centers will provide the items for free to low income families and the poor while other locations will sell goods at low cost.
Assistance includes clothing, back to school supplies or uniforms and even items for children as well as babies. Free Furniture banks also give out help, including bedroom sets, computers, kitchen appliances and other items. Learn more Cleveland free clothing, furniture and school supplies.
Students from low income households and families living in poverty can get free school supplies, hygiene items, haircuts and more. Each year back to school supply events take place. They help kids of all ages get the items they need for the upcoming year. Find Cleveland Ohio free school supplies.
Thanksgiving, free Christmas and holiday programs are available from numerous organizations and groups in the greater Cleveland area. Children in particular will get free clothes, goods, and toys from churches and charities. There may also be Adopt a Family and Angel Tree programs available. Morefree holiday programs in Cuyahoga County.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank - The non-profit runs a help center/referral unit. This not only provides information on free food and hunger prevention programs in the county, but also applications to HEAP, SSI disability, public housing, and more.
- Learn about local pantry sites that pass out fresh produce.
- Charity run soup kitchens can feed the homeless, families in poverty, and families in a crisis.
- Workshops on using coupons, cooking healthy meals, and other support is arranged. Find details on the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Other free food or meal distribution sites are in the community too. Call them for food, perishable items, baby formula, holiday meals, and other assistance. If these locations can’t help you, find more Cuyahoga County free food banks.
Child care assistance or free daycare is arranged. A goal is to help low-income parents keep a job or attend career training programs. A child care provider in the Cleveland Ohio area include the Lexington-Bell Community Center. Call (216) 431-2164. The center provides qualified families with low cost or free full-day, year round early learning/childhood care. This can help working parents. The program covers after school child care and an eight week summer day camp program. Or find other sources of free daycare in Ohio.
Free legal consultations for civil needs is available. 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 to learn more on Ohio free legal assistance, or read more free Cleveland Legal Aid Society.
Free community health centers help kids, adults and people with no medical or dental insurance. Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries will also get free or affordable care. The goal is to ensure access to doctors, dentists, and providers. Cuyahoga County and the greater Cleveland Ohio are are supported by a number of other free medical and dental centers as well. Most offer low cost or free services to income qualified residents. Find more Cleveland area free community clinics.
- There are other health care resources too. As an example, an expensive medical condition is cancer. There are doctor visits, costly prescription drugs, and other expenses. This is why patients can find financial assistance for cancer bills.
Credit repair, mortgage relief and debt counseling in Cleveland area is offered. The Cleveland Housing and Credit Network helps low income residents as well as people in Cuyahoga County with bad credit. Credit counselors will work hand in hand with clients. . In total, four different types of mortgage relief are offered, including principle reduction, government grants or loans for past due mortgage payment, and foreclosure transition. Or learn more on Ohio mortgage programs, including the Ohio hardest hit fund.
They will help them work out payment plans with creditors, medical providers, and credit card companies. Or get advice on paying down car loans or applying for hardship programs. They will also educate clients on decision-making abilities including budgeting. The free credit counseling is also combined with classes on money management, credit repair, and budgeting. The location is 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114. Dial (216) 574-7100.
Many other 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.
Housing counselors from Community Housing Solutions can work with individuals and families to assist homeowners in both stopping and avoiding a future foreclosure. The location is 12114 Larchmere Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44120. They do this through debt negotiation, providing mortgage assistance, refinancing, loan modifications, or help people with obtaining lower terms. There is also help for families in developing budgets and referrals to other needed resources. Call the agency at (216) 231-5815.
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.
More financial resources in Cuyahoga County
Struggling families, or single parents, can get emergency help with their bills and social services from other locations in the region. The United Way of Cleveland OH is a free service for information too, with details on everything from grant money to job programs. Call (704) 482-7344 for more details.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
