Ohio community action agency assistance programs.
Programs are offered for low income and people faced with poverty in Ohio by community action agencies. The non-profits listed below can help families apply for grants or aid, such as energy bill assistance/HEAP, however their focus is on ensuring long term stability. For example, community action agencies specialize in offering employment services, job training, and budgeting counseling. Case workers will try to work closely with clients in order to provide self-sufficiency and help them address the cause of their financial challenges.
Individuals and families of all backgrounds or situations may qualify for help, provided they meet income and other guidelines. Community action agencies can help the unemployed, seniors, and families with children. Dozens of resources and services are offered for those who are less fortunate and struggling.
Grants from non-profit Ohio community action agencies
If you need energy bill assistance or help saving money on your heating bills, then call your community action agency. The non-profits administer government programs such as weatherization and LIHEAP. The programs are funded by the federal government, and the assistance that is available is primarily for paying bulk fuel, heating oil, natural gas or electricity bills.
The benefits can be paid out in a couple different ways. The Ohio Energy Assistance Program grant payment may be made toward a currently monthly bill, or a credit may be placed on your account. If you are faced with a crisis then grants and financial assistance may be expedited. Your community action agency and the state will need proof of income and number of household members, as those are two of the main conditions in place for determine who can receive assistance as part of HEAP. Other financial assistance programs that you may receive include help applying for include PIPP Plus, Winter and Summer Crisis Program, and directly Utility Company Fuel Funds.
When you are faced with a disconnection or almost out of fuel, then look into the crisis program. This is another government created program that was created to help very low income customers who are threatened with disconnection of their heating source or have already had their heat turned of. Community action agencies can also direct families to free heating oil programs in their town. During the summer, if you have a medical condition, then you can also receive assistance with paying for your cooling bills and/or maybe a free fan or air conditioner.
Emergency support services assist individuals and families in emergency situations, and it will help people apply for the resources and aid they need for their basic needs during this time. This type of assistance is always limited, and will usually be offered to working poor if they also attend longer term care management.
Each center may or may not have funds, and any grants or financial assistance will vary widely. Some of the emergency assistance programs in Ohio can provide bus tokens for a job or interview. Housing type expenses can be provided, including rent, mortgage, or water bill payment assistance. Also receive vouchers for the federal government and state of Ohio lifeline telephone assistance.
Some more non-financial assistance can be provided as well. This includes medications, help in receiving birth certificates, and referrals for other social services and non-profits, such as assistance with prescription eye glasses and eye exams.
The second primary utility program is Home Weatherization. It is the nation’s main conservation program, and it was created to help the low income and older adults improve the energy efficiency of their home, reduce energy consumption and it can also help ensure safe environments for income eligible households. Weatherization can pay for an energy audit, the cleaning and tune up of heating system, caulking and door seals, installation of measures identified in the energy audit, repair or replacement of combustion appliances, and insulation.
The Ohio Home Repair Program is coordinated by your local community action agency. It will help low income seniors by giving them and paying for home repairs for safety issues. These small, minor home repairs and modification for seniors are run in partnership with your local agency on aging office. Resources are available for people age 60 and over, and improvements can help them continue to live in their home safely. There is a suggested donation from the client towards the repairs based on their income levels. Rarely will anyone be denied this service based on their ability to pay. The average amount paid up for repairs will be between $500 and $1000 per home.
Transportation is provided to seniors age 60 or older. The program provides free or low cost transportation for such activities as medical appointments, job interview, banking, pharmacy, beauty and barber shop, shopping, and a variety of other needs within your local county. If you are in need of medical transportation, the request should be made in advance. While some counties may provided this for free, donations are always appreciated.
Clothing banks may partner with non-profits such as your local community action agency. The centers will accept donations of clothing and usable household items and appliances for resale. Eligible low income persons, including people looking for a job, may receive quarterly vouchers for free clothing or school supplies.
Child Care Payment Assistance is offered by the state. Ohio may pay for expenses and fees. This aid is available for working parents or for those currently enrolled in an educational or job training program. Clients do have some flexibility, as selection and availability of the Day or Child Care Provider is the responsibility of the parent. Eligibility is decided upon as well as the level of assistance is determined by, household income and the applicant’s employment status. Find other Ohio free day care assistance programs.
Transitional Housing is offered by come local charities in partnership with community action agencies. Programs can generally provide up to 24 months of shelter and/or emergency rental assistance to those who are homeless or on the verge of eviction. The program are permanent housing solutions, and they are only intended to help those who need assistance to both find and pay for housing. Some of the self-sufficiency and benefits offered include Home Visits, Budgeting counseling, rental assistance, and goal setting.
Food for seniors and children
Community action agencies have worked with agency on aging offices to provide the Senior Nutrition Program. There are two main components, and they include Home Delivered Meals as well as Congregate Meal sites. This has been administered for a number of years, and thousands of elderly, homebound, and senior citizens benefit from it every year.
The Home Delivered or Meals on Wheels program allows Ohio seniors and the elderly to remain in their homes and avoid premature institutionalization. The program, using mostly volunteers, will provide people with a hot, nutritious meal that is delivered to their home each week day. It serves those individuals who, because of poor health, either physical or mental, cannot prepare or obtain nutritious meals for themselves. While the meals are free, a small donation is appreciated.
Various sites in most town and counties in Ohio offer the Congregate Meals program. This resource involves the sharing of a mid-day, hot and healthy meal for community members. Not only can participants receive a lunch or breakfast, but the centers allow socialization and they will often coordinate activities and workshops. The centers cater to seniors, offer workshops on budgeting, insurance questions, and may even offer basic health check ups.
Another meal program is Women, Infants, Children, or WIC. This is a federal government funded program for newborns, children, and pregnant moms. The WIC program in Ohio provides baby formula and nutritious foods that promote good health for infants and children up to age five, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. It focuses on those individuals with a health or nutrition risk. The programs addresses prevention of nutrition-related health problems.
A number of services are offered by WIC. You can learn more about them, or apply, at your community action agency. Receive nutrition education and prescribed food packages, and this can include fruits, baby food, vegetables, whole grains, cereal, eggs, and milk.
Health Screenings and referrals to specialists (as needed) are offered as part of WIC. Get a review of your medical history, including sign up for childhood immunizations. Basic check ups and health care may be available at Ohio clinics, such as maybe flu shots.
Summer Food Service Program for Children. Free snacks and meals will be made available to all students and children in Ohio 18 years of age and under or persons. The program can be extended to children over the age of 18 who are determined by a state of Ohio or local town or county public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled. The meals and food will be provided to those who need them without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.
Often combined with the meals are summer and after school programs. These provide academic and non-academic support for students and families. Children can sign up for activities such as academic enrichment, cultural programs, nutrition education, and career development.
Housing, rent, debt and foreclosure counseling
Community action agencies provide counseling to clients. This comes in a variety of formats. Examples are as follows.
- -Credit counseling and debt/money management - This can be offered in a group or one on one, and deals with education, budgeting, and credit repair. There is an emphasis on increasing family wealth through budgeting, eliminating unnecessary debt and planning for the future. There are other resources available in Ohio as well, and residents can get help with paying debts from many sources.
- -Foreclosure counseling is offered with Ohio agencies that are HUD certified. Learn steps to avoid foreclosure, apply for government programs, get options available to the client. If a center can’t help you they will provide referrals to agencies providing rescue funding.
- -Reverse Mortgage or HECM Counseling is offered with senior citizens interested in the HECM or Reverse Mortgage program.
- -Home buying programs are also offered in person or in workshops. The client is given in depth counseling and education in the process of purchasing a home. Get information on what to look for in a home, the inspection process, credit repair, and of course financing the purchase using a loan.
- -Eviction prevention and homelessness avoidance is mostly offered for renters. Receive free counseling from a case manager from your local community action agency on emergency rent programs. The locations can provide referrals for clients seeking rental housing, or those in need of information regarding rights as a tenant.
- Individual Development Account (IDA) Program helps low- to moderate-income families achieve home ownership and higher education. It is a matched savings plan offered by some of the non-profits. If you open a bank account and save money the agency will match your funds.
- Free tax preparation is available for low-income individuals. IRS trained and supported volunteers will help people create and file their income taxes, and this is done for free as part of a program known as VITA. They will also ensure you sign up for all the credits and deductions you are entitled too.
Community action agency employment, education and job programs
Individuals age 55 and older can turn to the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This is administered from the Ohio agency on Aging Workforce Division. Assistance is for Senior Citizens in local towns and counties, and resources can assist them in entering the workforce through paid training and internship type roles at local non-profit and governmental agencies. The program is offered under a United Stated Department of Labor grant and in cooperation with Senior Service America Inc.
The Ohio Benefit Bank helps to connect working poor, unemployed, and low and moderate-income individuals with potential public benefits. Learn about government aid, agencies such as the United Way, and other programs that you may be entitled to. The Benefit Bank is a free service that makes applying for many state of Ohio and federal government benefits easier.
The Adult Basic Literacy and Education, or ABLE/GED, classes assist adults and families in obtaining the skills necessary for self-sufficiency and employment . These services are provided at no cost to students in the local county. Classes are customized to help students achieve their goals.
Ohio Vocation, Education, Training & Services Program, or V.E.T.S., will assist military members and veterans in obtaining jobs, education, and new skills. The program can help them increase their education levels and access local job training. At the same time, the veterans and their family can gain other supportive services which can help them attain self-sufficiency. The program will provide assistance and coordinate services to address emergency needs, personal finance, health, education/training and employment, and housing.
WIA is an Ohio job training program that is income based. Both youth (people under 18) and others may sign up for different components of it at their community action agency. For example, some of the programs provide youth with occupational training and educational services with general case management and supportive services. Participants of all ages are assigned a case manager to assist in obtaining the skills needed in today’s employment market. Services consist of but, not limited to occupational skills training, one on one mentoring, and leadership activities.
Other job search, employment, and training assistance is available in Ohio. Most resources are available at One-Stop Centers. Counselors will meet with anyone who is currently unemployed or wants to make themselves more valuable to a current employer. Seniors, students, and veterans all are a focus of these centers. Find more on job training Ohio.
The main education program for children in Ohio is Head Start. This is a state and federal government funded, fully comprehensive child and family development school readiness program. The program will prepare young children, under the age of 5, for school. They will be provided with free medical care, food, and basic skills. Families are eligible for Head Start as well, as parents need to be ready to support their children’s learning. It is important for families and children to have a strong foundation of healthy development that includes cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs. All of this is required in order to prepare young children and even infants for pre-school and/or kindergarten.
Outreach Services are offered as part of the Ohio Community Services Block Grant. Staff from your local agency will work with low-income families to help meet immediate basic needs, help people move towards self-sufficiency, and also make plans for the future. Staff and counselors use a family-centered approach to assess the family's needs and create goals. The counselor will work with the family to initiate a service plan to improve the family's life now and in the future.
Locations of the Ohio non-profit agencies
Adams-Brown Counties Economic Opportunities, Inc. Location - 406 West Plum St. Georgetown, OH 45121 Call (937) 378-6041. Or learn more on Adams-Brown community action.
Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. 55 E. Mill Street Akron, OH 44309-2000 Call (330) 376-7730 Dozens of low income programs and resources are offered. Services include job training, HEAP application sites, and information on emergency housing and deposit assistance. Read more on financial assistance from Akron Summit Community Action.
Ashtabula County Community Action Agency 6920 Austinburg Rd Ashtabula, OH 44004 Call (440) 997-1721 In addition to Ashtabula the location covers Lake and Geauga County. Financial aid for paying housing costs (including rent and security deposit fees) along with case management is available. The non-profit also has information on public aid in Ohio, such as heating bill help from HEAP, Head Start, and food stamps. Read more on Ashtabula Community Action.
Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency 1740 Langdon Farm Road Cincinnati, OH 45237-3817 Main telephone:(513) 569-1840 One of the larger centers in the state of Ohio. Thousands of low income, unemployed, and working poor families receive assistance from this network of agencies in Hamilton County Ohio. More on the non-profit community action agency in Hamilton County.
Clermont County Community Services, Inc. Location is 3003 Hospital Drive Batavia, OH 45103 Dial (513) 732-2277. Or for more details on their services, click here Clermont County Community Services assistance programs.
Clinton County Community Action Program, Inc. 789 N. Nelson Avenue Wilmington, OH 45177 Call (937) 382-8365 for intake. While many services are available, they operate low income apartments for seniors, offer car loans, and other basic needs. Find more details on Ohio programs run by Clinton County Community Action Program.
Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Inc. 7880 Lincole Place Lisbon, OH 44432-8322 Telephone: (330) 424-7221 Call the non-profit to speak to a case manager. Programs administered include Head Start and heating bill assistance grants from HEAP. Referrals can also be offered to those who need them. They also offer the Homeless Prevention Program, transportation, and dental aid. More on Community Action assistance in Columbiana County.
Community Action Commission of Belmont County Location is 153 1/2 West Main Street St. Clairsville, OH 43950 Call (740) 695-0293
Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties, Inc. 908 Seavers Way Sandusky, OH 44870 Call (419) 901-8927 or (419) 626-4320 Various programs are offered to Ohio families. Free fans and summer cooling bill assistance, funds to pay rent or eviction prevention services, and applications to WHEAP. Continue with financial aid from Community Action Commission.
Community Action Commission of Fayette County Main address is 1400 US Route 22 NW Washington, Ohio 43160 (740) 335-7282 Emergency help for bills, rent, and basic needs is available for income qualified families. They also operate a benefit bank, which has information on resources such as SSI disability and food stamps. Find how to get help from Fayette County community action.
Community Action Committee of Pike County, Inc. Primary address is 941 Market Street Piketon, OH 45661 Dial (740) 289-2371 In addition to various grants, they offer the Senior Companion, AEP Neighbor to Neighbor, and other social services. Find help from Community Action Committee of Pike County.
Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. Main address is 1036 W. Main St. Ravenna, OH 44266 Call (330) 297-1456. Click for more information on Community Action Council of Portage County.
Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison & Union Counties Primary location is 232 N Main St Marysville, OH 43040 Main phone - (937) 642-4986 The non-profit also covers Champaign and Shelby County. More on grants as well as other financial help from the Community Action Organization of Delaware, Madison and Union County programs.
Community Action Organization of Scioto County Main address is 433 Third Street Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 Telephone: (740) 354-7541 The non-profit has a low cost dental centers, provides food or grants from HEAP, and other financial aid. Find programs from Community Action Organization of Scioto County.
Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area 719 S. Main Street Dayton, OH 45402-2709 Call (937) 341-5000 Supports several regions and towns around Dayton Ohio, including counties of Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble. If you need help, food, job training, or other aid can this non-profit. More on grants and financial help from Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton.
Community Action Wayne/Medina Main address 905 Pittsburg Ave Wooster, OH 44691 Call (330) 264-8677. For information on this Ohio agency, click here community action Wayne and Medina.
Step Forward (formerly the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC)) Main address is1801 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Telephone: (216) 696-9077 Supports the city of Cleveland as well as Cuyahoga County. Some of the services in highest demand are HEAP energy bill assistance, food, and grants for rent. Foreclosure and credit counseling is also available. Click here for more information on Step Forward assistance programs.
Pathway (formerly the Economic Opportunity Planning Association of Greater Toledo, Inc. (EOPA)) 505 Hamilton Street Toledo, OH 43604 Call (419) 242-7304 Covers Lucas County too. Read more on Pathway Inc Toledo assistance programs.
Gallia Meigs County Community Action Agency 8010 North State, Route 7 Cheshire, OH 45620 Dial (740) 367-7341 Some of the programs from the non-profit include free diaper or baby formula, home repairs from Community Housing Improvement Program, grants or loans from the United Way for paying rent, P.I.P.P. PLUS applications and much more. Continue with Gallia Meigs County Community Action Agency assistance programs.
Geauga Community Action, Inc. - Jobs and Family Services Location is 12480 Ravenwood Drive Chardon, OH 44024 Call (440) 285-9141
GMN Tri-County Community Action Council, Inc. 615 North St. Caldwell, Ohio 43724 Dial (740) 732-2388 for hours A few different regions are supported, including Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble. Find more details on how to get help from GMN Tri-County Community Action Council.
HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action Organization Center is at 220 Grant Street Dennison, OH 44621 Telephone: (740) 922-0933 Counties of Carroll, Harrison, and Tuscarawas. Find a comprehensive listing of government grants and other support services from the Ohio based Tri-County Community Action Agency. Click here HARCATUS Tri-County Community Action Organization.
HHWP Community Action Commission Main location is 122 Jefferson Street Findlay, Ohio 45839 Dial (419) 423-3755 Residents of Wyandot, Hancock, Hardin, and Putnam can call this agency.
Highland County Community Action Organization, Inc. 1487 North High Street, Suite 500 Hillsboro, Ohio 45133-0838 Call (937) 393-3458
Hocking, Athens, Perry Community Action 3 Cardaras Drive Glouster, OH 45732-0220 (740) 767-4500 USDA food programs, scholarships for kids, and other aid is provided by the Ohio organizations. More on the Hocking, Athens, Perry community action agency.
IMPACT Community Action - Franklin County Main address is 711 Southwood Ave Columbus, OH 43207 (614) 252-2799 Emergency assistance is available for paying bills, mostly around homeless prevention and rent. The community action agency also helps families facing poverty as well as the unemployed by offering them many other resources. Click for more information on IMPACT programs.
Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization Main location is 305 N. 5th Street Ironton, Ohio 45638 Telephone number - (740) 532-3534. For information on this community action agency, click here for more details on assistance from Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization.
Jackson-Vinton Community Action, Inc. Main address is 118 South New York Avenue Wellston, OH 45692 Dial (740) 384-3722
Jefferson County Community Action Council, Inc. Address - 114 N. 4th Street Steubenville, OH 43952 Dial (740) 282-0971 Offers services for seniors, working poor, and the unemployed. Grants, referrals, and job training may be administered from the non-profit. More on resources from Jefferson County Ohio community action.
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission Main location is 120 N. 4th Street Coshocton, OH 43812 Phone - (740) 622-9801 Counties covered are Knox, Holmes, Coshocton and Ashland.
Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Program Main address is 1743 E. Main Street Lancaster, OH 43130 Primary telephone:(740) 653-4146
LEADS Community Action Agency Address is 159 Wilson Street Newark, Ohio 43055 Cal (740) 349-8606 This non-profit is for the low income and working poor in Licking County.
Lifeline for the Empowerment and Development of Consumers Inc. Address is 54 S State St Painesville, OH 44077 Dial (440) 354-2148
Lima/Allen Council on Community Affairs - West Ohio Community Action 540 S. Central Avenue Lima, Ohio 45804 (419) 227-2586 The non-profit is HUD approved. Both tenants and homeowners in Ohio can access free homeless prevention advice. Other resources include applications for PIPP Plus, aid conditioners for seniors, and job placement, among other resources. More on Allen County community action programs.
Lorain County Community Action Agency, Inc. 506 Broadway Lorain, Ohio 44052-0245 Telephone number - (440) 245-2009
Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership The address is 1325 5th Ave Youngstown, Ohio 44504 (330) 747-7921 The non-profit offers applications to the HEAP heating bill grant program, Head Start, and several other resources, including referrals to free food pantries. Read more on Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership financial assistance programs.
Miami County Community Action Council Location - 1695 Troy-Sidney Rd. Troy, OH 45373 Telephone number is (937) 335-7921
Muskingum Economic Opportunity Action Group, Inc. 828 Lee Street Zanesville, Ohio 43701 Dial (740)-453-5703 Call for job training, resume review, and other social services, such as case management and self-sufficiency programs.
Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission 1933 E. Second Street Defiance, Ohio 43512 (419) 784-5136 Counties supported are Defiance, Van Wert, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, and Williams. They operate the PATH shelter in Ohio, offer loans to pay for expenses such as home repairs, summer cooling bill assistance from HEAP and more. Click here for details on Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission.
Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission Location is 372 E Center Street Marion, OH 43301 Telephone: (740) 387-1039 Marion and Crawford County. Some additional services are for nearby Richland and Morrow. Learn more.
OIC of Clark County 10 S. Yellow Springs Street Springfield, OH 45506 Telephone number - (937) 323-6461 Apply for Head Start or summer meals for your child. Also learn about Ohio energy assistance such as HEAP or the PIPP program.
Pickaway County Community Action Organization, Inc. 469 East Ohio Street Circleville, OH 43113-0067 (740) 477-1655
Ross County Community Action Commission, Inc. 250 N Woodbridge Ave Chillicothe, OH 45601 (740) 702-7222
SELF (Supports to Encourage Low-income Families) This center helps Butler County residents. Main location is 415 S Monument Ave Hamilton, OH 45011 Dial (513) 868-9300 The Emergency Services Department can offer assistance. Clients can receive grants for heating bills or enroll into PIPP plus. The JOBS NOW center from the community action agency will address employment, and shelter, food, and rental assistance is also available. Click more information on SELF community action agency.
SOURCES Community Network Services Main location is 420 N Brandon Ave, Celina, OH 45822 Telephone number - (419) 584-1550 Helps low income in Auglaize and Mercer.
Stark County Community Action Agency 1366 Market Avenue North Canton, OH 44714-2606 Call (330) 454-1676, or read more details on Stark County Community Action Agency assistance programs.
The Community Action Program Corporation of Washington-Morgan Counties, Ohio Main address of the non-profit is 218 Putnam Street Marietta, Ohio 45750 Phone - (740) 373-3745 Counties are Morgan, Washington. Read more on community action of Washington and Morgan County.
Tri-County Community Action Commission of CLS Location : 125 E Patterson Ave Bellefontaine, OH 43311 Phone number - (937) 593-0034 Counties supported are Champaign, Logan, Shelby
Trumbull Community Action Program Address is 1230 Palmyra Road, S.W. Warren, Ohio 44485- (330) 393-2507
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership - WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc.127 S. Front Street Fremont, Ohio 43420 1-800-775-9767 Or try the Location is 801 Kirk St, Fostoria, OH 44830. Dial (419) 334-8911 Programs are offered for the low income and seniors in Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Seneca. Examples of resources include job placement, EHS Childcare, emergency heating bill assistance, housing and much more. Click more information on Great Lakes Community Action Partnership.
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