In Ohio, rent help comes from organizations in your county as well as state programs. Note there are often local charities, churches, nonprofits and community action agencies that try to provide rent assistance on a regular basis - though funds are limited. This page will help you find state and local programs when rental assistance or even help with a security deposit is needed. Find a statewide program list and county links below.

Ohio has a community action agency, Salvation Army or a charity that cover every one of its 88 counties, and most handle emergency rent assistance directly or can point you somewhere that does. All these are in addition to government programs such as OWF emergency funds. The Salvation Army runs locations throughout Ohio and can sometimes pay a landlord directly within days when a situation is urgent. Starting early — before a formal notice arrives — gives you more options and more time.

If you've gotten an eviction notice, free legal help is available in every part of Ohio for qualifying renters. The Ohio free legal aid contacts by region lists organizations that can explain your options and represent you in housing court at no cost.

Statewide programs

Community action agencies — all 88 Ohio counties
Ohio's community action agencies are a backbone of emergency rent help across the state. They're federally funded through CSBG and manage ESG funds locally, which means they often have multiple ways to help — back rent, security deposits, first month's rent, and referrals to other programs. Funding is limited and some agencies run out before year's end, so applying as soon as a problem starts matters. The Ohio community action agency directory lists the agency and phone number for your county.

The Salvation Army — Ohio locations
The Salvation Army may provide one-time emergency rent and utility help across Ohio. The state sits within two Salvation Army territories: the Southwest Ohio and Northeast Kentucky Division covers central and southern Ohio, while the Great Lakes Division covers northwest Ohio. What's available and how much funding each location has changes throughout the year, so calling ahead is essential. For local options, see the Salvation Army emergency assistance in Ohio page.

Ohio Works First (OWF) — ODJFS cash assistance
Ohio Works First is Ohio's state cash assistance program, administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). For families with children who qualify, it can provide funds that cover back rent along with other basic needs. There is no central state office to call — applications go through your county's Job and Family Services office, and eligibility requirements and processing times vary by county. Ohio Works First cash assistance and how to apply walks through the program and where to apply locally.

COHHIO — statewide housing information line
COHHIO, the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, operates a statewide housing information line for renters who need guidance navigating their options. They don't provide financial assistance directly, but they understand Ohio's housing programs well and can help you figure out which local agency or fund is the right next call for rent help, assistance with a deposit or other needs. They also run a crisis text line for urgent situations. Address is 175 S. Third Street, Suite 580, Columbus, OH 43215. Main number is (614) 280-1984 and Housing Information Line is (888) 485-7999. Crisis text: text "4HOPE" to 741741. Website: https://cohhio.org/. More on what COHHIO covers is on the NHPB COHHIO Ohio housing resources and tenant guidance.

Eviction prevention and homeless prevention programs
Federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) money flows through Ohio to local nonprofits and community action agencies each year. These funds can cover back rent, first and last month's rent, security deposits, and utility costs for people at risk of losing their housing. You apply locally — through an agency in your county — not through a state office. The Ohio eviction prevention and homeless prevention programs guide covers how these funds work and how to access them.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
In Ohio, Section 8 is managed two ways: major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo each have their own housing authority that manages local vouchers and waitlists. In smaller counties without a dedicated housing authority, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) administers vouchers directly. Waitlists across the state are long and often closed — this is long-term housing assistance, not emergency rent help — but it's worth applying when lists open. OHFA: (888) 362-6432 | https://ohiohome.org/. We have a more extensive guide to Section 8 housing vouchers and housing authorities in Ohio.

United Way — referrals and local emergency funds
Ohio's United Way chapters cover all 88 counties and connect renters to local charities, emergency funds, and government programs. Individual chapters often have access to small emergency rent funds that aren't widely advertised. United Way 211 (at https://ohio211.org/how-to-find-help/) and their referral programs covers how to reach the chapter in your area.

USDA Rural Development — rental housing outside major cities
For Ohioans in rural areas and small towns, USDA Rural Development funds subsidized rental housing through programs that don't reach urban markets. If you're in a rural county with limited rental assistance options, it's worth a call to the state office or one of the five area offices across Ohio. Address is 200 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 255-2400. Website: http://rd.usda.gov/oh.

Ohio renters sharing real experiences
People across Ohio have shared what actually happened when they reached out for help — which agencies came through, what the process looked like, and what made the difference. Read those experiences or post your own question in the Ohio housing and rent assistance forum.

Local Ohio county and city pages

The programs below are specific to each area — local charities, agencies, and phone numbers verified for those counties. Local funds often move faster than statewide programs and are worth calling first.

Allen County

Butler County

Clark County and Springfield

Clermont County

Cuyahoga County and Cleveland

Fairfield County

Franklin County and Columbus

Greene County

Hamilton County and Cincinnati

Lake County

Licking County

Lorain County