Cleveland Ohio Financial Assistance

Cleveland, OH Financial Assistance

A Comprehensive Guide to Government Financial Assistance for Cleveland, Ohio Residents

If you are a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and are in financial need, you might not be sure where to turn for help. The good news is that there are several government and non-profit resources available to assist you. These resources are designed to offer you a helping hand during challenging times, providing various types of financial support for those who meet the eligibility criteria. This article will guide you through the available options, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply for them.

Federal Assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal aid program that provides funds to eligible individuals and families to buy food. The amount of aid given depends on the household size, income, and certain expenses. To apply, visit the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services website at jfs.ohio.gov.

Federal Assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Ohio Works First program, part of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families for up to 36 months. To qualify, you must have a child under 19 years, be pregnant, or be a member of an eligible two-parent family. More details can be found on the Ohio Works First website.

Federal Assistance: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP establishes financial assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay their heating bills. Your household income, size, and the type of fuel you use are some of the primary eligibility considerations for this program. Applications are accepted at the Ohio Development Service Agency.

State Assistance: Ohio Medicaid

Ohio Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Eligibility is largely based on income and family size. Apply for Ohio Medicaid through the Ohio Benefits website.

Government Housing Subsidies

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several housing programs for low-income households, including the Section 8 housing choice voucher program. This program helps people with low income to pay for privately-owned rental housing. More details are available on the HUD website.

Non-Profit Agencies

  • The United Way of Greater Cleveland: This non-profit organization focuses on poverty relief and offers various social services, including food, housing, healthcare, and employment assistance. Visit their website at unitedwaycleveland.org.
  • The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland: Provides emergency housing assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, and more. More information is accessible at The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland.
  • The Greater Cleveland Food Bank: They provide nutritious meals to those in need. Visit greaterclevelandfoodbank.org for information on how to receive assistance.

Strategies To Escalate Out Of Financial Need

Beyond receiving aid, there are strategies you can employ to help your family navigate out of financial hardship. Implementing a strict budget, consolidating debts to cover payments more efficiently, and seeking additional employment can be useful strategies. Utilizing free debt counselling services or low-cost financial literacy programs can also equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage finances better and avoid financial crisis in the future. One such organization is Money Smart Week, a public awareness program run by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The program provides resources to help individuals and families make better-informed money decisions.

Overall, don't get discouraged in the face of financial hardship. Reach out to these organizations and make use of the resources available to you. There is ample support available to you and provided by both the state and local non-profit agencies. Your situation is not permanent and with the right support, overcoming financial difficulty is achievable.

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EEOC - Cleveland Field Office

The Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination are: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which protects men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older; Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibit employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the private sector, and in state and local governments; Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities who work in the federal government; and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, which, among other things, provides monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination. The US EEOC enforces all of these laws. EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5048309,-81.6918194

Phone
(800) 669-4000
Location
Cleveland, OH

Legal Assistance (ACLU)

Aids in litigation for people that have had their civil liberties violated. The types of cases accepted are (but not limited to) free speech,separation of church and state, privacy, due process, and others. The ACLU handles cases that involve serious violations of civil liberties by the government. Do not have a large staff of lawyers. The ACLU does NOT accept divorce, custody, or criminal cases. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5055392,-81.6558831

Phone
(216) 472-2200
Location
Cleveland, OH

Nine to Five - Nat'l Job Problems Hotline

An advocacy organization of working women for the purpose of fighting for more effective corporate & public policies to end sexual harassment & protect the rights of victims.The Nat'l Job Problems Hotline provides information on any job related problems: .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4979302,-81.6975447

Phone
(800) 522-0925
Location
Cleveland, OH

Ohio Civil Rights Commission - Cleveland Regional Office

Investigates charges of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit and higher education on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry or familial status. Must file complaints within six months (or one year for housing complaints) of the alleged act of discrimination. OCRC must make a finding within one year after the charge is filed. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5231027,-81.6473288

Phone
(216) 787-3150
Location
Cleveland, OH

WECO Ohio Home Ownership IDA Program

The weco fund, inc. has been awarded a grant from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to help people save up to purchase a home. Once eligibility is established, participants must open an IDA account and save money every month. One $750 has bee .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5071458,-81.6816607

Phone
(866) 432-9326
Location
Cleveland, OH
Phone
(216) 771-1471
Location
Cleveland, OH

United Way of Greater Cleveland

Call 221 for Cuyahoga County and Northeastern Ohio. Information on Rent Assistance will be provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542

Phone
(216) 436-2100
Location
Cleveland, OH
Phone
(216) 771-1471
Location
Cleveland, OH

United Way of Greater Cleveland

Call 221 for Cuyahoga County and Northeastern Ohio. Information on Rent Assistance will be provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542

Phone
(216) 436-2100
Location
Cleveland, OH
Phone
(216) 771-1471
Location
Cleveland, OH

United Way of Greater Cleveland

Call 221 for Cuyahoga County and Northeastern Ohio. Information on Rent Assistance will be provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542

Phone
(216) 436-2100
Location
Cleveland, OH

Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

Helps those who are able to live independently in the community to locate safe and affordable housing. Offers a directory of available housing facilities, public and private. Emergency financial assistance may be available to assist with meeting rental and utility payments. How service is provided: on-site. Transportation may be provided WHO QUALIFIES: Targets those with AIDS/HIV.HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F: 9:00am-5:00pmFEES: Free REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Proof of diagnosis, Photo ID, Birth Certificate, ID s for each family member, proof of income, etc. HOW TO ACCESS: Phone for information or an appointment M-F: 9:00am-5:00pm SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Intake Worker SUPPORTS FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Spanish SITE DESCRIPTION: Provides a comprehensive and compassionate response to HIV and AIDS in the Greater Cleveland community through supportive services, educational, and advocacy. TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Located on the south side of Euclid Ave., E of E. 30th St and Euclid Ave.There is public transportation to this site. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available. This site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5023730,-81.6650260

Phone
(216) 621-0766
Location
Cleveland, OH

Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland

A program for parent(s) who have had children removed from their care by the Dept. of Children and Family Services, in which the family is supported in the reunification process. In most cases the family will be moving into different housing. Funding will be provided for one month s rent, and security deposit if necessary, in an amount such that client will be able to continue to pay that rent on the basis of his/her income. Delinquent mortgage payment could be provided, but such a situation would be very rare. How service is provided: on-site who qualifies: must live in cuyahoga county. Must have at least one child under age 18 who has been removed from the home by DCFS. Must have a source of income. Must have satisfied all reunification requirements with the exception of finding suitable housing. Income requirements will depend on client s specific circumstances. For any other eligibility issues, each case will be evaluated on its own merits. Hours of service: m-f: 8:30am-5:30pm fees: free required documents: dcfs referral; proof of income; id; social security numbers for all members of family. How to access: client should contact his/her dcfs social worker. The social worker must complete referral forms and contact Housing Supervisor. Then client can call to make an appointment with Housing Supervisor. Service contact person: housing supervisor supports for persons with special requirements: spanish language available. Tty available. SITE DESCRIPTION: Office of Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program, and of housing assistance services. Travel instructions: near e 18th st. and Prospect Ave., next to unemployment office and across from the CSU Convocation Center on the Prospect side. There is public transportation to this site. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available. This site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4999717,-81.6780803

Phone
(216) 263-6266
Location
Cleveland, OH

Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp.

Provides one month s rental payment for newly hired employees of Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Judson at University Circle who do a one year lease to live in the specified area in pre-approved rental units. Must occupy the rental property as a primary residence. How service is provided: on-site who qualifies: current, full-time employees of cleveland clinic, university hospitals, case western reserve university, cleveland museum of art, and judson at university circle. Program can only be used once and can only be used by one member of a household. An employee is eligible to apply for the home purchase program 12 months after they have received rental assistance. Rental unit must be located in the target area, which includes city of Cleveland neighborhoods of University Circle, Hough, Glenville, Little Italy, Fairfax, and Buckeye/Shaker. The area is defined by East 79th Street on the west, Superior Avenue to the north, the Cleveland city line to the east, and Buckeye-Woodland to the south. A portion of East Cleveland up to Elberon Avenue and Roxbury Road is also included HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F: 9:00am-5:00pmFEES: Free to apply REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: None for initial contact HOW TO ACCESS: Complete inquiry form on web site. Phone for an application and appointment M-F: 9:00am-5:00pm. Applicant must obtain a signed letter from organization before renting a unit. Must be able to provide first month s rent and security deposit. Service contact person: community development specialist site description: performs neighborhood planning and community revitalization activities. Focuses on increasing market-rate and affordable residential housing and on economic development activities to stabilize and revitalize Cleveland Ward 6. TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Nearest intersection is 79th and Quincy Avenue. There is public transportation to this site. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available. This site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4935254,-81.6316951

Phone
(216) 361-8400
Location
Cleveland, OH

Harry Ratner/Samuel D. and May Wise Human Service Funds

Offers one-time grants for individuals with critical needs. May only cover a portion of the cost of the item or bill. Will cover a variety of needs including, but not limited to, baby clothing, cribs, school uniforms, work clothing, furniture, linens, utility bills, medical bills, dental bills, medical equipment and appliances which include air conditioners for medical purposes,. Grants awarded are for a maximum of $125 for all needs except abortion, which is limited to $80. Funds for abortions may not always be available. Will not pay for mobile or cell phone bills. For bills that exceed $125, client will have to demonstrate his/her ability to pay off the balance of the bill (being on a payment plan, have income to make payments, funds etc.). Provides up to $125 towards rent in order to avoid eviction and for security deposits, but client must have funds to pay off any remaining balance. HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED: By mail; by fax. WHO QUALIFIES: Cuyahoga County residents who have a critical need and for whom the grant will make an impact on their situation. Client may only receive assistance once in a lifetime. HOURS OF SERVICE: Application process takes approximately 3-5 weeks FEES: Free REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Completed Application form; Social security number of applicant; Proof of non-profit status is required for new agencies who have never worked with the fund before. For utility or rent assistance: must have a copy of the client s bill. For appliances/furniture: copy of an estimate from the store from which the item will be purchased. For rent/security deposit: must have statement from landlord with full amount of rent due or security deposit. Doctors written recommendation needed to obtain an air conditioner. HOW TO ACCESS: An application form must be completed by a licensed social worker or medical professional on behalf of the client. The application should be faxed or mailed to the fund administrator. If the person working on behalf of the client has not worked with this fund before or does not have an application form, he or she should mail, fax, or leave a voice mail message indicating interest (the best way to contact is by fax). An application and instructions will be faxed to them. Grant checks are mailed to the social worker or medical professional on behalf of the client (made out to the vendor, not the individual). Allow approximately 3-5 weeks for processing of the grant check. If the request has been denied, a letter will be sent. SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Fund Administrator SITE DESCRIPTION: Philanthropic fund that provides one-time grants for individuals with critical needs. Supplements other major sources of funding in order to fill gaps in service. Grant checks are written to vendors, not to individuals. A social worker or medical professional must facilitate the application process. TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Not applicable. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: Not Applicable. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4963405,-81.6719914

Phone
(216) 566-1262
Location
Cleveland, OH

JD Breast Cancer Foundation

Provides financial assistance to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Will provide funds for the following: Housing: rent, mortgage, property tax payments; Utilities: gas, electric, existing phone service; Transportation: gasoline, car repairs, bus and taxi fare. Provides gift cards for various stores that may be used for food and pharmacy purchases. Can also assist with the purchase of necessary medical supplies. May provide financial assistance for other needs on a case-by-case basis. Payment is made directly to the debtor or service provider. Maximum amount of assistance varies as determined by need. How service is provided: by mail; by phone. WHO QUALIFIES: Individuals with breast cancer diagnosis in Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Lake Counties with demonstrated financial needs or hardship, or who are unable to work. May help clients from other counties on a case-by-case basis. Clients are eligible within six months of active treatment or surgery, or if they are taking maintenance drugs. HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm FEES: Free REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Copies of outstanding bills, rent, mortgage. Completed application signed by client and licensed medical social worker, doctor, or registered nurse. HOW TO ACCESS: Must have referral from licensed medical social worker, physician, or registered nurse. Phone for information or to request application 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week; leave a message and the call will be returned within one business day. May also download application from Web-site. Completed application must then be mailed or faxed back. Applicant will be contacted within 60 days as to the status of their application (may be faster in certain emergency situations). SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Whoever answers the phone can assist SITE DESCRIPTION: Provides supportive services for those diagnosed with and survivors of breast cancer. Provides emergency financial assistance to individuals with breast cancer. Also offers informative public events that address various breast cancer issues. TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Located on the North side of Magnolia St. near the intersection with 108th St. accross the street from the VA Hospital. There is public transportation to this site. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available. This site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5147020,-81.6114190

Phone
(216) 791-9447
Location
Cleveland, OH

Veterans service commission - cuyahoga county

Provides assistance with food, shelter (rent or mortgage), and utility bills for families of active military personnel. Assistance is in the form of vouchers. Amount of assistance depends on the number of dependents left behind after deployment. Also available to make community presentations about their services.HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED: On-site. In cases of serious disability, home visit for financial assistance may be possible - this is decided on a case-by-case basis.WHO QUALIFIES: Assistance is to families of active military whose residence is in Cuyahoga County (place of deployment is not considered). Military family member must be deployed for other than training purpose. Reserves must have been activated by presidential (federal) order, not state. Amount of assistance will depend on number of dependents left at home, and amount of income/income reduction for family. Any community group can request a presentation.HOURS OF SERVICE: Office hours: M-F: 8:30am-4:30pm. Application packets can be picked up M-F: 8:30am-4:15pm. Flexible hours for community presentations.FEES: FreeREQUIRED DOCUMENTS: First LES (leave earning statement), showing how much income will be received every month. If the LES has not yet been received, will need spouse s military ID. Further information will be available in application packet.HOW TO ACCESS: Come in M-F: 8:30am-4:15pm to pick up an application packet, or call M-F: 8:30am-4:15 to request that a packet be mailed; an appointment for intake on-site can be made at that time. For community presentations, call M-F: 8:30am-4:30pm to schedule.SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Appointment Clerk to pick up packet; can call Client Liaison or Financial Assistance Manager with questions.SUPPORTS FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Spanish language available.SITE DESCRIPTION: Provides emergency assistance to veterans who are experiencing hardship. Assists with the burial of qualified, honorably discharged veterans. Assists veterans and their widows, children and other next of kin to understand and secure military benefits, including filing claims with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: On the north side of Prospect Ave., across from the Wolstein Center. There is public transportation to this site.WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available. This site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4963405,-81.6719914

Phone
(216) 698-2652
Location
Cleveland, OH

Maximum Accessible Housing Of Ohio

The mission of Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) is to develop and/or facilitate options in housing for people with physical disabilities. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5109150,-81.6034870

Phone
(216) 231-7221
Location
Cleveland, OH

Department of Community Development - CLEVELAND

*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program* On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program. Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements. Counties served:Cuyahoga County .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5051274,-81.6936367

Phone
(216) 6642351
Location
Cleveland , OH

Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services - CUYAHOGA COUNTY

*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program* On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program. Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements. Counties served:Montgomery County .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5019950,-81.6988077

Phone
(216) 4206844
Location
Cleveland, OH