Find organizations that help with rent and utility assistance, shelters, and housing placements.
Sometimes, making ends meet can be difficult for families or individuals. Thankfully, many programs aid families and individuals in need, and several assistance programs in Cincinnati offer emergency housing assistance.
It does not matter if someone is experiencing homelessness or is behind on bills. Below are support services that can lead to a place of self-sufficiency.
Table of Contents:
- Rent and Utility Assistance
- Utility Assistance
- Shelter for Homeless Men, Women, Children, and Families
- Affordable and Subsidized Housing Placement Services
- Furniture Assistance
This article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Rent and Utility Assistance
Assistance Programs for renters can help pay their rent, utilities, home energy, and other related costs.
513 Relief
Services: Offers various programs to help families with rent, mortgage, utilities, eviction prevention, broadband assistance, and more. It also operates a mobile bus that directly brings resources and services to needy communities.
Eligibility: Residents of Hamilton County.
Christ’s Community Ministries Rent and Utility Assistance
5819 Salvia Avenue, 45224 (College Hill)
513-541-0303
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday. Call for an appointment.
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45224
Other Social Services: Educational sessions, food distribution, a youth summer day camp, and a holiday basket distribution
Related Article: Job assistance and workforce development programs in Cincinnati
Salvation Army Rent and Utility Assistance
513-762-5660
Days/Hours: Call for an appointment.
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: food distribution, holiday assistance, and rapid rehousing.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rent and Utility Assistance
1125 Bank Street, 45214 (West End)
513-421-0602
Days/Hours: Call to arrange a home visit
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County, 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline, has the notice to leave and eviction notice
Other Social Services: Furniture, clothing and household items, bus passes for the newly employed, diapers, and more
Clermont County Emergency Relief Assistance
Services: Covers rental payments that are late and overdue, as well as utility payments, including gas, electric, fuel oil, trash removal, and water and sewer.
Eligibility: Residents of Clermont County under 85 percent of the area median income who have fallen behind on rent and utility payments can get financial help. Runs through September 30, 2025.
Warren County Emergency Services
513-695-2238
Services: Assists households facing eviction or a utility disconnect.
Eligibility: Residents of Warren County may receive individualized assistance based on need and available funds; financial assistance varies.
Utility Assistance
Some organizations in the area offer financial assistance to individuals and families who need help paying their utility bills.
Butler County (SELF)
415 S Monument Avenue, 45011 (Hamilton)
513-868-9300
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Emergency assistance with utility bills
Eligibility: Total household income less than 50 percent of area median income. Households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days
Duke Energy Financial Assistance
513-569-1850
Services: Financial assistance for Duke Energy bill
Eligibility: Have a household income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level & receive natural gas service from Duke Energy Ohio, and have an account registered in their name
View tips to lower your energy bill
Special Assistance: During times of uncertainty, programs and resources are available to help individuals regain stability and move forward.
Greater Cincinnati Water District
513-586-5917
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance with water bills.
Eligibility: Resident of Greater Cincinnati.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
513-721-1025
Services: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.
Eligibility: Maximum Allowable Income and 175 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
513-685-4478
Services: The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round, offering households affordable monthly payments that help maintain gas and electric services.
Eligibility: Hamilton County residents with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and utility service from an electric or natural gas company regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio are eligible for the program.
LifeLine Phone Service
866-488-8719
Services: Discount of up to $9.25 per month for qualifying monthly broadband or bundled services that meet the broadband minimum service standards. The discount for eligible subscribers is up to $5.25 for monthly service that only qualifies for the voice minimum service standards. The discount may be applied to either wireline or wireless services.
Eligibility: Participating in government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, FPHA, etc.
Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Assistance Program
513-244-1300 (Option 3)
Services: Financial assistance with sewer bills
Eligibility: 65 or older, own and live in the residence, have a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of no more than $40,000.
Shelters for Homeless Men, Women, Children, and Families
Several shelters in Cincinnati provide housing solutions to those experiencing homelessness or struggling to afford stable housing. View a list of shelters in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Related Article: Free, low-cost, and Medicaid-eligible pharmacy care and health services.
Affordable and Subsidized Housing Placement Services
The following housing placement services may be able to provide housing solutions to low-income families and individuals.
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
1627 Western Avenue, 45214 (West End)
513-721-4580
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services: Facilitates the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and manages affordable housing complexes in Hamilton County.
Eligibility: At or below 80 percent of the area median income
Housing Authority of Covington
2300 Madison Avenue, 41014 (Covington)
859-491-5311
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services: Administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and operates several public housing developments in Kenton County.
Eligibility: At or below 50 percent of the area median income
OTR Community Housing Rental Services
114 W 14th Street, 45202 (OTR)
513-381-1171
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Affordable housing units in East Clifton, Pendleton, and Over-the-Rhine
Eligibility: At or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level
Furniture Assistance
The following furniture assistance programs may be able to provide furniture to families and individuals in need who are transitioning from homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or struggling to afford basic household necessities.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Multiple Locations
513-721-4483
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Sells donated new and used appliances, furniture, cabinets, building products, and household items
Eligibility: Anyone is eligible
New Life Furniture Assistance
11335 Reed Hartman Highway, #134, 45241 (Sharon Woods)
513-313-0530
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Services: Provides discounted and free furniture and household goods
Eligibility: Receive a referral from a Hamilton County social service
The Healing Center Wearhouse
11345 Century Circle W, 45246 (Sharonville)
513-346-4080
Days/Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Services: Every other week, as a guest, your household can shop for clothing, household, and personal care items.
Eligibility: Individuals and families in need
Related Article: Looking for food assistance? These Food Pantries in Cincinnati may help.
Additional Resources
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
513-721-4663
Offers a variety of services to help eliminate illegal housing discrimination, prevent homelessness, and educate tenants and landlords about their fair housing rights and responsibilities. HOME’s services are free of charge. Learn more about our enforcement team, tenant advocates, education and outreach courses, and servicios en Español.
Various resources are available for individuals and families in Cincinnati who are struggling with housing-related issues. Assistance Programs from rent and utility assistance programs to homeless shelters and home repair services, numerous organizations, and government initiatives are dedicated to helping those in need. Cincinnati residents must be aware of these resources and take advantage of them when necessary.
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I need help went my rent I loss my husband and my income went way down my hold life change. My name is Terri Powell and I take care of Grandchildren.
hey my name is nyeashu ricks and i was look for help with rent i was try to see if you would know some places that helps please can you get at me please thank you
Hello Voice Of Black Cincinnati. I am on a Medical Restrictions, so, I am only working 2 days a week & less than 14 hours a week, because of my knees & Heart related issues. I am in need of some immediate financial assistance with my rent. All of the Agencies have put a haul on their funding at this time. Please keep me posted of anyone currently helping pay rent. I have contacted CAA, HCJFS, 513- RELIEF, FREE STORE, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL, OUR DAILY BREAD, SALVATION ARMY, THE CARING PLACE & THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH. These places aren’t currently assisting with rent.
Thank you for visiting our website. Hopefully, one of those locations can refer you to other agencies who can assist.