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.
Featured Assistance
STEPS to Stability
513-743-9000
Apply through September 4
Services: Addressing common, one-time needs that can impact an older adult’s ability to remain independent in their homes and communities. Eligible individuals may receive a credit on their Duke Energy Utility bill
Eligibility:
- Hamilton County resident age 60 and over
- You must have your Duke Account Number available in order to apply. Applications will not be accepted without the Duke Account Number.
- You must NOT have received this assistance in 2025.
- Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
- Ineligible for other assistance programs (excluding HEAP)
- Household income of 300% of poverty level or below (Social Security is considered income):
- $47,880 for a household of one
- $64,920 for a household of two
- $81,960 for a household of three
- $99,000 for a household of four
General Assistance
United Way 211
211 or 513-721-7900 or 1-800-233-4357
Services: Housing assistance, utility bills, basic needs, mental health services, and employment services.
Community Action Agency
513-569-1840
Services: Early childhood education, career paths and job training, utility assistance, emergency housing and rent relief, mobile food pantry, diaper bank, free tax preparation
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
5742 Hamilton Avenue, 45224 (College Hill)
513-541-5676 or 513-739-2944
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
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: Food distribution and rapid rehousing.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rent and Utility Assistance
513-421-0602 or 513-562-8841
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County in need of assistance, use this map to see what organization services each area
Other Social Services: Furniture, clothing and household items, bus passes for the newly employed, diapers, and more
Clermont County Prevention, Retention, Contingency Program
Services: Covers rental payments that are late and overdue, as well as utility payments and deposits
Eligibility: Residents of Clermont County with minor children, must provide documentation of need, meet income requirements.
Utility Assistance
Some organizations in the area offer financial assistance to individuals and families who need help paying their utility bills.
Duke Energy Financial Assistance
513-569-1850
Services: Financial assistance for Duke Energy bill
Eligibility: Varies based on program
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)
Services: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps Ohioans at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.
Eligibility: Income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines
To find your local agency, click here.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP)
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: Income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines
LifeLine Phone Service
1-800-234-9473
Services: Provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers and up to $34.25 per month for eligible subscribers on Tribal lands.
Eligibility: Income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline or 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 $41,000.
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)
513-977-5800 or 513-721-4580
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 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
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, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 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 their enforcement team, tenant advocates, education and outreach courses, and servicios en Español.
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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.