Rent and utility assistance plus shelters and housing placement services
Sometimes it can be difficult for families or individuals to make ends meet. 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.
This article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Rent and Utility Assistance
Renters and homeowners can utilize the following assistance programs to help pay for utilities, rent, home energy, and more.
Hamilton County Rent and Utility Program
United Way 211 or email [email protected] for assistance completing the application and more information.
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County, household income at or below 80% AMI and an active and accessible email address
Services: Assists with paying past-due rent, water, sewer, and energy utility bills
Duke Energy Bill Credit Program
139 E 4th Street, 45202 (Downtown)
513-569-1850
Eligibility: Have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level & receive natural gas service from Duke Energy Ohio and have an account registered in their name
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for Duke Energy bill
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 250% FPL (2022) | $33,975 | $45,775 | $57,575 | $69,375 | $81,175 |
Hamilton County Senior Utility Assistance and Home Repair Program
513-743-9000
Provide eligible older adults with a one-time credit for paying their Duke Energy, Greater Cincinnati Water Works utility bill, or assist them with home modification or repairs so they may age in place.
Eligibility: Hamilton County residents ages 60 and over, ineligible for other assistance programs, household income 300% of poverty:
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 300% FPL (2022) | $40,770 | $54,930 | $69,090 | $83,250 | $97,410 |
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
513-721-1025
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% Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 175% FPL (2022) | $23,783 | $32,043 | $40,303 | $48,563 | $56,823 | $65,083 |
Related Article: Renting and eviction prevention programs in Cincinnati
LifeLine Phone Service
866-488-8719
Offers a free android with 10GB data, unlimited talk and text, as well as free international calling. This does not include a contract or hidden fees.
Eligibility: Participating in government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, FPHA, etc.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 135% FPL (2022) | $18,347 | $24,719 | $31,091 | $37,463 | $43,835 | $50,207 |
Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
877-384-2575
Offers households: up to a $30 monthly credit to help pay for internet service, a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)as well as a low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP.
Eligibility: Income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines if you or your dependent participate in government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, if you already receive a Lifeline benefit.
| Number of People in Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 200% FPL (2022) | $27,180 | $36,620 | $46,060 | $55,500 | $64,940 |
Church Assistance
Annunciation Church Immediate Assistance
3547 Clifton Avenue, 45220 (Clifton)
513-381-6400
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45220
Days/Hours: Call for an appointment
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: clothing and furniture
Bellarmine Chapel Immediate Assistance
3801 St. Francis Xavier Way, 45207 (Evanston)
513-745-3398
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45207
Days/Hours: Call for an appointment
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: food and furniture
Non-Profit Assistance
Catholic Charities of SW Ohio Immediate Assistance
7162 Reading Road, #600, 45237 (Downtown)
513-241-7745
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County
Days/Hours: Call for an appointment
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: food, mental health counseling, parenting classes, employment services and case management
Christ’s Community Ministries Rent and Utility Assistance
5819 Salvia Avenue, 45224 (College Hill)
513-541-0303
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45224
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday. Call for an appointment.
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: educational sessions, food distribution, a youth summer day camp, and a holiday basket distribution
Freestore Foodbank Stabilization Program
1141 Central Parkway, 45202 (Downtown)
513-482-4500
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for rent payments once in eighteen months
Other Social Services: a food bank, community meals, and healthcare enrollment
Guardian Angels SVDP Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Assistance
6539 Beechmont Avenue, 45230 (Mt. Washington)
513-624-3147
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45230
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday (Appointment required)
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: clothing and furniture
Mercy Franciscan at St. John Rental or Mortgage Assistance
1800 Logan Street, 45202 (OTR)
513-981-5800
Eligibility: At or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line and have dependent children
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments
Other Social Services: a food bank and homelessness prevention programs
Related Article: Job assistance and workforce development programs in Cincinnati
Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati Assistance Program
1081 Woodrow Street, 45204
513-244-5101
Eligibility: 65 years of age or older, own and live in the residence, have a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of no more than $36,100
Days/Hours: Open 24 hours
Services: Financial assistance with sewer bills
Salvation Army Rent and Utility Assistance Program
6381 Center Hill Avenue, 45224 (Hamilton)
513-242-9100
Eligibility: Resident of the Cincinnati area
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: a food bank, clothing, furniture, medical assistance and transportation assistance
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Rent and Utility Assistance
1125 Bank Street, 45214 (West End)
513-421-0602
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County, 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, has the notice to leave and/or eviction notice
Days/Hours: Call to arrange a home visit
Services: Financial assistance for rent and utility payments
Other Social Services: furniture, clothing and household items, bus passes for the newly employed, diapers, and more
Strategies to End Homelessness Rent and Utility Assistance
2368 Victory Parkway #600, 45206 (Walnut Hills)
513-381-7233
Eligibility: Resident of Hamilton County
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for rent and loan payments
Other Social Services: shelter housing, supportive housing and solutions to avoid homelessness
Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF)
415 S Monument Avenue, 45011 (Hamilton)
513-868-9300
Eligibility: Total household income less than 50% of area median income. Households with one or more members that have been unemployed for at least 90 days
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Emergency assistance with rent and utility bills
The Madisonville Education Center Rent and Utility Assistance
4600 Erie Avenue, 45227 (Madisonville)
513-271-5501
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP codes 45208, 45209, 45226 or 45227. In a household income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Days/Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Services: Financial assistance for rent or mortgage, gas, electrical services, and water payments
Other Social Services: an early literacy program, a marketplace for food distribution, and referrals for obtaining important documents
Shelter for Homeless Men, Women, Children, and Families
The following housing programs may be able to assist at-risk and low-income families in meeting their basic needs.
David & Rebecca Baron Shelterhouse
411 Gest Street, 45203 (Queensgate)
513-721-0643
Eligibility: Adult Men
Days/Hours: Housing Monday through Sunday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Services: 150 beds, meals, and treatment services
Esther Marie Hatton Shelterhouse for Women
2499 Reading Road, 45202 (Mt. Auburn)
513-562-1980
Eligibility: Adult Women
Days/Hours: Open walk-ins 24 hours
Services: 60 beds, meals, and health clinics
Related Article: Free, low-cost, and Medicaid-eligible pharmacy care and health services.
Mary Magdalen Homeless Services
1629 Republic Street, 45202 (OTR)
513-721-4811
Eligibility: Adults
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Services: Showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, phones, persons can also have mail sent here. It does not offer space to sleep.
Welcome House for the Homeless of Northern Kentucky
205 West Pike Street, 41011 (Covington)
859-431-8717
Eligibility: Adult women and children
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services: 30 spots for homeless women and children
Other Social Services: Meals, hygiene supplies, and referrals to area resources. It does not offer a place to sleep.
Temporary and Transitional Housing for Homeless Men, Women, Youth, and Families
The following programs may be able to assist families and individuals with finding temporary and transitional housing.
Bethany House Services Shelter
1841 Fairmount Avenue, 45214 (Fairmount)
513-970-1515
Eligibility: Adults and families
Days/Hours: Open walk-ins 24 hours
Services: Emergency shelter, financial assistance in securing affordable housing, and short-term rental assistance
Other Social Services: Financial assistance for security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving costs, and case management
Churches Active in Northside Housing (CAIN)
4230 Hamilton Avenue, 45223 (Cumminsville)
513-381-7233
Eligibility: Resident of ZIP code 45223
Days/Hours: Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Services: Food pantry. It does not offer a place to sleep.
Related Article: Looking for food assistance? These Food Pantries in Cincinnati may help
James Sauls Shelter Temporary Housing for the Homeless
2403 Old Street Route 32, 45103 (Batavia)
513-732-6464
Eligibility: Adults
Days/Hours: Open walk-ins 24 hours
Services: Clients can stay up to 45 days with meals and laundry
Lighthouse Youth and Family Services Housing
401 E McMillan Street, 45206 (East Walnut Hills)
513-221-3350
Eligibility: 17-21 years old who are in or aging out of child welfare. 18-24 years old who are homeless
Days/Hours: Walk-ins Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Housing and life coaching
Affordable and Subsidized Housing Placement Services
The following programs may be able to provide low-income families and individuals with access to affordable housing.
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
1627 Western Avenue, 45214 (West End)
513-721-4580
Eligibility: At or below 80 percent of the area median income
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Services: Facilitates Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and manages affordable housing complexes in Hamilton County.
OTR Community Housing Rental Services
114 W 14th Street, 45202 (OTR)
513-381-1171
Eligibility: At or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level
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
Furniture Assistance
The following programs may be able to assist families and individuals with furniture assistance.
New Life Furniture Assistance
11335 Reed Hartman Highway, #134, 45241 (Sharon Woods)
513-313-0530
Eligibility: Receive a referral from a Hamilton County social service
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Services: Provides discounted and free furniture and household goods
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
Rent and utility assistance image provided by © [WavebreakmediaMicro] /Adobe Stock
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.