Housing Assistance in Ohio

While being a parent and managing a household can be difficult, being a single mother could be exhausting. One of the most difficulties is that single moms have to face is finding safe and affordable housing for their children. Hence, it is vital to search for and benefit from different housing assistance opportunities available in the State of Ohio. Keep reading this article and discover the housing assistance programs.

Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is an organization that is financed by federal government authorities. This program allows states to make and produce their own financial assistance programs for people who are in need. Ohio has its regulations considering various social services. As a single mom, you may get financial aid in return for participating in work activities that the state demands. Hence, you should be already working in a job to some extent, looking for a job, or taking part in classes to increase your long-term employability. Since you are a single mom and have a child or children, they privilege single mothers for this program. Keep in mind that this program lasts up to 60 months, so it is important to use it wisely. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, you can check its website https://www.tanf.us/ohio.html.

The Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) and the Ohio Works First (OWF)

The Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) and Ohio Works First (OWF) are two important financial assistance programs that are assisted by Ohio. These programs are outstanding opportunities that can help single mothers who are in low-income to pay their bills and debts. Apart from paying the bills, they deliver monthly cash assistance for needy mothers for up to 26 months. Ohio Works First also helps you to find long-term employment. You can use this cash assistance to pay for the bills and various household items that you need.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be a resident of Ohio.
• You must be a U.S. national, citizen, legal resident, or permanent resident either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age.
• You must have low or very low income.
• You must be underemployed, unemployed, or about to become unemployed.

To learn more about this program, please visit http://www.guernseycountyjfs.org/CashAssistance.aspx.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

If you are having problems with paying your mortgage and avoiding foreclosure as a single mother, the state of Ohio presents several assistance programs. Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides a voluntary mediation program that will make sure that landlords and the banks find a middle ground to solve the financial problems. They are also in collaboration with divergent non-profit HUD-approved housing agencies that can solve your problem when you are in need. For more information, please visit http://www.ohiohome.org/.

Social Services and Government Emergency Aid

The Ohio Family Services can help with the bills and expenses that ease the financial burdens of single mothers as long as they are eligible. These services not only cover housing, energy bills, and food but also help with distinct problems that single mothers have. If you would like to learn more about these services, you can contact the Office of Family Assistance within the Department of Job and Family Services. Find out more at https://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/index.stm.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is one of the most popular non-profit organizations in Ohio. The Salvation Army utilizes the Housing First which is an evidence-based practice model to help families getting home, increase self-sufficiency, and remain housed. Even though their fund is considered limited, they help with various needs such as rent, energy bills, and gasoline. If you are interested in this service, find out more at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/provide-housing/.

Ohio Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP)

Numerous nonprofit institutions assist financial assistance to low-income single mothers in their region.  Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program offers emergency grants, payment plans, and utility bill help for families who are in need. Approximately 20% of households that are eligible for LIHEAP receive benefits on average. Your income should be at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to be eligible for this program. If you would like to be one of them, check this website for more information https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heap.htm.

Broad Street Presbyterian Church

Although the state of Ohio has a list of programs that single mothers can use, some of the local churches can be another useful resource to take into consideration for single moms. Broad Street Presbyterian Church provides a homelessness prevention program. This housing program is also known as the Congregational Outreach Ministries Program of Assistance & Social Service (COMPASS). Especially for those single mothers who are afraid of being evicted, this program offers emergency housing needs. To be considered for this program, an applicant must have a source of income, a disconnection of utility, and not be able to afford to pay for the reconnection fee. You should submit your ID photo, social security number of every household member, and proof of low-income. To find out more, please visit http://www.bspc.org/.

Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)

Single mothers sometimes have problems with legal issues related to housing. Here, Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) supports those who are seeking legal guidance with their landlord-tenant law. This institution presents free legal advice on how to deal with different legal problems that you may come across. If there is a problem with your housing contract, you can reach out to them through their website https://cohhio.org/.

Lifeline Assistance

This is a government-funded program that teams up with many significant wireless companies. This program offers free phones and free services for families who are in financial hardship. If you are a single mom who already has government assistance from different programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), it means that you are able to apply for this opportunity. You can have a free phone and phone services for your household! Other than this, if you gain less than 135 percent of the federal poverty regulations of Ohio, you can still be eligible. For more information, please visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/lifeline-services/states/ohio-lifeline-free-government-phone-service.

Habitat for Humanity MidOhio

Habitat is a worldwide known non-governmental organization that sells affordable homes to people with a low income. Single mothers can buy their first-home by applying to Habitat for Humanity MidOhio. All participants must be ready for a screening process and illustrate their financial condition that proves that they can repay a mortgage. They are not only providing services that can make single mothers landlords but also present a low-cost home repair program to current homeowners. Find out more information at https://www.habitatmidohio.org/.

Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (JOIN)

Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs provides cash assistance for water and gas/fuel bills for single mothers whose utilities have been close off. JOIN functions under Catholic Charities of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. This institution also helps with toiletries, cleaning supplies, and disposable diapers that single mothers can use for their family https://columbuscatholic.org/join.