CAP4Kids lists many organizations that offer free and low-cost services and products. Visit various (sub)categories to find organizations that meet your need.
Offers support programs for veterans and their family, such as temporary financial assistance, a cash grant to support minor children of veterans who are eligible for American Legion membership. They also award college scholarships and list counseling and mental health support resources for veterans.
Contact Information: legion.org/contact
legion.org
Student-run non-profit offering personalized financial education and lending services.
PO Box 3180, Columbus, Ohio 43210
ascentmicrofinance.org
A neighborhood-based community center that serves the near east and near south neighborhoods of Columbus, Ohio. Programs for families include soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education training, emergency housing/rent assistance, nutrition programs, utility services, health care, parenting workshops and more. They partner with Columbus Early Learning Centers to provide childcare. Programs for youth include after-school, summer day camp for kids ages 5-13, and the TRANSIT ARTS center which provides free music and art classes. Village Central Senior Program helps adults ages 60 and older maintain independence and combat isolation by providing transportation services, wellness programs, home repairs, organized social events, community engagement and more. They also have a business training program called ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs.
1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Front Desk/Intake: (614) 252-3157
Village Central Senior Program: (614) 545-2703
TRANSIT ARTS: (614) 732-0198
cchouse.org
Supports Ohio residents and organizations through advocacy and various programs aimed at ending homelessness. Their website has important information on emergency rental assistance across Ohio, landlord-tenet law, the Fair Housing Act, and more. Professionals can find opportunities for advocacy and training. The Housing Now for Families Program (HNHF) provides temporary financial assistance and supportive services for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and meet income guidelines. Anyone can use the Crisis Text Line for immediate help from a Crisis Counselor, or call the Housing Information Line for advice on dealing with a specific housing issue. Use the Ohio Housing Locator website to search for affordable housing and emergency resources.
Main Office: (614) 280-1984
Housing Information Line: (888) 485-7999
Crisis Text Line: Text “4hope” to 741 741
Ohio Housing Locator: ohiohousinglocator.org
cohhio.org
Offers free, one-on-one financial counseling as a public service to adult residents of Central Ohio. Certified Financial Counselors help individuals and families budget, save money, find safe and affordable banking, reduce debt, and improve their credit. This service is provided as a partnership between the City of Columbus & Jewish Family Services.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
columbusfec.org
The Columbus Humane’s Essential Care Center offers low-cost wellness exams, vaccinations, surgery services, sick treatment, and end of life care for dogs and cats. They also provide dog food assistance through their pet pantry. Their website has additional resources for finding pet food, low-cost veterinary care, emergency care, and emergency boarding. Call to schedule an appointment.
3772 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 602-6700
columbushumane.org/checcvet
Pride Centers are one-stop shops for city services, dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of families living in the area. These centers house basic city services in one place, which include the Neighborhood Social Workers. Call first to make an appointment.
Main Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Office: (614) 645-1993
new.columbus.gov
Westside Neighborhood Pride Center
1186 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 724-2033
franklinton.org
The Reeb Center
280 Reed Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(614) 468-9280
reebcenter.org
Near East Pride Center
1393 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 645-7343
North Neighborhood Pride Center
248 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 645-5220
Far East Pride Center
2500 Park Crescent Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 724-0100
This website provides information and support for survivors of a natural event or human-caused disaster. Go online to find a list of disasters declared by FEMA, apply for assistance, find emergency shelters, and information on how to prepare your family for emergencies.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: (800) 621-3362
disasterassistance.gov
Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org
Establishes, enforces, review and modifies child support orders so payments can be made. Helps with termination of support orders, paternity establishment, and health insurance coverage for children. They also offer a mobile app that gives users secure access to their child support case information.
80 East Fulton Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3275
support.franklincountyohio.gov
Ohio Department of Job & Family Services Office of Child Support: jfs.ohio.gov/child-support
Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Resource website to help those transitioning from correctional and rehabilitative institutions back into the community. Resources include document/identification assistance, job training and postings, public assistance benefits, mental health, food, clothing, housing/shelter and more.
373 South High Street, 25th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-5577
FC-RAB Website: reentry.franklincountyohio.gov
Re-entry Services Website: drc.ohio.gov/systems-and-services/2-reentry-services/reentry-services
Printable Quick Guide: Re-Entry Quick Guide
Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include parenting classes, senior outreach, a preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers.
Offers a combination of job search assistance, counseling, case management, and family stabilization designed to meet the complex needs of individuals and families. Wrap-around services help clients address challenges like stable housing, financial wellness, and mental and physical health challenges. Most services are free, and mental health counseling fees are based on insurance. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. They also offer resettlement services for refugees and New Americans, and specialized services for Holocaust survivors and older adults.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org
Serves those struggling with homelessness and substance use on the west side of Columbus. Services include daily meals and narcan distribution, clothing, documentation/ID assistance, laundry and shower services, cooling and heating stations, and more.
342 North Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 507-3246
jordanscrossingcolumbus.org
facebook.com/jordanscrossingcolumbus
Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.
Offers free financial counseling, educational workshops and a matched savings program. Participants meet with a coach one-on-one each month. Every dollar a participant saves in the program is matched with another dollar for up to $5,000. Participants must meet income requirements, be at least 18 years old, employed, and living in zip codes 43205, 43206, 43207, 43211, or 43224. Go online for contact information and to apply.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2000
nationwidechildrens.org/about-us/population-health-and-wellness/healthy-neighborhoods-healthy-families/workforce-development/my-bridge-2-success
A charitable organization that helps match families in need with businesses, volunteers, and organizations for resources like food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Use the website to find a Bridge in your community, request help, or fill others’ requests for help.
All Ohio Locations: neighborhoodbridges.org/state/ohio
Non-profit religious organization serving Columbus’ diverse Muslim community, and the community at large. They have many programs for Muslim youth year-round, including boys’ and girls’ groups for fellowship and volunteering, Quran study groups, ACT/SAT prep, interscholastic competition, running club, and more. Services for adults include spiritual and marriage counseling, and mutual aid for financial difficulty. Find program details and financial help form on their website.
5001 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 527-7777
noorohio.org
Wondering if you are eligible for Ohio benefits and assistance programs? Go online to view program details, eligibility requirements, and renewal requirements. Applications can be submitted online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (OBSSP), or in person at your local Job and Family Services Office.
Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Ohio Benefits Call Center: (844) 640-6446
Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
Ohio Benefits Program Descriptions: benefits.ohio.gov/home/resources/assistance-programs
OBSSP Benefits Self-Service Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
Helps teen parents or pregnant teens finish school by providing cash assistance and case management. Students must be under the age of 20 and working on earning either their GED or high school diploma.
1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(844) 640-6446
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/cash-assistance
Ohio Law & Rules about LEAP: codes.ohio.gov/oac/5101:1-23-50
Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants
A rent assistance hub for both tenants and landlords. Provides simple, reliable, and easy-to-access links to Central Ohio rent assistance programs. They also dispel common myths, provide eviction information customized to Franklin County, and highlight some of the places you can go to get even more help. The website can be translated in English, Spanish, or Somali.
rentful614.com
Provides low-interest loans for one-time expenses to individuals living in Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hardin, Knox, Licking, Ross, or Union County. Loans are for expenses such as a car repair, home repair, education, and medical expenses not covered by insurance. They do not provide loans for expenses such as rent, food, or utilities. All applicants will be contacted by Microloan leaders who will help determine eligibility for a loan, coordinate with recipients and a local credit union, and connect applicants to local financial education workshops.
197 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 285-4473 or (614) 221-3554
svdpcolumbus.org/microloan_mission
Contact for Delaware, Fairfield, Knox, Licking and Ross County: svdpcolumbus.org/contact_info
Note: CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse any specific company. We encourage families to carefully review and evaluate all services.
The Cancer Option Collaborative (COC) serves cancer patients who are actively in treatment. They provide emotional support and financial assistance for men, women, and children battling cancer. Call or go online to contact the organization and request support.
1347 Worthington Woods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43085
(614) 212-4131
thecoccares.org
Provides medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services related to a major medical condition that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be 16 years old or younger, be a U.S. citizen, and have coverage through a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Families must meet income eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Visit the website for a full list of requirements and for application instructions.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org
An official guide to federal information and services. Use the website to find helpful, easy-to-read information on topics like how the government works, government benefits, disability services, immigration and citizenship, taxes, legal issues and more. The website can also be used to register to vote, print tax forms or check on a tax refund, file a complaint, and other government-related tasks.
(844) 872-4681
usa.gov