Provides help for electric bills to people with a low income who have tried all other resources (HEAP and PIPP). To qualify, households must have disconnected electric service and must have made a sincere effort to pay their electric bill in the last 90 days. Go online to use their income calculator to find out whether you qualify. Click to find an agency in your area that will help you with the application process.
(800) 683-7036
dollarenergy.org
AEP Ohio: aepohio.com/info/community/paymentAssistancePrograms/NeighborToNeighbor.aspx
Customers who have received a disconnect notice or are unable to pay their electric bill can call the toll-free number to set up a payment extension or a discount plan. Customers who have special needs or medical conditions can request a medical certification form.
(800) 672-2231
www.aepohio.com/account/bills/pay/assistance
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
Provides discounted phone service for income-eligible customers, including free line connection, monthly discounts and no deposits for local service. You must meet a current AT&T telephone customer. Call the toll-free number to get an application mailed to you.
(866) 394-1514
att.com/home-phone/lifeline
Offers free care for health and wellness, specializing in lung health care, including asthma, COPD and emphysema. Patients can be cared for in their clinic, on one of their mobile medical units in the community, and virtually. They have a variety of smoking and vaping cessation programs that offer nicotine replacement medications and continued support throughout the quitting journey led by a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. They also help with winter heating and summer cooling programs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and provide window air conditioners and fans to those who qualify.
741 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 457-4570
HEAP: breathingassociation.org/services/heap
Summer Crisis Program (July– September): breathingassociation.org/heap/summer-crisis-program
Winter Crisis Program (November– March): breathingassociation.org/heap/winter-crisis-program
Lung Health Clinic: breathingassociation.org/lung-health-clinic
Main Website: breathingassociation.org
Offers multiple programs in Columbus individuals, youth and families in zip codes 43203, 43205, 43209, 43213, and 43215. The food pantry provides fresh produce, dairy, protein and shelf stable food once every 30 days to all eligible neighbors. They also host regular farmers markets. The COMPASS program provides financial assistance for rent and utilities for those that qualify.
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 908-3901 or (614) 221-6552
COMPASS: (614) 429-5979
bspc.org/ministries
Provides a variety of social service programs to residents in Canal Winchester, those living in the Bloom Carroll School District, Lithopolis, and underserved rural areas of Fairfield County. Programs include a community food pantry, emergency assistance for rent/mortgage or utilities, senior transportation and social programming, school supply drives, and child loss grief support group.
80 Covenant Way, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 834-4700
cwhumanservices.org
A faith-based agency serving families and seniors in central and southern Ohio. Provides case management, food, and emergency assistance. They offer supportive services and community-impact opportunities for low-income seniors. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Center serves the Latino/Hispanic community on the West side of Columbus with a food pantry, ESL classes, legal and immigration consultations and referrals, and comprehensive case management.
Connects individuals and families in the Groveport Madison school district with community resources and aid. Services include summer lunches, school supply distribution, job referral assistance, and adopt-a-family programs. They also offer emergency cash assistance for housing, utilities, car repair, or medical needs.
PO Box 542, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 586-4017
gmhn.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
Offers a utility discount for water and sewer charges for people with a low income. Seniors age 60 and older with limited income may qualify for a discount on electricity and/or water bills. Go online to complete the application offered in both Spanish and English.
111 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-8276
columbus.gov/utilities/customers/Utility-Discount-Programs
A free child care resource and referral agency serving families of all income levels within the 31 counties of Ohio in the Appalachian region. They have a list of child care programs, including Head Start Programs, public pre-schools, child care centers, family child care homes, school age programs, and infant care programs. Use the online database or call for help finding child care. The website also has resources for child care providers. Coad4kids is part of a statewide network of child care resource and referral agencies, so if you live outside the service area call to be directed to an agency near you. The COAD parent organization provides additional services such as home weatherization and help for seniors, for those in their Southeast Ohio service area.
1 Pinchot Lane, Athens, Ohio 45701
Office: (740) 594-8499
Help Finding Childcare: (330) 364-8882
coad4kids.org
Offers several programs for customers with a low income, including extended payment plans, discounted programs and services for those with medical needs. Visit the website for more information about each program.
Physical Address: 290 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Payment Mailing Address: PO Box 742510, Cincinnati, Ohio 45274
(800) 344-4077
columbiagasohio.com/bills-and-payments/financial-support/income-eligible-assistance-programs
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
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Questions About Health & Community Resources: (614) 645-1244
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List
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
Find low-cost Internet, affordable computers and/or free digital literacy training courses in your area.
718 Seventh Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
everyoneon.org
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
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.
Provides eligible individuals with canned and boxed food, bread, produce, and personal care items, as well as utility assistance. Serves residents who live in the Hilliard City School District (zip codes 43026, 43228, 43221, 43016, 43002, 43119, 43204). Transportation is available for seniors.
3691 Main Street Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 363-4159
hilliardfoodpantry.org
Non-profit housing developer promoting affordable housing and financial wellness in Columbus. Use the Homeport Living website to browse their affordable housing properties and apply for a rental property or home. Use the Homeport Learning website to sign up for their free homebuyer education classes, home readiness program, or financial fitness classes. They also offer individual financial counseling, down payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention coaching.
3443 Agler Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 221-8889
Homeport Living: homeportliving.org
Homeport Learning: homeportlearning.org
General Website: homeportohio.org
Non-profit housing counseling agency and housing development organization serving the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They offer HUD-approved Homeownership Education, foreclosure prevention, and individual financial counseling services. Services are free and available in English and Spanish. Go online and complete the Request Information form to request services.
3659 Soldano Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 275-4663
hoth-cdc.org/contact
Provides income-based case management services, emergency assistance services, financial services, computer literacy and workforce development programs. Most of the programs are for Franklin County residents living at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit the website or call for more information.
Southside: 711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43207
Westside: 4129 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228
impactca.org
AMP website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/amp
Faith-based organization through Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Provides limited financial assistance for low-income families, assistance with prescriptions and birth certificates, non-perishable foods, hygiene items, and household products.
578 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 241-2530 or (614) 241-2531
columbuscatholic.org/join
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.
MORPC is responsible for the Central Ohio region’s transportation planning process. Visit the website to find information on current policy updates, find a community forum, information for bicycle commuters, find home weatherization programs, and sign up for Air Quality alerts by email or text to stay informed when pollution levels are high. The commission also offers consulting services for local communities to navigate zoning codes and long-term development activities.
111 Liberty Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Main Office: (614) 228-2663
Home Repair & Energy Efficiency Services: (614) 621-1171
Main Website: morpc.org
Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts: mailchi.mp/1d5b539be321/air_alerts
Columbus Metro Bike User Map: public-morpc.hub.arcgis.com/apps/38c3354989eb436184e41803fcabda7d/explore
Provides a list of agencies helping low-income households get internet service at low or no cost. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is a unified voice for home broadband access, public broadband access, personal devices and local technology training and support programs.
3000 East Main Street, Suite 50, Columbus, Ohio 43209
digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans
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
Provides free fact sheets on utility assistance programs in Ohio (like electric, natural gas, telephone and water) and energy disconnection rights. Programs include the Home Energy Assistance Program for heating and air-conditioning costs, Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus) for income-eligible customers to lower utility bills, Home Weatherization Assistance Program, assistance for military families, and more. Use the website for full program details and eligibility informaiton.
65 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 742-5622
occ.ohio.gov/utilityassistance
Provides heating and cooling assistance and utility discounts, with eligibility based on household income. The HEAP program offers a one-time payment for utility customers during the winter and summer throughout Ohio. Call or download an application from the website. They also provide weatherization services.
77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(800) 282-0880 or (800) 686-1557 TDD
development.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/development/individual/energy-assistance/energy-assistance
Helps the development, rehabilitation and financing of low- to moderate-income rental housing. Offers programs for first-time homebuyers, renters, and others find affordable housing that meets their needs. Offers low-interest loans and down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers. Other programs include assistance for recent college grads and low-interest loans for firefighters, teachers, police officers, military personnel and health care workers. Call (888) 404-4674, to be directed to a HUD approved counseling agency to help you work with your lender for a foreclosure resolution.
57 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7970 or (888) 362-6432 Toll-free or (800) 750-0750 TDD
ohiohome.org
Located inside Indian Run United Methodist Church, One Dublin offers programs to families temporarily in need. Families must live in the Dublin City School district to receive services. Programs include Adopt-A-Family/Adopt-A-Senior, a community free shop for clothing and hygiene items, mattresses and household items as available, and school supplies. Emergency household assistance is available for utilities, medical expenses, or transportation assistance. Transportation assistance can be used for car payments, uber cards, or bus passes but not car repairs. Referral is required, and assistance is not provided for car repairs or rent/housing.
Mailing Address: 7032 Hospital Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43016
Call or text: (614) 726-6958
one-dublin.org
Somali-led non-profit improving the lives of immigrant and refugee families in Franklin County. Services include case management, ESL classes, mental health first aid classes, help with rent and utilities, food pantry, and youth programming.
2021 East Dublin Granville Road, Suite 197, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 733-9555
Website: ourhelpers.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ourhelpers.org
This medical organization helps adults age 19+ with healthcare challenges due to individual barriers. They serve individuals across Central Ohio, including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Union and Madison counties. Translation services are available. Programs include:
1390 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 884-2441
pcchealth.org
Assistance is available for both gas and electric bills. The assistance may be in the form of a reduction of heating bills and/or a set amount based on household income. The PUCO website gives information on how to sign up, who is eligible and what programs are available (including a program providing protections and benefits to military personnel and their families).
180 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 686-7826 or (614) 466-3292 or 7-1-1 TDD
puco.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/puco/consumers
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
This is a national program that provides one free cell phone to one household or those who live in shelters, public housing or can be considered as their own separate household living in a family setting. Requirements for eligibility are based on the applicant meeting federal poverty criteria or participation in a state or government support program; such as food stamps or medical, for example. SafeLink representatives will help determine eligibility.
Enrollment and Plan Changes Support: (800) 723-3546
Technical Support Only: (800) 378-1684
safelinkwireless.com
Serves: Single Adults & Families
Offers various faith-based services for Central Ohio families. Housing Services include finding housing, financial assistance, and case management. They also offer programs for youth after-school programming and tutoring, food assistance, emergency utility assistance, support for human trafficking survivors, and addiction recovery. Their thrift stores offer items at bargain prices to fund programs. You can find thrift store, church locations, and program details on their website.
easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/home