Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
Columbus, Ohio, offers community resources for many single-parent families. Parenting is undeniably challenging, and it becomes even more daunting for single moms like myself who are grappling with limited financial resources. As a single mother myself, I know firsthand the challenges of maintaining financial stability amidst a sea of expenses. It’s not an easy task.
I’ve discovered a wealth of assistance services available, both through the state and private initiatives. These programs aim to alleviate the challenges of single parenting by providing essential support, ranging from financial aid to assistance with groceries and healthcare for our children. I understand firsthand how valuable this assistance is as we juggle our jobs while caring for our kids. Here are some of the projects offering financial support in Columbus for single parents.
Single-Parent Community Resources in Columbus, OH
Salvation Army, Central Ohio
For low-wage earners, the Salvation Army has a comprehensive list of services. The program provides clothing support yearly through its clothing coupons.
Are you close to running out of foodstuffs? There is a food pantry program that the Salvation Army operates. Dial 614-341-2282, and if you have not benefited from the assistance for at least 30 days, you could get grocery items.
The Salvation Army is working with Mid-Ohio Foodbank to deliver fresh food products to recipients every summer.
They also run a rental assistance project. However, the rental aid scheme might not always be accessible due to budget considerations. Nonetheless, it serves households that earn below $125.
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
I’ve personally found assistance through the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority to be a lifesaver. They administer the Housing Choice Voucher program, which is specifically designed to meet the housing needs of the elderly, disabled, low-income families, and single mothers like me. This program offers subsidized housing, significantly easing the financial burden on those with limited incomes.
The housing scheme needs to pay directly to the landlord a portion of the rental, while the beneficiaries cover the rest.
You must complete an application form and submit it together with the required documents to qualify for this affordable housing scheme. For more data, check the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority’s official site, or contact 614-421-6000.
Ohio Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
For low-wage earners who need help with their children’s welfare, CCAP is a government-financed subsidy program that assists with financial support.
The state project will benefit children under 13 with parents who are jobless or listed under Ohio’s Work First. Besides that, they may also consider children of disabled parents.
The program covers a proportion of the welfare costs of a child, while the parent needs to pay the other part. However, the subsidy depends on many factors, including family size, wages, and the number of kids within the age range stated. To know more about this aid, please visit their website.
Broadstreet Presbyterian Church (BSPC)
BSPC manages a housing subsidy program designed to assist residents of Columbus with eviction problems. The project will address the emergency housing needs of qualified applicants with partial rental and service payments.
Aspirants should have a service disconnection notice for qualification and could not afford the re-connection cost. Candidates should, after all, have a standard means of funding too.
Applicants must also provide proof of a social security number for all family members, proof of income, and photo ID. Check their site for further details, or dial 614-221-6552. For all single mothers in Columbus, this is an excellent platform.
Ohio Works First (OWF)
I’ve personally enrolled in OWF, the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) financial program known as Ohio Works First. This program offers critical financial assistance to eligible families in need across Ohio. It’s important to note that this statewide program has a time limit of up to 3 years, and participants are required to meet specific work requirements each month once enrolled. Failing to fulfill these requirements without a justifiable cause can result in the removal of benefits.
Ohio Work First is currently giving $483 to families of three members. They grant payouts through the Ohio PATHWAY Card or straight into the beneficiaries’ local bank account. On their official website, you either register for OWF or fill in the JFS 7200 form and send it to the local agency.
Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services
As someone who has personally benefited from the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services, I can attest to the vital support they provide for single mothers and low-income families. They offer a range of services, including medical assistance and housing support. Notably, they administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provide food aid, either through SNAP benefits or debit card transfers.
Additionally, they run the Healthy Start Healthy Family program, which offers essential medical assistance to low-income families. For more detailed information, I encourage you to visit their webpage for more information.
St. Vincent de Paul
As someone who has personally benefited from this non-profit program, I can vouch for the wide range of services they offer to support people in distress. One of their projects, St. Lawrence, provides free lunches on weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. I’ve found this invaluable during tough times. Additionally, they operate a food program on Saturdays, distributing food supplies to elderly, ill, disabled, and low-income individuals for a three-day period.
Also, they operate a clothing distribution service and a Funeral Fund scheme that donates money to those who can not afford the funeral expenses for their loved ones. Tour their page for further information, or contact 614-221-3554.
The Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential (LEAP) Initiative
Teenage mothers are given financial assistance through this organization. The Prevention, Retention, and Continence aid with one-off cash assistance for emergency funding difficulties in homes with a pregnant woman or minor. In addition, applicants must not live above 165 % of the federal regulations on poverty. Visit the Franklin County Board of Commissioners website or call 614-233-2000 to learn more about this program.
It’s important to remember that there’s absolutely no shame in seeking assistance when you need it. I’ve been there, and I know how crucial these programs can be for single parents. I encourage you to visit the websites of these organizations to find answers to any questions you may have about the resources available to Columbus single-parent families.
