Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
Although being a parent can be challenging and it can be hard to manage a household, being single mom can be exhausting. Finding affordable and safe housing for children is one of the biggest challenges single mothers face. It is important to look for and take advantage of the various housing assistance programs available in Ohio. Continue reading to learn more about housing assistance programs.
General Financial Assistance for Housing In Ohio
Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Federal government funds TANF. This program allows states the ability to create and implement their own financial assistance programs for those in need. Ohio regulations regulate various social services. You may be eligible for financial assistance if you are a single mother and participate in the work requirements of the state. You should have a job or be looking for work to improve your employability. Single mothers are preferred for this program, even if they have children. This program can last up to 60 months so make sure you use it well.
The Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) and the Ohio Works First (OWF)
Ohio offers two financial assistance programs: Ohio Works First (OWF), and Disability Financial Assistance (DFA). These programs offer outstanding assistance to single mothers with low income who need help paying their bills and other debts. They provide cash assistance to mothers in need for up to 26 months, as well as monthly bills payment. Ohio Works First can help you find long-term work. This cash assistance can be used to pay your bills or purchase household items.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
Ohio offers several programs to help single mothers who are struggling with their mortgage payments and want to avoid foreclosure. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers a voluntary mediation program to help landlords and banks reach a solution. They also work in partnership with non-profit, HUD-approved housing agencies to solve your problem if you are in financial need.
Social Services and Government Emergency Aid
As long as single mothers are eligible, Ohio Family Services can assist with bills and other expenses. These services can help single mothers with specific problems, such as housing and energy bills. You can reach the Office of Family Assistance, Department of Job and Family Services, to find out more about these services.
The Salvation Army
One of Ohio’s most loved non-profit organizations is the Salvation Army. Housing First is an evidence-based model that helps families get home, improve self-sufficiency, stay housed, and the Salvation Army uses it. Although their funds are limited, they provide assistance for various needs, such as rent, fuel bills, and gasoline.
Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (JOIN)
The Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs offers cash assistance for water, gas and fuel bills for single mothers whose utilities are closed. JOIN is a Catholic Charities program of the Catholic Diocese. This institution can also provide toiletries, cleaning products, and disposable diapers for single mothers.
Utility Bills Assistance for Housing in Ohio
Ohio Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP)
Many nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance to single mothers with low incomes in their area. Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance to families in financial need with emergency grants, payment plans and help with utility bills. On average, approximately 20% of households who are eligible for LIHEAP get benefits. To be eligible, your income must be below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines.
Lifeline Assistance
This government-funded program partners with major wireless companies. Families in financial hardship can receive free phones and services through this program. This program is available to single mothers who have government assistance such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Your household can get a free phone and telephone services. You may still be eligible even if your income is below 135 percent according to the Ohio federal poverty regulations.
Homeless Shelter Assistance in Ohio
Broad Street Presbyterian Church
The state of Ohio offers a variety of programs for single mothers. However, local churches are another resource that single moms can benefit from. Broad Street Presbyterian Church offers a program to prevent homelessness. This housing program is also known by the Congregational Outreach Ministries Program of Assistance & Social Service, (COMPASS). This program provides emergency housing for single mothers who fear being evicted. An applicant must have income and a disconnection of utilities in order to be eligible for the program. The applicant also needs to be able to afford the reconnection fees. Please submit your ID photo and social security numbers for each household member.
Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)
Sometimes single mothers have legal problems related to housing. Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio(COHHIO), supports single mothers who need legal advice regarding landlord-tenant law. This organization offers free legal advice about how to handle different legal issues that you might face.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides a range of services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelter, rental assistance, and support services.
YWCA
The YWCA operates several homeless shelters throughout Ohio that provide emergency shelter, meals, and other support services to women and children experiencing homelessness.
Homeowner/Buyer Grants and Assistance in Ohio
Habitat for Humanity MidOhio
This is a well-known non-governmental organization selling affordable homes to those with low incomes, is well-known worldwide. Habitat for Humanity MidOhio allows single mothers to purchase their first home. Participants must be available for a screening and have a financial statement that can prove they are able to repay a mortgage. These services are available to single mothers as landlords and offer a low-cost program for home repairs for current homeowners.
Ohio Housing Finance Agency
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) provides several programs to help first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance and low-interest rate mortgages. They also offer programs to assist with foreclosure prevention, rental assistance, and home repair.
Ohio Rural Rehabilitation Loan Program
The Ohio Rural Rehabilitation Loan Program provides low-interest loans to homeowners in rural areas of Ohio to repair or improve their homes.
