How many housing & financial resources are in Ohio?

Women's Corner tracks 14 verified housing & financial resources for women in Ohio.

Are housing & financial resources in Ohio free?

14 of the 14 listed housing & financial resources in Ohio are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Ohio have housing & financial resources?

Listings span cities including Columbus, Cleveland.

What are some examples of housing & financial resources in Ohio?

Featured entries include Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority — Cleveland, Salvation Army Ohio — Emergency Aid, Habitat for Humanity — Columbus.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

6 of 14 Ohio housing & financial listings include verified phone numbers.

How long is the Section 8 waitlist?

It varies wildly — a few months in smaller markets, 5+ years in cities like LA, NYC, and DC. Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your region. PHAs give preference to families with children, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and homeless applicants — make sure you check every preference box you qualify for.

211 is a free, 24/7 nationwide referral line run by United Way. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local rent assistance, utility help, food, childcare, transportation, and emergency funds. They know the small local funds Google won't show you. Always start here in a financial emergency.

Can I get TANF as a single mother?

Yes — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is the main cash assistance program for low-income parents with minor children. Apply through your state's Department of Human/Social Services. Benefits, time limits, and work requirements vary by state. You can receive TANF and SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and childcare assistance simultaneously.

What if I'm being evicted?

Call 211 and your local legal aid office the same day you're served — most states have Emergency Rental Assistance programs through the LIHEAP/ERA pipeline that can pay back rent. You have the right to a court hearing before eviction — don't move out before the hearing. DV survivors have additional protections under VAWA that block eviction based on the abuse.

Best Housing & Financial in Ohio — 14 verified resources

About Housing & Financial for Women

Housing and financial assistance for women combines federal programs (HUD, TANF, SNAP, LIHEAP) with state and local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), with VAWA giving survivors of domestic violence priority and emergency transfer rights. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing run through HUD's Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry. Mothers with custodial children typically qualify for TANF cash assistance and family-priority housing. Community action agencies and 211 lines coordinate utility help, emergency funds, and rent assistance. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 referral lines, and community action agencies.

Housing & Financial in Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Community Legal Aid, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and the Ohio Domestic Violence Network serve women.

14 Resources

1. Ohio Housing Finance Agency — Free

Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing programs including rental assistance, homebuyer assistance, and the Ohio Housing Tax Credit program. Low-income women can apply for rental assistance vouchers and first-time homebuyer programs. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit ohiohome.org to find income-based programs and locate local housing partners.

(888) 362-6432 · 57 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority — Free

Provides public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) rental assistance to low-income families in Columbus and Franklin County. Women can apply for housing programs, check waitlist status, and request emergency transfers for DV survivors. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit cmhanet.com to learn about eligibility and apply for assistance.

(614) 421-6000 · 880 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority — Cleveland — Free

Provides public housing units and Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents of Cuyahoga County. Women and families can apply for programs, check waitlist positions, and request emergency housing accommodations for DV survivors. Contact the CMHA office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (216) 348-5000 or visit cmha.net to apply online.

(216) 348-5000 · 8120 Kinsman Rd, Cleveland, OH 44104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Salvation Army Ohio — Emergency Aid — Free

Salvation Army Ohio locations provide emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantries, and transitional shelter for families in crisis. Women can call their nearest Ohio Salvation Army location to learn about available emergency financial aid and eligibility requirements. Bring proof of income, ID, and utility/lease documents. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm.

(800) 725-2769 · Multiple locations statewide · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

5. Habitat for Humanity — Columbus — Free

Habitat for Humanity Columbus builds and sells affordable homes to qualifying low-income working families at no-profit, 0% interest mortgages. Women must meet income limits, demonstrate need for adequate housing, and complete sweat equity hours. Call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm or visit habitatcolumbus.org to start the application process and learn about current home availability.

(614) 291-2550 · 3140 Westerville Rd, Columbus, OH 43224 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. United Way of Central Ohio — Financial Stability — Free

United Way of Central Ohio provides financial coaching, emergency assistance referrals, and 211 connections to local resources for women and families in central Ohio. Dial 211 anytime to be connected with rent assistance, utility help, food, childcare, and other community services. Financial coaching and stability programs are available by appointment.

211 · Columbus, OH · 24/7 via 211 · Visit Website

7. HUD.gov — Find Local Office — Free

Federal housing assistance hub with information on Section 8 vouchers, public housing, HUD-approved housing counselors, and homeless services for every state. Women can use the HUD office locator to find their nearest field office for housing complaints, counseling referrals, and program information. Visit hud.gov anytime to access free housing resources.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. HUD Homeless Resources — Free

HUD-funded homeless assistance programs and Continuum of Care contacts in communities across the country. Women experiencing or at risk of homelessness can find their local CoC to access emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. Visit hud.gov to find the CoC in your community and access program information and eligibility guidelines.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. LIHEAP — Energy Assistance — Free

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, cover energy-related home repairs, and benefit from weatherization improvements. Apply through your state LIHEAP office. Income limits apply based on household size. Visit acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap to find your state program and application instructions.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Salvation Army — Find Help — Free

Find your nearest Salvation Army location for emergency shelter, rent and mortgage assistance, food pantry services, utility bill help, and transitional housing programs. Women can use the online locator at salvationarmyusa.org to find the closest service center. Services are available regardless of religious affiliation; bring ID and proof of need.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Catholic Charities USA — Free

Local Catholic Charities agencies in nearly every US diocese provide emergency financial assistance, housing programs, food pantries, and family support services to anyone in need regardless of religion. Find your nearest agency at catholiccharitiesusa.org to access emergency rent/utility help, counseling, and immigration services. Bring ID and proof of need to your appointment.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. United Way Worldwide — Free

Local United Way chapters across the US connect women with housing assistance, food programs, financial coaching, childcare, and emergency services through the 211 helpline. Dial 211 from any phone to be connected to local resources in your area. Visit unitedway.org to find your local chapter and learn about programs available in your community.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Habitat for Humanity — Free

Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes for qualifying low-income working families across all 50 states. Women can apply through their local Habitat affiliate for homeownership programs. Applicants must meet income guidelines, demonstrate housing need, and complete sweat equity hours. Find your local affiliate and application details at habitat.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Family Promise — Free

National network helping homeless and at-risk families achieve stable housing and economic independence through community-based shelter, day services, and case management. Women with children can find their nearest Family Promise affiliate at familypromise.org to access emergency shelter, transitional housing, job training, and financial literacy programs.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many housing & financial resources are in Ohio?: Women's Corner tracks 14 verified housing & financial resources for women in Ohio.
Are housing & financial resources in Ohio free?: 14 of the 14 listed housing & financial resources in Ohio are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Ohio have housing & financial resources?: Listings span cities including Columbus, Cleveland.
What are some examples of housing & financial resources in Ohio?: Featured entries include Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority — Cleveland, Salvation Army Ohio — Emergency Aid, Habitat for Humanity — Columbus.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 6 of 14 Ohio housing & financial listings include verified phone numbers.
How long is the Section 8 waitlist?: It varies wildly — a few months in smaller markets, 5+ years in cities like LA, NYC, and DC. Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your region. PHAs give preference to families with children, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and homeless applicants — make sure you check every preference box you qualify for.
What does 211 do?: 211 is a free, 24/7 nationwide referral line run by United Way. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local rent assistance, utility help, food, childcare, transportation, and emergency funds. They know the small local funds Google won't show you. Always start here in a financial emergency.
Can I get TANF as a single mother?: Yes — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is the main cash assistance program for low-income parents with minor children. Apply through your state's Department of Human/Social Services. Benefits, time limits, and work requirements vary by state. You can receive TANF and SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and childcare assistance simultaneously.
What if I'm being evicted?: Call 211 and your local legal aid office the same day you're served — most states have Emergency Rental Assistance programs through the LIHEAP/ERA pipeline that can pay back rent. You have the right to a court hearing before eviction — don't move out before the hearing. DV survivors have additional protections under VAWA that block eviction based on the abuse.