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Ohio

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Ohio and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Ohio

Ohio programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Ohio Department of Development

    Ohio Housing Finance Agency Programs

    OHFA offers housing programs for homebuyers, renters, and residents seeking housing support.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhone

    Agency pageCall 800-282-0880

  • Ohio Department of Development

    Ohio Housing Locator

    The Ohio Housing Locator helps residents search for affordable rental housing.

    Ways to apply:Online

    Apply online Call 800-282-0880

  • Ohio Department of Development

    Homelessness Assistance

    The state supports local programs that help people experiencing homelessness find shelter and housing.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

    Agency pageCall 800-282-0880

  • Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

    Home Weatherization Assistance Program

    HWAP helps eligible households make their homes more energy efficient and lower energy costs.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 614-466-6282

  • Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

    Home Energy Assistance Program

    In Ohio, LIHEAP is called HEAP.

    HEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 614-466-6282

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Ohio

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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