Homeless Assistance in Ohio
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Ohio residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Ohio residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Ohio. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Ohio. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Ohio veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Ohio residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Ohio. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Ohio receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Ohio Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Ohio locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Ohio community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Ohio residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedOhio State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Ohio for residents experiencing homelessness.
Ohio ESG & Housing Programs
OHFA administers state and federal grants for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing serving homeless Ohioans.
Get StartedTANF – Ohio (OWF)
Ohio Works First provides cash assistance and employment services to eligible Ohio families with children. Apply at any county Job and Family Services office.
Get StartedOhio Medicaid
Health coverage for eligible low-income Ohioans. Apply at benefits.ohio.gov. Covers adults, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled residents.
Get StartedOhio Housing Programs
Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Ohio residents.
Get StartedOhio Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Ohio’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Ohio households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Ohio cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Columbus
Community Shelter Board — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Columbus area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedCleveland
Community West Foundation — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Cleveland area.
Get StartedCincinnati
Cincinnati Homeless Coalition — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Cincinnati area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Ohio.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Ohio Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Ohio veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
