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Rent & Housing Payment Assistance

Broad Street Presbyterian Neighborhood Ministries

Offers programs for individuals, youth and families in zip codes 43203, 43205, 43209, 43213, and 43215. The food pantry is open week-day mornings for drive-thru or in-person shopping. Eligible neighbors can visit the food pantry once every 30 days. They also host regular farmers markets. The COMPASS program provides financial assistance for rent and utilities for those that qualify.
760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 908-3901 or (614) 221-6552
COMPASS: (614) 429-5979
bspc.org/ministries

Canal Winchester Human Services

Serves residents living in Canal Winchester, the Canal Winchester School District, the Bloom Carroll School District, or Lithopolis. The Community Food Pantry is available by appointment, and clients can visit twice per month. They also offer pop-up food events, emergency assistance for rent/mortgage or utilities, senior outreach programs, school supplies, and holiday adopt-a-family programs. Visit the website for program details and applications.
80 Covenant Way, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
(614) 834-4700
cwhumanservices.org

Center for Groveport Madison Human Needs (CGMHN)

Connects individuals and families in the Groveport Madison school district with community resources and aid. Services include summer lunches, school supply distribution, job referral assistance, and adopt-a-family programs. They also offer emergency cash assistance for housing, utilities, car repair, or medical needs.
PO Box 542, Groveport, Ohio 43125
(614) 586-4017
gmhn.org

Central Community House and TRANSIT ARTS

Community center serving the Near East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They can help families navigate resources to get help with food, healthcare, employment and housing. They offer housing/rent assistance, soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education, and parenting workshops for adults. Programs for youth include after-school programs, Summer Challenge Day Camp for Grades K-5, and childcare through partnership with Columbus Early Learning Centers. The Village Central Senior Program provides transportation services, wellness programs, and social events for adults ages 60+.  ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs, offers technology and professional development classes. TRANSIT ARTS provides free, year-round cultural arts workshops such as dance crew, music, and fine arts for ages 12-21.

  • Central Community House: 1150 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (614) 252-3157
    cchouse.org
  • Transit Arts Studio: 294 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    Studio Office: (614) 732-0198
    Program Registration: (380) 265-1775
    transitarts.com

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance. All lists updated 2025.
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – French
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Haitian Creole
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Somali
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Spanish

Health Care (Free Clinics, Dental, Vision & Women’s Health)
Emergency Resources (Housing, Food, Utilities, Safety & Clothing)
Agencies Serving Immigrants & Refugees
Job Help (Unemployment, Looking for a Job, Online Searches)
Pregnancy Resources (WIC, Healthcare, Utilities, Baby Supplies, Diaper Banks, Housing, & Parenting Classes)
Prescription Help (Reduced Cost Prescriptions, Discount Programs & Medicaid Info)
Programs & Resources for Seniors
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources (Crisis Lines, Healthcare, Support Groups, Disposal Box Locations)

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List

Community Mediation Services (CMS) of Central Ohio

Offers an alternative to the court system by providing an impartial mediator who helps work out conflicts. They provide problem-solving services for domestic and family issues, divorce, neighborhood conflicts, tenant-landlord disputes to prevent eviction, workplace issues and consumer rights disputes. They also help clients access supports like rental assistance. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale. Professional training opportunities are available for individuals and organizations.
67 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-7191
communitymediation.com

Do More Foundation

Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.

  • East Opportunity Center: 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center: 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center: 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov

Gladden Community House

Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include senior outreach, preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers. Some family and youth services require referral from Franklin County Children Services while parenting classes are open to the public. Contact the organization for details.

  • Main Office: 183 Hawkes Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 227-1600
  • Food Pantry: 318 South Glenwood Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223
    (614) 228-2498

gladdenhouse.org

Homes on the Hill Columbus Development Corporation (HOTH-CDC)

Non-profit housing counseling agency and housing development organization serving the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They offer HUD-approved Homeownership Education, foreclosure prevention, and individual financial counseling services. Services are free and available in English and Spanish. Go online and complete the Request Information form to request services.
3659 Soldano Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 275-4663
hoth-cdc.org/contact

Jewish Family Services (JFS)

Helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Services include job search assistance, mental health counseling, and case management to help clients find jobs, stable housing, and wellness resources. Business services include recruitment and referral of job candidates, networking opportunities, and cultural competency counseling. They offer 1:1 digital coaching, Digital Skills Hub courses, and digital skills workshops to help clients navigate technology. The Financial Empowerment Center offers free one-on-one financial counseling in-person or online for adults in Central Ohio. Confidential mental health counseling is available with licensed therapists; they accept private insurance, self-pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. They also offer specialized services for refugees, New Americans, Holocaust survivors, and older adults/senior citizens. Rent assistance may be available depending on funding. JFS is open to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
1070 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-1890
jfscolumbus.org

Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (JOIN)

Faith-based organization through Catholic Diocese of Columbus. Provides limited financial assistance for low-income families, assistance with prescriptions, non-perishable foods, hygiene items, and household products. Birth certificate assistance is available with an agency referral. Utility assistance is available for those with a disconnection notice after completing a phone interview, once in an 18-month period.
578 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Prescription assistance: (614) 241 -2531
Utilities & other needs: (614) 241-2530
columbuscatholic.org/join

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

Neighborhood Bridges

A charitable organization that helps match families in need with businesses, volunteers, and organizations for resources like food, volunteering, clothing, supplies and more. Use the website to find a Bridge in your community, request help, or fill others’ requests for help.
All Ohio Locations: neighborhoodbridges.org/state/ohio

Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)

Helps the development, rehabilitation and financing of low- to moderate-income rental housing. Offers programs for first-time homebuyers, renters, and others find affordable housing that meets their needs. Offers low-interest loans and down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers. Other programs include assistance for recent college grads and low-interest loans for firefighters, teachers, police officers, military personnel and health care workers. Call (888) 404-4674, to be directed to a HUD approved counseling agency to help you work with your lender for a foreclosure resolution.
57 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7970 or (888) 362-6432 Toll-free or (800) 750-0750 TDD
ohiohome.org

Physicians Care Connection (PCC)

This medical office helps adults age 19+ with healthcare challenges due to individual barriers. They serve individuals across Central Ohio, including Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Union and Madison counties. Translation services are available. Programs include:

  • Medical Clinic: Free & low-cost healthcare for the uninsured or underinsured, including help with prescriptions, primary care, specialty care, and dental services.
  • Healthy Pregnancy Support: Connection to prenatal care and resources to prepare for bringing your baby home.
  • Housing Stabilization & Eviction Avoidance Fund: Helps renters access financial assistance for those behind on rent or utilities.
  • Addiction Support: Provides addiction support and connection to recovery services, including those for pregnant women.
  • Family Coaching & Peer Support: Linkage to food services, social service referrals, employment support, education support and more.

1390 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 884-2441
pcchealth.org

Rentful: Franklin County Rental Assistance

A rent assistance hub for both tenants and landlords. Provides simple, reliable, and easy-to-access links to Central Ohio rent assistance programs. They also dispel common myths, provide eviction information customized to Franklin County, and highlight some of the places you can go to get even more help. The website can be translated in English, Spanish, or Somali.
rentful614.com

St. Stephen’s Community House

Faith-based community center offering a range of services for the Linden-area community. Volunteer opportunities are available for those over the age of 14. Programs include:

  • Mid-Ohio Market: Choice pantry for Franklin County residents. Shop once a week for all pantry items, or daily for fresh produce.
    (614) 338-8220
  • Youth Services: Childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, STEAM after school program for K-6 at participating elementary schools, free Summer STEAM Camp for grades 1-8, and Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) for ages 16-24 to receive help with employment and case management services. They offer a Kinship Aftercare program and Family to Family empowerment program for families referred by FCCS.
  • Senior Services: free lunch program, small group transportation, and case management.
  • Rent & Utility Assistance: Offers financial assistance as funds are available for those in zip codes 43081, 43201, 43229, 43230, 43231, 43211, 43219, 43224. Applicants must apply in-person, be income eligible, and provide required paperwork. Visit the website for full eligibility details. If funds are not available, a housing specialist may be available to help problem solve.
  • Christmas Cares: Offers help with food and toys for Franklin County residents each year. Families must register in advance and provide required documentation.

1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org

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