If you, like many families and individuals living in Ohio, are currently experiencing financial hardship and can’t make rent, things may seem hopeless. We’re here to let you know that they absolutely aren’t. The next few months are likely going to be challenging for you, but as long as you know where to find help, you’ll be able to make it through just fine. If you aren’t yet sure about the resources available to you, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the basics on emergency rental assistance in Ohio.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Ohio With the HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides nationwide resources to those in need of emergency rental assistance. One of their most easily accessible resources for those experiencing financial hardship is subsidized apartments. Subsidies are provided to landlords, allowing them to provide safe, relatively comfortable housing at affordable rates for low-income tenants.

Note that while subsidized housing is more affordable, it’s not completely free. Unlike some emergency rental assistance programs in Ohio, you’ll still have to pay rent, albeit less than market rates. If you truly don’t have any money to spare to pay rent, subsidized housing may not be the right option for you. By the same token, however, this does make subsidized housing a bit less difficult to get into. You’ll have to qualify as low-income, but you may not have to meet as many eligibility requirements as you would with some of the alternatives.

he application process, if not easier, is at least a bit more familiar. Rather than getting in touch with an assistance agency’s representative, you simply have to apply for a lease at a subsidized apartment. The application process is largely the same, so with any luck, you’ll have a roof over your head very soon.

County Housing Services

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to receive aid from the government. There are plenty of non-profits, churches, and other charitable organizations out there that may be able to provide you with emergency rental assistance.

Of course, the jurisdiction of these local organizations is much smaller, so you’ll need to figure out which organizations operate in your area and reach out to them directly. If you need emergency rental assistance in Columbus, Ohio, for example, you’d be limited to Franklin County’s housing assistance services. The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) has a helpful map that lists resources and organizations throughout the state, so take a look and see what’s available in your area.

Section 8 Housing

Just as with any other state, Section 8 housing is always an option for Ohioans in need of emergency rental assistance. To get signed up for Section 8 housing, you’ll need to visit your local public housing agency. (PHA) Once there, you’ll be able to meet with an official to discuss your situation and needs. To be accepted, you’ll generally have to meet a few criteria.

You must be a United States citizen. (With a few exceptions.)
Your total household income must be below 50% of your area’s median income. However, you’ll be given much higher priority if your income is below 30% of the median. The median income varies widely between areas, so be sure to check the stats for your area beforehand.

Keep in mind that many other households are also applying for emergency rental assistance, so you may not be able to get help right away. All accepted applications are put on a waitlist, and once your name reaches the top of the waitlist, you’ll receive your aid. Waitlists can be extremely long, so the HUD recommends applying to more than one PHA to increase your chances of getting the help you need.

Keep in mind that the waitlist can be bypassed in more extreme cases, especially those involving homelessness. If you think Section 8 housing might be just what you need, we encourage you to use our search tool to find a PHA near you.

Obtaining Emergency Rental Assistance in Ohio

Because so many pandemic-era services providing emergency rental assistance in Ohio have ended, it can be a bit more difficult to get the aid you need. Affordable Housing Hub is dedicated to helping you find the resources you have at your disposal.