Cincinnati Public Schools
Community Resources
Community Resources are Available for CPS Families
Do you and your family need extra food or assistance in finding housing or paying electric bills?
Do you have questions about what you can do if you are facing eviction from your home?
There are community resources around Cincinnati to help with all this and more, including assistance with health care, job hunting and transportation.
Cincinnati Public Schools helps by making it easier for families to find these needed resources. We've collected a list of local resources, which we will update as needed.
- Food Resources
- Health & Safety
- Housing
- Mental Health
- Utilities
- Jobs, Childcare or Unemployment
- Miscellaneous Expenses
- Childcare - Afterschool Care
- Community Summer Programs
- Community Events
Food Resources
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- Cincinnati Public Library Meals for Youth
- The Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
- Jobs and Family Services
- La Soupe
- Healthy Harvest Mobile Market
- Freestore Food Bank
- The Caring Place of Cincinnati
- SNAP Eligibility
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
Cincinnati Public Library Meals for Youth
The Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
Jobs and Family Services
La Soupe
Healthy Harvest Mobile Market
Freestore Food Bank
The Caring Place of Cincinnati
The Caring Place of Cincinnati
Address: 5950 Montgomery Rd. 45213
Services Offered: Food pantry open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
SNAP Eligibility
Health & Safety
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- CPS' School-based Health Centers
- Free Smoke Alarm
- Dental Care
- Epilepsy Awareness
- Epilepsy Alliance Ohio
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
CPS' School-based Health Centers
Free Smoke Alarm
The Greater Cincinnati Tri-State American Red Cross installs free smoke alarms in Cincinnati homes. To request your free smoke alarm installation, call 1-844-207-4509.
The Red Cross and its partners can test existing smoke alarms, create personalized home fire escape plans and install free smoke alarms for those who need them.
Dental Care
Epilepsy Awareness
The Epilepsy Learning Portal (ELP) is your one-stop shop to access the Epilepsy Foundation's online and on-demand trainings about epilepsy and seizures.
View and download flyer: Learn with the Epilepsy Foundation
View and download flyer: Seizure First Aid - How to Help Someone Having a Seizure
Epilepsy Alliance Ohio
“Epilepsy Alliance Ohio is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy in local communities by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures.”
Epilepsy Alliance Ohio has been in existence since 1953. We provide direct services to optimize each person’s understanding of epilepsy and to improve their methods of coping with epilepsy.
Programs & Services brochure: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
Camp Flame Catcher brochure: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
What is Epilepsy brochure: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
Legal Rights brochure: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
Sarah’s Law flyer: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
eBook: https://corp.
Virtual seizure response wallet card: https://epilepsyallianceohio.
Seizure Action Plan: https://epilepsy-ohio.org/wp-
For more information, visit: www.epilepsy-ohio.org
Housing
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- Caring Place Of Cincinnati
- Central Access Point (CAP)
- Cincinnati Department of Community Development
- Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Community Action Agency
- Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
- Hamilton County Emergency Rental Assistance
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
- Legal Aid Society Of Greater Cincinnati
- Mercy Franciscan at St. John
- Project Connect
- Strategies to End Homelessness
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
Caring Place Of Cincinnati
Caring Place Of Cincinnati — Get rent assistance, housing counseling and more. Call (513) 841-1499, residents of Golf Manor, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge and Silverton, Ohio
Central Access Point (CAP)
Central Access Point (CAP) is a referral service for placement in emergency or transitional shelter. Call (513) 381-SAFE (7233); email.
Cincinnati Department of Community Development
Cincinnati Department of Community Development — Rental and home-buying resources. Call (513) 352-6264
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
Community Action Agency
Community Action Agency — Hamilton County Eviction Prevention Program: (513) 569-1840, Option 4
Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless — Provides advocacy and education about affordable housing. It can serve as a mailing address for those without one. Helps with tenant organizing.
Hamilton County Emergency Rental Assistance
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) — Fights housing discrimination and provides education on housing rights for families and individuals.
Legal Aid Society Of Greater Cincinnati
Legal Aid Society Of Greater Cincinnati assists tenants with housing issues. This can include advice on eviction and homeless prevention services, disputes over deposits and unsafe housing or apartments. Lawyers from the pro-bono firm help qualified low-income residents of Hamilton County. Call (513) 241-9400.
Mercy Franciscan at St. John
Mercy Franciscan at St. John — By appointment only. Call (513) 981-5800. Support is offered only if the applicant has an eviction notice from a house or apartment, and the applicant must also have a family.
Project Connect
Project Connect — provides support to families who have been displaced from their housing by eliminating educational barriers and providing services for children and youth, such as transportation, enrollment, backpacks, school supplies and uniforms. Project Connect also informs families about and advocates for the federal McKinney-Vento laws enacted to protect the education of students experiencing homelessness. Refer a family to Project Connect.
Strategies to End Homelessness
Mental Health
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- Mental Health Resources
- Black Mental Health Providers
- MindPeace
- Kids Thrive: Pediatric Behavioral Health
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
Mental Health Resources
Mental health care is more important than ever. Treatment and emergency services for children and adults are available. Contact information for support resources is provided below.
Crisis Support
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States by dialing 988.
Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)
513-636-4124 | The Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC), located within Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is the admission and evaluation center for all psychiatric services. PIRC is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. If your child is experiencing a non-life threatening mental health crisis, you are encouraged to contact PIRC. The PIRC staff will help
you to decide the most effective level of intervention for your child’s mental health crisis – which may include an urgent psychiatric assessment in the PIRC Bridge Clinic. You should call 911 or go to the emergency department if you are experiencing a medical
emergency, a life-threatening mental health crisis, or are directed to go there by a medical provider.
Grief Support
Fernside- Supporting Children and Families Through Grief
www.fernside.org
(513) 246-9140
Offers groups for children and teens ages 3-18, who are grieving the death of a family member or friend.
Companions on a Journey
Companionsonajourney.org
(513) 870-9108
Offers support to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one.
Mental Health Support
Community Providers for Children - You can search for community providers online at MindPeace
Black Mental Health Providers
MindPeace
MindPeace — MindPeace and CPS have a long-standing partnership. MindPeace mental health agencies provide school-based mental health supports to CPS schools. Click here to learn more about MindPeace, including its programs and general resources. Click here to find your school's mental health agency. General Inquiries can also be made by calling (513) 803-0844.
Kids Thrive: Pediatric Behavioral Health
An intensive therapeutic day program for children 3-10
At Kids Thrive, we create a safe and therapeutic cocoon for children to build relationships, repair regulation, and improve their behaviors.
• Day Treatment Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Outpatient Counseling
• Art, Music, Pet, and Play Therapy
• Gross Motor Play
• Sensory Integration
Programs held Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Program and transportation covered by Medicaid (based on eligibility)
For more information, contact info@kidsthrivebh.com
View and download the flyer: Kids Thrive: Pediatric Behavioral Health
Utilities
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- Duke Energy Bill Assistance
- Greater Cincinnati Water Works
- Guardian Angels SVDP
- Hamilton County Job and Family Services Prevention/Retention/Contingency (PRC)
- Interparish Ministries
- Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
- Winter Bills
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
Duke Energy Bill Assistance
Duke Energy Bill Assistance — Customers can move their due dates, pay over many months, and/or qualify for assistance from various government agencies and nonprofit programs. The Salvation Army has funding for Duke Assistance with a Heat Share Hotline. For assistance call (513) 762-5636. (Must be on disconnect or final past due.)
Greater Cincinnati Water Works
Greater Cincinnati Water Works offers a variety of ways to assist residents. They also have a new payment plan service, Promise Pay, to help customers with their water/sewer utility bills to set up more realistic payment plans that they can manage. Learn more about Promise Pay here.
Guardian Angels SVDP
Guardian Angels SVDP — 6531 Beechmont Avenue — offers financial assistance for paying both rent and even utility bills. Call (513) 624-3147.
Hamilton County Job and Family Services Prevention/Retention/Contingency (PRC)
Hamilton County Job and Family Services Prevention/Retention/Contingency (PRC) — PRC-Emergency assistance — (513) 946-0000 or (513) 946-7200.
Interparish Ministries
Interparish Ministries is located at 3509 Debolt Road. There may be limited financial aid for paying rent or utility or security deposits for families facing homelessness. Other support is provided too, such as furniture or referrals. Call (513) 561-3932.
Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
The Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC) serves the following zip code areas only: 45208, 45209, 45226 and 45227. MEAC provides emergency financial assistance payments for rental/mortgage, gas and electric services, or water when funds are available. Eligibility requirements need to be met for rent and other help. MEAC also provides assistance with obtaining birth certificates and has food pick-up sites. For more information, call (513) 271-5501.
Winter Bills
Jobs, Childcare or Unemployment
211: Help is Only a Call Away
United Way 211 provides families resources under a variety of service categories:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food
- Financial Assistance
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Cothing
- Employment
Phone: DIAL 211 to speak to a trained professional who can connect you to essential community services, a gateway to help.
Online: visit https://www.211uwgc.org/
4C For Children
4C for Children is a Child Care Resource & Referral Agency that supports everyone who cares for young children, from parents to child care providers, to ensure high-quality early education and care for all children.
Find childcare and pandemic-approved centers. Call 1-800-256-1296, ext. 1330
Ohio Means Jobs
The OhioMeansJobs.com website lists job openings in Ohio as well as offering tools and resources to help you explore your career path.
Unemployment Applications
Miscellaneous Expenses
Free Tax Prep
United Way Free Tax Prep — Need tax help? United Way of Greater Cincinnati's Free Tax Prep initiative can save you time, money and stress.
Jobs and Family Services
Jobs and Family Services — apply for food, medical and cash assistance. Call (513) 946-1000.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army — Emotional Support: 1-844-458-HOPE (4673) If you're looking for spiritual guidance, local services or if you just need someone to talk with, Salvation Army officers who are pastors and emotional-care personnel are there to listen.
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul — Call (513) 562-8841. Call (513) 421-CARE (2273). General support, furniture.
Childcare - Afterschool Care
4C for Children
4C for Children is a Child Care Resource & Referral Agency that supports everyone who cares for young children, from parents to child care providers, to ensure high-quality early education and care for all children.
Find childcare centers. Call 1-800-256-1296, ext. 1330
Community Summer Programs
- ABC Summer Camps and Programs
- Summer in Cincy for Kids & Teens
- Learning Grove Summer Fun: June 1 - July 1 at Bond Hill, College Hill and Carson
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati: June 1 - July 31
- STREAMS Academy: June 8 - July 17
- B-WISER Science Camp: June 15 - June 20
- Whole Again Summer Food & Enrichment Program: June 15 - July 17
- Illuminate Leadership Conference: June 21 - June 26
- Breakthrough Cincinnati: June 29 - July 31 (5th - 7th Graders)
- OmegaSTEM Experience: July 31
ABC Summer Camps and Programs
Summer in Cincy for Kids & Teens
Get ready for a summer of fun! The Cincinnati Recreation Commission and Cincinnati Parks Department are providing exciting teen programming all season long. From beautiful trails, pools, and splash pads to sports leagues and skating parties, Cincinnati is the perfect place to spend your summer.
More information can be found online: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/summerincincy/
Learning Grove Summer Fun: June 1 - July 1 at Bond Hill, College Hill and Carson
June 1 - July 31
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Math and Literacy Academics Instruction Time
Weekly Field Trips
Lunch and Snack Provided Daily
Nature Camp and Water Activities
Enrichment for All Ages: Arts and Crafts, Dance and Music, Cooking and Nutrition, Sports
$235 Per week/ Per child (Vouchers are Accepted)
Bond Hill
1510 California Avenue, 45237
College Hill
1625 Cedar Avenue, 45224
Carson
4323 Glenway Avenue, 45205
Space is limited per licensing capacity and staffing; students are enrolled on a first come first served basis. To enroll, complete the packet in its entirety to the Afterschool Coordinator or school main office. Families of Preschoolers must also return with the Child Medical Statement signed by a physician and copy of current immunization records.
View and download: Summer Fun 2026 Enrollment Packet
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati: June 1 - July 31
The summer program is designed to keep kids active, supported, and inspired all day long.
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June 1st - July 31st
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8 hours of programming per day
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Monday through Friday
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Meals & snacks provided daily
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Structured, enrichment-based programming
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Frequent field trips and hands-on experiences
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Completely FREE for families
STREAMS Academy: June 8 - July 17
This 6-week summer camp combines Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math, and Service to inspire hands-on learning, creativity, and confidence, with weekly themes and field trips that bring each focus to life.
Orion Academy
1798 Queen City Avenue, 45214
June 8 - July 17
Sign up now: https://stacispromisefoundation.org/programs-form/
B-WISER Science Camp: June 15 - June 20
A chance to pursue your interests June 15-20 and immerse yourself in science!
• Middle School program for girls in grades 7-8.
• High School program for girls in grades 9-10.
With a full daily curriculum in physics, chemistry, biology, and many more advanced topics, B-WISER is an inquiry-based learning experience. MS campers also meet female career exemplars who share their science journeys, and HS campers attend college readiness seminars.
In the evenings, campers participate in exciting programs ranging from engineering to light and waves.
Campers advance their skills, make new friends and gain self-confidence.
• Residential, On-Campus
• Hands-On, Team-Taught Courses
• Full Laboratory Experience
• State-of-the-Art Facilities
Register and find more information online at BWISER.spaces.wooster.edu
*Financial aid scholarships are available but limited.
Registration deadline: April 30, 2026
Whole Again Summer Food & Enrichment Program: June 15 - July 17
Whole Again is hosting a free Summer Food and Enrichment Program this summer. They will provide meals, academic instruction focused on reading, nutrition education, and emphasize physical fitness.
The program is for children in grades K - 5. It's held at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Avondale and will be from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register Here: https://forms.gle/
Illuminate Leadership Conference: June 21 - June 26
Ages: 12-15
Dates: June 21st – June 26th
Time: Check-in: Sunday, June 21 at 9:00 am, Check-out: Friday, June 26 at 12:00 pm
Location: 2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
Description: The Illuminate Leadership Conference is a 6-day, residential leadership program designed to inspire rising 7th – 9th grade students through activity, mentorship, and exposure to real world principles. Students will reside in secure, on-campus housing suites, participate in fully interactive workshops focused on personal branding, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, social media responsibility, critical thinking, and communication. They will take field trips to meet with executives at UC Health, P&G, GE, Cintas, Messer, Perfetti Van Melle, and the University of Cincinnati. Students will enjoy evening socials, movie and game nights, and the famous ILC Pool Party with live DJ! Illuminate is more than a summer camp, it is uniquely curated, life-changing experience where students build confidence, strengthen their voice, and connect with high-achieving peers from across the region.
Register a student: https://www.ili-leaders.org/
Nominate a student: https://www.ili-leaders.org/
Website: www.ili-leaders.org
Breakthrough Cincinnati: June 29 - July 31 (5th - 7th Graders)
Open to current 5th - 7th Graders, this five-week summer enrichment program is free.
Build academic skills, self-confidence and friendships June 29 - July 31, 2026.
*Transportation may be provided.
Apply by March 25, 2026: https://www.breakthroughcincinnati.org/
OmegaSTEM Experience: July 31
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
2026 85th Grand Conclave International Omega STEM Experience: Engineering the Future.
Friday, July 31st First Financial Center (formerly Duke Energy Center) | 525 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
This event is 100% FREE (LIMITED SEATS). Accepting the first 200 Kids
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Open to all Girls & Boys
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Rising 6th-12th Graders
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Breakfast starts at 7:30 am | Event starts promptly at 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Lunch will be served during the day of the event
MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnh_BXbz66isHsbpb63j-E0N9sWb77BtyUnbRFxIBz1bkDTw/viewform
Community Events
- Evanston - Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day: April 11
- 513Relief Bus Youth Employment Kick Off: April 11
Evanston - Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day: April 11
April 11, 2026
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Evanson Recreation Center
3204 Woodburn Avenue, 45207
Activities
- Health Screenings
- Food
- Family Fun
- DJ
- Step Show
- Giveaways
The goal of the Evanston Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day is to engage the Evanston community to promote health equity and foster healthier futures for all by providing free health screening and robust resources from community partners.
513Relief Bus Youth Employment Kick Off: April 11
Youth Employment Kick-Off April 11
The Hamilton County 513Relief Bus in partnership with Hamilton County Office of Youth will host their annual Youth Employment Kick-Off on Saturday, April 11 in the West End. Hamilton County residents 14 to 21 years of age can apply for jobs, receive on the spot hiring opportunities, register for summer employment, and access work permit physicals from UC Health.
Details:
- When: Saturday, April 11 | 10 AM – 2 PM
- Where: Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church – 1018 Wesley Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Youth Need Two Forms of ID:
- A photo ID
- Social Security card or birth certificate
The Youth Employment Kickoff features:
- Youth Employment Services
- Work Permit Physicals
- Health Screenings
- Summer Job Opportunities
- Behavioral Health Resources
- Live DJ
Coordinating organizations include:
- Hamilton County Office of Youth
- UC Health
- Talbert House
- Hamilton County Job & Family Services
- Hamilton County 513Relief Bus