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
- Whole Again - Summer Food & Enrichment Program
- Summer in Cincy for Kids & Teens
ABC Summer Camps and Programs
Whole Again - Summer Food & Enrichment Program
Enrichment activities and free food for your child this summer!
- Free breakfast and lunch for any child under 18 years old
- Academic enrichment, nutrition education, physical fitness, field trips, and more!
- Locations all around Hamilton County
For more information and to see the locations, visit their website: https://www.whole-again.org/
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/
Community Events
- 20th Annual Mayor's Career Expo: Feb. 14, 2025
- Black Child Book Fair: Feb. 27 & Feb. 28
- Donate a Bike, Grow Community: March 30 - April 3
- Evanston - Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day: April 11
20th Annual Mayor's Career Expo: Feb. 14, 2025
Cincinnati Recreation Commission invites you to the 20th Annual Mayor's Carrer Expo
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2025 at TQL Stadium First Financial Club - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1501 Central Parkway 45214
Meet Prospective Employers and On-site Interviews
View and download the flyer: 20th Annual Mayor's Career Expo
Black Child Book Fair: Feb. 27 & Feb. 28
Feb. 27: During School Hours
Feb. 28: 10 a.m. - 3p.m.
Agape Love Ministries
8050 Reading Road
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Hosted by Brian Westbrook Sr. & Carlton R. Collins in partnership with the Black Child Book Fair, this year’s event will take place over two days. Friday will be dedicated to schools and students, providing an intentional opportunity for youth to engage with authors, books, and literacy-focused experiences during the school day. Saturday will be open to the general public, welcoming families and community members for a day of celebration centered on reading, culture, and representation.
Donate a Bike, Grow Community: March 30 - April 3
Have a bike you're no longer using?
Give it new life at the Evanston Health, Housing, Education and Employment Day!
We're collecting gently used, rideable bikes to share with neighbors who need reliable transportation or are looking to ride around their community. Bikes can be older or in need of light repairs - Public Service Bicycle Works will be onsite to tune them up so they're safe and ready for their next rider.
What we can accept:
- Bikes that are usable (wheels turn, frame intact)
- Bikes the need minor fixes
- Adult or youth bikes
What we cannot accept:
- Severely damaged or non-repairable bikes
- Bikes missing components
Drop off Information
March 30 - April 3 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Public Service Bicycle Works
2009 Madison Road, 45208
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.