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
- Summer Food Programs
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
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
Monday Meal Boxes at Cincinnati Public Library Branches
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
Health & Safety
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- Free Smoke Alarm
- AWL Clinic
- Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Updates - March 2023
- CPS' School-based Community Health Centers
- Dental Care
- School-Based Vision and Dental Locations
- Social Services Day: Sept. 28, 2024
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/
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.
AWL Clinic
Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Updates - March 2023
On March 31, Medicaid continuous enrollment under the 2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act will expire for students and families who have not renewed their eligibility. Coverage will be terminated by April 30 if updated paperwork is not sumitted.
- Families should check their mail for a renewal letter from their county Jobs and Family Services office and respond to requests for more information (after Feb. 21). Families with Ohio Benefits accounts may also receive text messages or voice calls with automated prompts about their renewal status.
- Families can get help:
- By calling 1-844-640-6446 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
- By logging into Ohio Benefits and selecting “Access my Benefits,” then “Report a Change to my Case”
- By contacting Hamilton County’s Job and Family Services office - Phone: 844-640-6446, Address: 222 East Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202, Website.
- Families and/or their children who are no longer eligible will receive a termination notice after April 1. Those terminated may be able to get covered through the Federal Insurance Marketplace . The loss of Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage is considered a Qualifying Life Event, meaning they will be able to apply outside of the normal enrollment period.
- Even if a family is no longer eligible for Medicaid, their child may still be eligible for coverage through CHIP, known in Ohio as the “Healthy Start” program. For program eligibility, visit Benefits.gov.
Download or view the flyer: Medicaid Alert 2023
Spanish
CPS' School-based Community Health Centers
Dental Care
School-Based Vision and Dental Locations
Social Services Day: Sept. 28, 2024
Housing
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- CAA Eviction Relief Fund
- CARES Act Rent and Utility Assistance Program
- 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
- St. Vincent de Paul Eviction Prevention
- 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/
CAA Eviction Relief Fund
CAA Eviction Relief Fund — The Community Action Agency is now assisting those who have been impacted by COVID-19 or experiencing homelessness with rent, mortgage, water and utilities.
CARES Act Rent and Utility Assistance Program
Apply for CARES Act Rent and Utility Assistance Program — The Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on CARES Act funds to provide short-term assistance to renters who live in Hamilton County and can document income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County will pay up to $5,000 for rent and utilities for households at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.
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.
St. Vincent de Paul Eviction Prevention
St. Vincent de Paul Eviction Prevention — (513) 562-8842, ext. 771
Strategies to End Homelessness
Mental 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
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – School-based
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.
Utilities
- 211: Help is Only a Call Away
- 513Relief
- Affordable Connectivity Program
- Christ's Community in College Hill
- Churches Active In Northside (CAIN)
- Duke Energy Bill Assistance
- FCC Emergency Broadband Internet Benefit
- Freestore Foodbank Rent & Utilities Assistance
- Greater Cincinnati Water Works
- Guardian Angels SVDP
- Hamilton County Job and Family Services Prevention/Retention/Contingency (PRC)
- Interparish Ministries
- JFS Project Lift
- Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC)
- RemotEDx Connectivity Champions
- Utility Expenses
- 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/
513Relief
513Relief — In January 2021, Hamilton County Commissioners launched the COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Relief Task Force to meet the critical needs of families and businesses affected by COVID-19. Find direct economic relief resources and find out when the 513 Relief Bus is coming to a neighborhood near you for one-on-one assistance.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.
The benefit provides:
-
Up to $30/month discount for internet service.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
Christ's Community in College Hill
Christ's Community in College Hill provides rent assistance once per month. Call (513) 541-0303.
Churches Active In Northside (CAIN)
Churches Active In Northside (CAIN) — supports the immediate region. There may be rental or energy assistance, referrals to non-profits that may have security deposit programs and help in applying for section 8 HUD rental vouchers. Call (513) 591-2246.
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.)
FCC Emergency Broadband Internet Benefit
FCC Emergency Broadband Internet Benefit — The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Freestore Foodbank Rent & Utilities Assistance
Freestore Foodbank Rent & Utilities Assistance — (513) 241-1064; 112 E. Liberty Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Greater Cincinnati Water Works
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.
JFS Project Lift
JFS Project Lift — Project Lift Application (513) 946-1000. Can help with deposit, first month rent and the like.
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.
RemotEDx Connectivity Champions
RemotEDx Connectivity Champions — RemotEDx is working to remove barriers to connect K-12 students to remote learning by ensuring all Ohio-K12 students have home internet access for remote learning.
Utility Expenses
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying for housing or utility expenses, there are more options to receive help than ever before. New and existing assistance programs are currently available, all purposely designed to help those affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 or other hardships encountered over the course of 2020 and 2021.
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
Boys & Girls Clubs: After School Program
August 18th, 2023 – May 17th, 2024
Safe, accessible and affordable for all, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati offers after-school and summer programming for boys and girls, ages 5-18 (ages could vary by location).
School-year membership is FREE with a completed membership application.
Membership includes:
- Daily homework assistance
- Physical Activity and Nutrition Education
- Nationally recognized programming
- USDA-approved meal each night
- Access to safe, positive, caring adult role models
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
Community Summer Programs
- ABC Summer Camps and Programs
- All Level Club Tennis: April 15 - May 23
- TCS goIT Generative A.I. Summer Camp: June 4 - June 6
- Boys & Girls Club: June 3 - July 27
ABC Summer Camps and Programs
All Level Club Tennis: April 15 - May 23
April 15 - May 23, 2024
Schedule: On Monday, Thursday from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Resource person: Laura@cincinnatitennisfoundation.org
Location: Withrow High School Tennis Courts | 2488 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45208
Price: FREE
Description:
This program is for CPS students in 7th and 8th grade that would like to play tennis on a club team. We meet for coached practices Mondays and Thursdays at Withrow High School from 4-5:30 and there may be occasional matches on other days.
No tennis experience is required. We can help with equipment as needed.
All practices and matches meet at the Cincinnati Tennis and Education Center at the Withrow Campus. In the event of inclement weather, please follow @cincytennisfoundation on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Cancellations are posted in stories. There will not be weather make up days.
Required age: 12 - 15 on the day of the activity
Gender: Male
Prerequisites: Must be a CPS student 7th or 8th grader.
TCS goIT Generative A.I. Summer Camp: June 4 - June 6
The camp will be June 4-6, 2024
June 4 and 5 from 8:30AM - 4:30PM and June 6 from 8:30AM - 4:30PM at TCS' Seven Hills Park Office - 1000 Summit Dr, Milford, OH 45150.
*Middle and High School students
This year's camp will introduce students to concepts of Generative AI using ChatGPT and Craiyon. Students will learn how to interact with these tools to create content by learning to craft clear and specific prompts. Utilizing Generative AI tools to further develop an innovation concept by leveraging its capabilities for creative ideation, students will create a prototype to solve a local community problem.
Hosted and led by TCS's own industry experts, this camp is open to middle and high school students. No experience required, but requesting participants be a minimum of 13 years old.
Boys & Girls Club: June 3 - July 27
June 3rd, 2024 – July 27th, 2024
Boys and girls ages 5-18 can attend BGCGC’s 11-week summer camp at one of our five freestanding locations. Summer camp takes place Monday through Friday.
Membership is FREE.
Summer Camp Includes:
- Educational activities
- D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read, a 1-hour daily reading program)
- Physical Activity and Nutrition Education
- USDA-approved meals and snacks
- Biweekly incentive-based field trips by age group
- Access to safe, positive, caring adult role models
Summer Food Programs
- Whole Again: Summer Food & Enrichment Program
- Cincinnati Public Library: Summer Meals and Snacks for Kids and Teens
Whole Again: Summer Food & Enrichment Program
Free food and activities 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.
Find a site for Summer 2024
Email: info@whole-again.org
Cincinnati Public Library: Summer Meals and Snacks for Kids and Teens
Free meals and snacks are available Mondays through Fridays during the summer. Participants must eat at the Library.
Avondale: Meal 12:15-1:00 p.m. | Snack 3:30-4:00 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Bond Hill: Meal 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Snack 4-5 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Cheviot: Meal 12-1 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
College Hill: Meal 1-1:30 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Covedale: Meal 3-4 p.m. | Snack 12-1 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Deer Park: Meal 12-1 p.m. (May 24-August 12)
Elmwood: Place: Meal 12:30-1 p.m. (May 31-August 13)
Groesbeck: Meal 12:30-1 p.m. (May 23-August 16)
Madisonville: Meal 2-3 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Northside: Meal 3:30-4 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Price Hill: Meal 3-4 p.m. | Snack 11-11:30 a.m. (May 24-August 13)
St. Bernard: Meal 2-2:45 p.m. (May 31-August 13)
Walnut Hills: Meal 4-5 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
West End: Meal 1:15-1:45 p.m. | Snack 4:15-4:45 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
Westwood: Meal 2-5 p.m. (May 24-August 13)
*Meal service locations and serving times are subject to change.
Who is eligible?
All children ages 1 through 18 are eligible to receive free meals. Individuals ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs also are eligible for free meals. There are no other eligibility requirements.