Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio is a contracted provider of Council on Aging offering the following services:

• caregiver support
• companionship for seniors (any senior interested in having a senior companion volunteer should contact Richard Schibi at rschibi@ccswoh.org or 513-241-7745 for more information)

Catholic Charities provides 20 programs and services in the area of Children's Services; Adult Services; Counseling and Education; and Community Services. Visit the website for more information.

On November 17, 1943, the Mayor's Friendly Relations Committee (MFRC) was created by resolution of Cincinnati City Council. The resolution provided that the Mayor be authorized to appoint an independent committee representing various racial, industrial, religious, and other groups, for the purpose of studying the problems connected with the promotion of harmony and tolerance, and acting as an advisory committee for the solution of such problems. The Committee, the second group of its type established in the United States, was composed of 36 trustees appointed by the Mayor and about 150 citizens.

After much transition and several years of struggle over the reorganization of the MFRC, an agreement was reached on March 17, 1965, and City Council adopted Ordinance 112-1965 providing for the establishment of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission (CHRC).

CHRC has continually been a springboard and resource to other human relations related groups such as the Urban Appalachian Council, Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition, community and resident councils, and individual citizens. CHRC, a trouble-shooter for human rights issues, continues to operate under a City ordinance as an independent, non-profit organization. CHRC serves as a catalyst to unify individuals and groups to improve human relations in the Greater Cincinnati area.

(CMHA) is a non profit (pseudo-governmental) entity established primarily for the purpose of developing and / or operating affordable housing according to rules established by the state and HUD. CMHA as a public housing authority is established under state law and is eligible to develop and operate public housing.

CMHA public housing provides affordable shelter for low income families either citizens or eligible immigrants. CMHA's public housing serves mostly very low-income tenants who pay no more than 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent.

CMHA also administers the tenant-based Section 8 program known also as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This section 8 voucher program helps very low income individuals and families rent safe and decent housing on the open market. This program pays the landlord the difference between what the individual/family can afford and the actual rent for the unit. In this program payment is made to the landlord on behalf of the qualified person and is not tied to a subsidized housing project. This form of assistance is portable and stays with the qualified person in the form of a Section 8 certificate or voucher.

Public Housing Leasing Office

1635 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
Phone Number: 513 421-CMHA (2642)

Housing Choice Voucher

Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
16 West Central Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone Number 513 977-5800

Hamilton County Subsidized Housing Information

CMHA Senior Housing Options

Baldwin Grove

11111 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati Ohio 45246

CMHA opened its newest senior community in 2007 with the goal of providing new affordable apartments to senior adult residents in the northern part of Hamilton County. About half of the apartments are categorized as public housing. The remaining apartments are either subsidized through site based vouchers or tax credits. . Residents still only pay 30% percent of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent, plus making this new community very affordable for seniors living on fixed income.

Other CMHA Senior Communities

• Riverview, O'Byanville Community, 2538 Hackberry Street   
• Park Eden,    Cincinnati Community, 2610 Park Avenue
• The President, Avondale Community, 784 Greenwood Avenue
• The Redding, Avondale Community, 3700 Reading Road
• The Evanston, Cincinnati Community, 1820 Rutland Ave
• Maple Tower, Cincinnati Community, 601 Maple Avenue
• San Marco, Walnut Hills Community, 1601 Madison Road
• Pinecrest, Price Hill Community, 3951 West 8th Street
• The Beechwood, Avondale Community, 330 Forest Avenue
• Stanley Row Towers, Downtown Cincinnati Community, 1609 Linn Street

Handicapped Accessible Housing

Handicapped accessible housing may be available within CMHA designated senior housing communities.

Additional handicapped-accessible housing is available in CMHA apartments, townhomes and other multi family homes including but not limited to;

• Findlater Gardens, Winton Hills Community 595 Strand Lane
• Winton Terrace, Winton Hills Community, 4848 Winneste Avenue
• Liberty Apartments, West End Community

CMHA Public Housing Program

• CMHA is reportedly the 17th largest housing authority in the United States.
• CMHA owns and manages a portfolio of properties. CMHA has the responsibility of maintaining the properties, screening residents for eligibility and oversees lease enforcement
• CMHA operates throughout Hamilton County:

• • 12 High Rise Buildingg
  • 3 large Family Communities in Winton Hills (Winton Terrace and Findlater Gardens) and South Cumminsville (Millvale)
  • Numerous Small Family Communities
  • Many Single Family Homes

•  With CMHA a resident typically pays no more than 30% of their adjusted gross income in rent. 
• Social Workers are available to help any CMHA housing resident in need. CMHA Social Workers are available to refer residents to local social service agencies for various types of support
• CMHA provides housekeeping classes and assistance.
• The Tri-Health Senior Link Program is located at Park Eden, and offers on site health and day care programs for seniors. The program is open to all CMHA residents, as well as other seniors living in the Walnut Hills area.

Applications for public housing are accepted at the CMHA leasing office at 1635 Western Avenue.

CMHA Public Housing Eligibility Requirements

Public housing is limited to income qualified families and individuals CMHA uses income limits developed by HUD. The income limits for CMHA are available on their web site at www.cintimha.com. 

First Preference is given to:

• Head or Co-Head of Household employed full time (avg. 30 hours/week) and has been continuously employed for at least 12 months
• Elderly and Disabled families, regardless of employment status
• Head or Co Head of Household continuously employed full time (avg. at least 30 hours/week) for at least six months

CMHA applies the working Family Preference to both new admissions and current residents seeking an Incentive Transfer.

CMHA reviews rental history for at least the past 3 years. All previous subsidized landlords are reportedly reviewed.

CMHA also reviews all criminal activity for at least the past 3 years.

How Long Can a Resident Remain in Public Housing?

• In general as long as they comply with the lease
• As long as their family income is not sufficient to obtain housing on the private market

How is Rent Determined?

 Rent which is referred to as the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) in this program would be based on the family's anticipated gross annual less deductions, if any

HUD regulations allow CMHA to exclude the following allowances from annual income:

• $480 for each dependent
• $400 for any elderly family, or a person with a disability
• Some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities.

A CMHA representative determines if any of the allowable deductions should be subtracted from the applicant's annual income

Annual Income is the anticipated total income from all sources received from the:

• Family Head
• Spouse
• Each member of the family 19 years of age or older

Disability Resources website helps promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently.

Easter Seals Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disabled community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the ADA and beyond. They offer free resources such as a national accessible traveler`s database, as well as training and technical assistance, in an effort to make the ADA work for everyone, everyday.

The Great Lakes ADA Center provides information, problem solving assistance and referrals for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other related laws.

Great Lakes ADA is a member of the ADA National Network which is comprised of ten regional centers that provide information, training, and technical assistance to employers, people with disabilities, and other entities with responsibilities under the ADA. The centers act as a "one-stop" central, comprehensive resource on ADA issues in employment, public services, public accommodations, and communications. Each center works closely with local business, disability, governmental, rehabilitation, and other professional networks to provide ADA information and assistance.

If you need information or technical assistance on the ADA, you can contact the Center in your region by dialing our toll free national number: 800-949-4232 (V/TTY). Our toll-free number automatically directs the call to its respective region determined by the caller's area code.

The six states within the region served by the Great Lakes Center include: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

H.O.M.E. is an independent, non-profit organization that works to promote freedom of choice in housing. It also provides counseling and specific housing services to individuals who encounter discrimination in their search for housing.

HERCincinnati, formerly Cincinnati Union Bethel, has been caring for people in Cincinnati since 1830. HER operates three programs: Early Childhood Education at four Head Start preschools, which provide kindergarten readiness and care for children ages three to five; the Anna Louise Inn, which provides low-income housing for women; and Off the Streets, which provides support and rehabilitation services for prostituted women. As the oldest social service agency in Cincinnati, HER remains grounded in a core set of values that are dedicated to helping women, children, families, and communities unleash their greatest potential.

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate substandard housing by building simple, decent, affordable homes to sell to low-income families in need.

Cincinnati Habitat works in equal partnership with families, volunteers and donors building a sense of community as well as affordable housing. Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity partners include corporations, churches, foundations, organizations and individual donors who donate money, labor and materials to fund and build our homes.

Cincinnati Habitat is about more than just building houses. The staff and board of directors of Cincinnati Habitat are dedicated individuals who are passionate about building homes, families, communities and hope!

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity is privately funded and does not receive any support from United Way or Habitat for Humanity International. Funding of cash and in-kind contributions from Cincinnati businesses, churches, foundations, organizations and individuals provide money, labor and talent for each Cincinnati Habitat housing project.

Hamilton County DD Services are working with people who have disabilities, their families, people who provide support services, and other citizens of Hamilton County to build a future in which people with disabilities:

• Are able to say what services they want and get them.
• Learn skills that lead to good jobs and better lives.
• Have networks of friends and family who care about them.
• Have well-trained staff who listen and offer help in planning for the future.
• Are safe, healthy, involved members of their communities.

Hamilton County Helping Working Families website helps connect families to resources to help with tough economic times. Use this website to help save money, help with prescription drugs cost, child care, and help connect you to job opportunities and job training.

Lighthouse Youth Services is a multiservice agency providing social services to children, youth and families in south eastern Ohio.  Operating since 1969, Lighthouse is nationally recognized as an innovator in services for families in crisis, for homeless youth and young adults, for youth learning to become self-sufficient, and in foster care for abused or neglected children.

Lighthouse operates the areas only direct access, around the clock sanctuary for homeless, abused, neglected or abandoned youth; and a juvenile corrections facility with a success rate more than double that of traditional facilities. In all, Lighthouse operates 19 different programs and a charter school.

At any given time there are over 400 children, youth and families in Lighthouse residential care.  Each day Lighthouse staff members serve over 1000 children and families through its community based services.  Last year, the agency served over 4000 young people and families.  Central to their lives are concerns about homelessness, hunger, loneliness and safety.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. We replace fear and fatigue with giggles and smiles by making dreams come true. Creating memories for the children and families to carry with them for years to come.

Programs:

Continuing Education: for People with and without Disabilities

Noncredit Educational Classes - Marjorie Book Continuing Education sponsors several noncredit postsecondary classes each year for students with and without disabilities. In the past, the group has held Introduction to German, Ceramics, Introduction to Tai Chi and Theories of Leadership classes. Classes are typically held on five consecutive Friday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at various locations including Xavier University and University of Cincinnati. The instructor finds ways for all participants, regardless of ability level, to make meaningful contributions to the classes. Marjorie Book Continuing Education also sponsors a free two day educational trip to some area in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana or Michigan each summer.

Community Service: by People with and without Disabilities

Service Learning Projects - Marjorie Book Continuing Education performs several service projects throughout the year for other Greater Cincinnati non-profits. Service learning projects are mostly held on Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The group finds ways for all participants, regardless of ability level, to make meaningful contributions to the service project. Past service sites have included Gorman Farm and the Over-the-Rhine Community Housing Network. Marjorie Book Continuing Education also sponsors a free two day service trip to Northern Ohio each summer.

Theater: Drama for People with and without Disabilities

Theatrical Rehearsals and Productions - Marjorie Book Continuing Education produces three theatrical shows each year - the first performed in May, the second performed in July and the third in August. The third show each year is usually a musical. The group typically performs classic or contemporary theater productions by authors such as Shakespeare, Ibsen, Wilder, Shaw and a host of more contemporary authors. Past shows have included All in the Timing, Summer and Smoke, Rossum`s Universal Robots and Nothing but the Truth. Past musicals have included Godspell and Footloose. Presently, the group rehearses each show approximately a dozen times on selected evenings at Friendship Methodist Church in Wyoming and performs at the Cincinnati Museum Center in Queensgate. New actors, with and without disabilities and with and without acting experience are constantly needed.

This website provides information on assistance programs, charity organizations, and other resources that will provide information on help paying your bills, mortgage and debt, show how to save money, as well as provide some tips and ways to pay bills when money is tight. 

Golden Buckeye Card, Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide, and Ombudsman

Ombudsman

Ohio's Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman advocates for people receiving home care, assisted living and nursing home care. Paid and volunteer staff work to resolve complaints about services, help people select a provider and offer information about benefits and consumer rights.

Ombudsmen do not policy nursing homes and home health agencies. Instead, they work with providers, residents, their families and other representatives to resolve problems and concerns. Ombudsmen advocate a person-centered approach to meeting the needs and honoring the preferences of their clients. Ombudsmen link residents with services or agencies, offer advice on selecting long-term care providers, inform consumers about their rights and provide information and assistance with benefits and insurance.

Ohio Long-term Care Consumer Guide

The Long-Term Care Consumer Guide provides information about nursing homes and assisted living facilities to help consumers, family members and professionals search for the appropriate facility to meet an individual's needs. If you have determined that you need to move to a nursing or assisted living facility, you can start to compare facilities by using the Ohio Long-Term Care Consumer Guide.

For personalized assistance with long-term care options, please contact the long-term care ombudsman program at 1-800-282-1206.

The Golden Buckeye Card

Golden Buckeye is a discount card available for residents of Ohio, age 60 years and older and adults 18-59 with permanent and total disabilities. The program offers discounts on meals, entertainment, merchandise, and services at participating businesses throughout the state. Look for businesses that display a "Golden Buckeye Honored Here" window decal.  There are nearly 20,000 participating merchants statewide. 

Seniors who have an Ohio driver`s license, an Ohio ID card or are registered to vote will automatically be sent a card in the mail when they reach age 60. The packet will have information on how to use the Golden Buckeye Card. If you do not receive the Golden Buckeye Card when you become eligible, you can pick up a Golden Buckeye application at a local senior center or your local branch library.

Provides vocational rehabilitation services to people of working age who are physically, mentally, psychologically, or socially disabled and vocationally handicapped.

Medical equipment rental (deposit) may be available.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Catalogue, published annually by the Ohio Commission on Hispanic & Latino Affairs (OCHLA), includes the latest ESL opportunities and resources from around the state.  By viewing the latest edition on the catalogue, you can access information about ESL classes and resources in every region of Ohio, along with contact information and links that will allow you to learn about and register for ESL classes and other services.  The catalogue focuses on opportunities provided by organizations that have a special focus on new American communities, and that have experience in providing culturally competent, cost-efficient services.

People Working Cooperatively is a contracted provider of Council on Aging offering the following services: 

• minor home modification

People Working Cooperatively is a unique, non-profit organization serving low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners. PWC provices professional, critical home repairs, weatherization, modification, and maintenance services to help residents stay safely in their homes. Learn more about PWC on their website: http://www.pwchomerepairs.org/.  

Offering ESP

RHC offers a wide variety of programs to give those with developmental disabilities the resources and skills to Live in the Community, as well as a wide variety of programs that Support Your Family. RHC has a long history of Advocating to advance the needs of individuals in order for them to pursue a life as active members of their community.

RHC challenges those communities to be more inclusive and to see the strength that individuals with disabilities have that add value and meaning to our society. We do this through our progressive programming that uses evidenced based practices; strength based planning, support of individual rights and freedoms, and a belief in the principles of self determination.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center ministries in the United States provide an in-residence rehabilitation program with a focus on basic necessities. Each beneficiary (program participant) is provided with a clean and healthy living environment, good food, work therapy, leisure time activities, group and individual counseling, spiritual direction, and resources to assist each person to develop life skills.

The Salvation Army Family Service Bureau provides services to families and individuals regardless of race, creed, color, sex, religious affiliation or age.  Clients may be self-referred or referred by agencies, friends, relatives or other interested parties. 

The Family Service Bureau provides a professional and experienced social work staff, licensed in Ohio and Kentucky.  All appointments are held in a confidential setting. The Family Service Bureau has a confidentiality policy, and adheres to the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics.

Provides services with:

• Emergency assistance
• Heat Share Energy Fund
• Counseling Services

This site will help you find social and welfare services in your area by entering your zip code.

Many of us are forced to make tough decisions every day about paying bills, buying food, accessing medical care, and stretching our household budgets. The Ohio Benefit Bank is designed to make it simpler for Ohioans to connect with programs and resources that can make those decisions a little bit easier. From any computer with Internet access, you can use the online service to complete applications for programs like food assistance, child care assistance, health coverage, and much more.