Emergency Assistance & Community Support Programs
CARES & HEERF Pandemic Support (CLOSED)
The funds for each of these covid-response supports have been exhausted. Information
on how these funds were disbursed can be viewed using the link below:
CARES Act Reporting & Compliance
General Guides for Support
- Lutheran Social ServciesLSS 211
- Columbus Coalition for the HomelessStreet Card
- Community Shelter BoardEmergency Shelter Guide
LSS211 is a 24 hour resource that allows those seeking assistance to call and speak with a representative to determine the best supports accessible in their area.
Dial 211 or search options on your own using the LSS211 Resource Database.
This Street Card may help homeless or housing insecure individuals connect with a variety of Franklin County resources to address issues related to housing, healthcare, legal assistance, food insecurity, employment, and more.
WHILE ACCESSING A SHELTER MAY FEEL INTIMIDATING, IT IS OFTEN THE FASTEST ROUTE TO
STABLE HOUSING
In Columbus and Franklin County, ESG (Emergency Solutions Grant) and CoC (Continuum
of Care) funded homeless assistance (along with homeless assistance funded by other
federal, state and local resources) is prioritized for households that meet HUD’s
Category 1 (Literally Homeless) criteria because of resource constraints (HUD Exchange
2022).
Job & Family Services
The Job & Family Services Prevention, Retention, & Contingency program may provide one-time financial assistance to aid with emergency situations. You must have at least one minor child or a pregnant person living in your home and have a gross household income at or below 165% of the federal poverty level to qualify for PRC one-time emergency assistance.
Applicants can request aid for more than one emergency (such as overdue rent and utility bills) up to a maximum of $1,500.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be available to eligible students. SNAP helps families and individuals stretch their food budgets to buy healthy food by providing funds on a card that is accepted by grocery stores.
A representative from Job & Family Services is available on campus to help students determine their eligibility for a variety of public benefits offered by JFS. Schedule an appointment using the link below.
Home for Families
- Rapid Re-Housing
- Homeless Prevention for Expectant Mothers
- Transition Age Youth Housing Assistance
- Financial Assistance
- Supportive Services
- Case Management
- Afterschool & Summer Camp Programs
- In-home Kindergarten Readiness Program
- Youth Leadership Education (ages 13-18)
Columbus Urban League
Impact Community Action
- Financial PrinciplesProsperity Now
- Transportation SupportDrive to Thrive & Car Repair
- 1:1 SupportLife Coaching
Prosperity Now supports individuals learning and applying basic financial principles that help manage debt more effectively, encourage saving and develop a financial strategy towards better money management / self-sufficiency
Financial principles include banking, build/ rebuild credit, debt management and saving.
Who’s Eligible:
- Franklin County residents 18 and older
- Must be at or below 200% of Federal Poverty guidelines
- Able to work full -time
Documentation Needed:
Picture ID, SS Card, 90 days’ proof of income, age, etc.
Hours of Operation:
M-F, 9:00am – 3:00 pm (Must interview and register)
Contact:
syusuf@impactca.org
Program Benefits:
Car Repair Assistance has a maximum benefit of $500. This assistance will be provided
in the form of a voucher that is used to pay for auto repairs at an IMPACT-approved
auto shop. Payment will be made once IMPACT receives proof that any outstanding balance
beyond this amount has been paid.
What Program Covers? Cost associated with the repair of a motor vehicle.
What This Program Doesn’t Cover?
Auto Mechanics or Vendors that are not registered with State of Ohio and/or IRS as
an official business. Late charges, repossession cost, lot or towing cost.
Documentation Needed:
- Valid driver’s license/photo I.D. for main applicant
- Social Security card for every member of the household
- Previous 30 days proof of income for everyone 18 and over in the household (examples include employment pay stubs, SSI award letter, etc.)
- $50 money order
- Proof of Car Registration
- 3 Car Repair Quotes from 3 different auto shops on company letterhead or official business invoice or quote with company name, email address and company phone number.
How to Apply for Service: Customers can call 614-964-2906. Appointments are on a first come first served bases. Once appointments are full, customers can try again on the first Monday of the following month at 8AM.
What is Drive to Thrive?
The Drive To Thrive Program is a matched savings program for income eligible participants
to leverage their savings to purchase a vehicle.
How does it work?
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) allow participants to save money for a vehicle
purchase and/or down payment. The participant’s dollars are matched at a 2:1 ratio.
Participants are asked to save at least $500 and are matched with $1,000, for a total
of $1500 toward the purchase of a vehicle. Participants must save for at least 30
days prior to applying for match funds.
How much can I save?
The savings match only applies to the first $500.
Who is eligible?
Franklin County residents age 18 and older who are at below 125% of Federal Poverty
guidelines and must be able to work full-time.
How may I apply?Participants may call 614-453-1659 to schedule an intake interview. During the interview participants will learn about the program, start dates, needed documentation and be provided an appointment to complete the intake process.
Who can I purchase the car from?
Car must be purchased through an authorized establishment. A W9 and proof of transaction
is required to release funds for the purchase of the vehicle.
Does the money come directly to me?
No. The check is issued to the dealership .
What If I don’t have a bank account?
Drive to Thrive is partnered with US Bank. US Bank will establish the IDA savings
account for you.
Life Coaching Services for Emergency Assistance is designed to assist customers with 90 days of 1-1 coaching to help with home stabilization. For some of our funding for Rental/Mortgage Assistance, life coaching is mandatory in order to assist with rent/mortgage cost.
Program Benefits:
Individual and/or household is stable in housing, and/or utility cost. Life Coach
will have the ability to assist customer with HEAP and/or other supportive services.
Once completed, customer will be referred to either long term case management or
other IMPACT services that focuses on self-sufficiency.
What the Program Covers?
1-1 Life Coaching limited supportive services resources if eligible.
What This Program Doesn’t Cover?
Life Coaches are not social workers, they provide 1-1 coaching under the parameters
of the life coaching framework and certification.
How to Apply for Services:
Call 614-964-2906.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
- Franklin, Madison - (888) 246-4420
- Southeast Ohio - (833) 288-2936
- Delaware, Madison, Marion, Union - (888) 301-2411
- Advice Clinics
- Referrals to Specialized Services
- Legal Representation for Civil Matters