If you are a renter in Cuyahoga County, Ohio struggling to make rent, facing eviction, or dealing with housing instability, there are support programs designed to help you stay housed. These programs offer emergency rental funds, housing counseling, financial help, and referrals to additional services.
What Is Emergency Rental Assistance?
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) refers to programs that provide short-term financial help — usually in the form of direct payments to landlords, utility providers, or through housing support services — to renters who:
- are behind on rent,
- are at risk of eviction,
- have suffered a financial hardship (loss of income, illness, etc.), and
- meet income eligibility rules.
In Cuyahoga County, these resources are funded through federal, county, and nonprofit partnerships. They were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue today in updated forms.
Key Rental Assistance Resources in Cuyahoga County
1. Cuyahoga County Rent Relief Fund
This is one of the main countywide emergency rental assistance programs. It provides funds to help renters stay in their homes by paying past-due rent directly to landlords.
👉 Apply & Learn More: Visit NEOrenthelp.org — the online portal for the County’s rental relief funds.
📞 You can also call: 833-377-RENT (7368) for application support.
This program works with nonprofit partners like CHN Housing Partners and EDEN, Inc. to serve residents across the county.
2. Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program
The PRC program helps families in crisis by offering one-time emergency payments, which can include rent support, security deposits, or utility help.
🔗 More details & application packet: Cuyahoga County PRC Program page.
Characteristics of the program:
- Available to families with minor children or pregnant applicants.
- Income limits apply.
- One-time assistance up to a certain amount per household per year.
3. Housing Counseling and Support Services
While some direct rental assistance funding has ended, free or low-cost support is still available:
- Rental counseling & eviction prevention services through organizations like Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging — helps renters with budgeting, tenant rights, housing stability planning, and referrals.
- CHN Housing Partners Family Stability Initiative — offers housing stability assistance and rental support when available.
These services don’t always provide direct cash, but they help you build long-term stability and navigate the application processes for financial support.
4. Emergency Support for Specific Groups
Some smaller, focused programs exist:
• Reentry Rental Assistance
The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry provides housing support for justice-impacted individuals, including help with rent, rent arrears, security deposits, utilities, and move-in costs for people recently released from incarceration.
Contact or apply through the North Star Reentry Resource Center for eligibility and application details.
Other Local Help Options
Several nonprofits and community organizations in Cuyahoga County help renters in crisis by connecting them with resources, housing options, and case management:
Famicos Foundation – Emergency Housing Help & Rental Assistance — housing stability support for Cuyahoga County residents.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland — offers legal support for eviction cases and referrals to rental assistance programs.
United Way 2-1-1: A 24/7 helpline that connects residents with various housing resources and local rental assistance programs throughout Cuyahoga County.
The Salvation Army (Cuyahoga County): Provides emergency financial assistance for bills and rent, subject to resource availability.
How to Apply — General Steps
While each program has its own process, here are common steps you’ll need:
- Gather documents: proof of income, lease, rent ledger or eviction notice, ID, household member info.
- Visit official portals: like NEOrenthelp.org for county rental assistance.
- Call hotlines for help: many programs help you complete applications over the phone.
- Contact housing counseling agencies: they can assist with paperwork, eligibility checks, and next steps.
Tips Before You Apply
- Start early: Some programs have limited funds or intake windows.
- Be honest and thorough: complete applications have a better chance of approval.
- Get help if needed: contact a housing counselor if forms are confusing or you have special circumstances.
Conclusion
To obtain emergency rental assistance in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, contact 2-1-1 or visit www.211.org to connect with local programs such as those administered by CHN Housing Partners, which manages funds for rent, utilities, and security deposits through agencies like Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to help prevent homelessness. You can also inquire with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) about voucher programs and with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland for legal assistance in cases of housing instability and eviction.
