Many tenants in Cuyahoga County, including Cleveland, East Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma, and other communities, are struggling to pay rent due to lost income, job changes, health issues, or the rising cost of housing. Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs are designed to help tenants stay in their homes and avoid eviction. These programs can provide direct rent payments, housing counseling, utility assistance, eviction prevention, and referrals to other services.
1. Cuyahoga County Rent Relief Fund
The Rent Relief Fund is one of the primary emergency rental assistance resources in the county. It was created to help tenants whose housing stability was impacted by the pandemic and continues to assist households that meet the eligibility criteria. They provides:
- Direct assistance to pay past-due or delinquent rent.
- Funds are paid directly to your landlord on your behalf.
- Can help prevent eviction for eligible tenants.
Who can apply
- Residents of Cuyahoga County with rent payment responsibility.
- Households with incomes at or below program limits (specific income guidelines vary by household size).
- Applicants must have experienced financial hardship (job loss, reduced work hours, medical expenses, etc.).
How to apply
👉 Apply online: https://NEOrenthelp.org — this is the central portal for rental assistance applications in Cuyahoga County.
📞 Call for assistance: 833-377-RENT (7368) — assistance is available if you need help with the application.
Tip: Have your lease agreement, proof of income, photo ID, and documentation of financial hardship ready before applying.
2. Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program
The PRC Program, administered by Cuyahoga County Employment and Family Services, provides emergency financial assistance to households experiencing financial crises, including those related to rent and security deposits.
- Designed for families with minor children or pregnant applicants.
- Income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (limits vary by household size).
- Provides assistance with rent, security deposits, utilities, or other short-term needs.
- The maximum benefit amount is typically up to $1,500 per household, per year.
How to Apply
- Download the PRC program application packet and follow the instructions.
- Submit the application with the required documentation (proof of income, identification, proof of rent payment, etc.).
- Submit it via email, fax, or in person, as instructed in the packet.
For more information and the application, visit the PRC program page on the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services website.
3. Specialized Rental Assistance Programs
Reentry Rental Assistance
The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry administers programs that provide rental assistance to individuals impacted by the justice system (individuals recently released from jail or prison). These funds can cover rent arrears, security deposits, and the first month’s rent to promote stable housing during the reentry process.
- Applications for specific cycles may be limited and have submission deadlines.
- Contact the Office of Reentry directly for updates and application assistance.
More information: Visit the Office of Reentry news page on the Cuyahoga County website.
4. Housing Stability Counseling and Services
Even when direct financial assistance is limited, housing counseling can help you understand your options, avoid eviction, and improve your long-term housing stability.
CHN Housing Partners – Family Stability Initiative
Offers housing counseling, rental assistance coordination, and stability planning.
HUD-approved and partially funded by the county.
Helps renters plan and connect with the right resources.
Apply or learn more directly through CHN: https://chnhousingpartners.org/renter-resources/renter-supports/family-stability-initiative/
Famicos Foundation – Emergency Assistance
Provides housing stability counseling, including assistance with rent, utilities, foreclosure risk, and eviction prevention.
Free services and referrals are available to Cuyahoga County residents. Visit the Famicos Foundation emergency assistance page for more details: https://www.famicos.org/emergency-help
Legal Assistance and Tenants’ Rights Support
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides civil legal assistance to tenants facing eviction or housing disputes.
Legal aid does not provide direct rental assistance but can help protect your rights and connect you with financial assistance partners.
Learn more: https://lasclev.org/
5. Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Community Services
The Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Community Services and Office of Housing offer rental assistance to low-income tenants through government programs. In addition, the agency can provide financial assistance for other expenses. Recipients can even work with a counselor to find safe and affordable apartments or homes, and access grant programs to cover future rental costs.
Residents of Cleveland or Cuyahoga County who are facing eviction or homelessness can apply for this emergency rental assistance. Funds are available and can also be used to pay security deposits, utility bills, storage costs, and other housing-related expenses.
6. Step Forward (formerly the Council for Economic Opportunities in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area)
provides temporary rental assistance. This non-profit organization administers workforce development programs and housing programs. Call them for information on emergency financial assistance, loans, rental assistance through free government grants, and much more. This is a non-profit community agency that provides assistance to low-income residents of Cleveland, Ohio, and Cuyahoga County at various locations throughout the region. You can contact them at 216-696-9077.
7. The Salvation Army of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland, Ohio,
The Salvation Army of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland, Ohio, has several locations in the community. They accept applications for assistance with housing, rent, and utilities. Addresses are listed below. Call them for information on social services and possible rental assistance (subject to availability). Transitional housing programs and free hotel/motel vouchers are also available in Cuyahoga County. In some cases, a loan may be offered. Phone numbers: 216-861-8185 or 216-588-9376.
8. The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services
The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services administers several prevention and rehousing programs for people experiencing homelessness. The goal is to help people pay their rent so they can remain in their homes if they are facing eviction, and also to help those who are already homeless find new housing or an apartment. Prevention efforts focus on providing temporary rental assistance and financial subsidies to individuals with stable incomes who are experiencing hardship, to prevent them from becoming homeless.
The emergency financial assistance program, which includes funds for back rent or utilities, is not a charity program but is intended for individuals facing temporary financial difficulties. Applicants generally must have a source of income. Other resources available include hotel vouchers or free extended stays in Cleveland, the Housing First model, emergency shelters, and more. Call 216-881-5554 or 216-420-6844.
9. United Way of Greater Cleveland
United Way of Greater Cleveland can refer individuals to various housing programs that can help with rent payments during times of crisis. They do not provide direct cash assistance. Call (216) 436-2100 for information on rent assistance programs in Northeast Ohio and Cuyahoga County, including some programs specifically for seniors or single mothers in Cuyahoga County. The main office of this non-profit organization is located at 1331 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.
10. The Lakewood Community Services Center
The Lakewood Community Services Center administers homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing programs. Applicants typically receive rent assistance for a short period of financial hardship (no longer than three months), and the funds are intended to prevent eviction. The amounts provided vary considerably depending on the individual case. Visit them at 14230 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107, or call (216) 226-6466.
11. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for rent assistance, as well as low-cost public housing units. Both programs are for low-income families or individuals. These are income-based rent assistance programs. They also provide information on affordable apartments and houses, homeownership programs, and emergency Section 8 housing vouchers for seniors and people with disabilities. The main office is located at 8120 Kinsman Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44104-3101. For more details about their services, call (216) 348-5000.
12. Other Support Services That Complement Rental Assistance
Utility Assistance Programs
While they don’t provide direct rental assistance, energy and utility assistance programs can reduce overall household expenses:
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Winter Crisis Program
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
These programs can help pay for or manage utility costs and keep your electricity or heat on.
211 Help Referral Service
Call 2-1-1 or visit the United Way of Greater Cleveland website to connect with rental assistance hotlines, housing resources, eviction prevention help, and much more.
Conclusion
Emergency rental assistance in Cuyahoga County is a lifeline for residents facing housing instability. By leveraging a network of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and faith-based groups, the county offers multiple options for families to maintain their homes and security. While funding limitations and eligibility requirements remain challenges, proactive communication with service providers can significantly improve outcomes for those in need.
