Locating Financial Assistance
Maintaining a family can be economically difficult. With the surprise addition of one or more children, finances can become increasingly strained. There are several governmental programs that may be able to assist you with your financial needs, and lessen the financial burden you may be under.

Ohio Works First (OWF)
Kinship caregivers and the children in their care are eligible to receive OWF, a monthly cash assistance program. This assistance is available until the child(ren) reaches 18 years of age, or 21 years of age if the child is in school. There are two types of assistance to choose from. The first type of assistance is provided for the child only. Child-Only benefits can be received regardless of the caregivers’ income. Child-Only benefits consist of monetary assistance, and a medical card/insurance. The second type of assistance is provided on behalf of the caregiver(s) and the child(ren). The assistance can include monetary assistance, as well as food stamps, and a medical card/insurance. This type of assistance is dependent upon the caregiver(s)’ income. If the caregiver and the child do not have a blood relationship, the caregiver may be eligible for Disability benefits, which includes monetary assistance. This type of assistance is not based on income. In order to access this program, please refer to the following information:

Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services (SCDJFS) has several sites.

Sojourner Truth Bldg.
37 N. High Street
Akron, Oh 44308
330-643-8200
Monday-Friday 7:00 to 5:30

Macedonia Outreach Office
9699 Valley View Road
Macedonia, OH 44056
330-650-2523 (Akron line)
330-657-2221 (Akron line)
330-468-5440 (local line)
330-657-2329 (fax)

Building #1
47 Main Street
Akron, OH 44308
330-643-8200
330-643-7202 (TDD)
Monday-Friday 7:00 to 5:30

Building #2
37 N. Main Street
Akron, OH 44308

*The Macedonia Outreach office handles Medicaid, OWF, Food Stamps and Child Care. Hours are Monday –Friday 8:00 to 4:30. Applications are taken from 8:00 to 3:00.

The following documents are needed to process your application:

• Photo identification (i.e. driver’s license or state identification card)
• Birth certificate for each child, as well as yourself
• Social Security cards for all individuals in your family
• Proof of residence (i.e. rent receipt, mortgage statement, or property lease)
• Proof of citizenship (i.e. a Visa, green card, or immigration papers)
• Legal custody papers or court orders (if applicable)

The following information should be submitted if you are applying for benefits for your child, as well as yourself:

• Proof of income (i.e. employer pay stubs, child support orders, Social Security or disability statements, retirement, unemployment or workers’ compensation statements)
• Proof of unemployment (i.e. an unemployment benefit statement).
• Proof of assets (i.e. such as bank statements, stock/bond statements, or mutual fund statements)
• Proof of expenses (i.e. day/evening care, utility bills, rent/mortgage bills, or insurance bills)
• Proof of pregnancy such as a physician’s statement
• Death certificate (if applicable).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is usually called "SSI." SSI provides monthly cash assistance to children and adults who have mental and/or physical disabilities. Recipients get a monthly check to use toward medical needs and other living expenses. The amount of the benefits depends on the individual’s disability and financial need. In order to get SSI benefits for yourself or a child for whom you care, you must first show that you or the child under your care is disabled.

Eligibility is also based on financial need. The family income level determines the amount of the monthly SSI check. The higher the income, the smaller the SSI check. Maximum income and resource levels vary depending on whether the applicant is a child or an adult. Your SSI caseworker can help you understand these income and resource guidelines.

To get SSI you must be living in the U.S. or the Northern Mariana Islands and be:

• 65 or older;
• Blind; or
• Disabled.

The following documents are needed to process your application:

• Photo identification (i.e. driver’s license or state identification card)
• Birth certificate for each child
• Social Security cards for all individuals in your family
• Proof of disability (i.e. the child’s medical records, the names and
  addresses of physicians who have provided care, or hospitals/clinics where treatment has been provided)
• An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Proof of citizenship (i.e. a Visa, green card, or immigration papers)
• Legal custody papers or court orders (if applicable).

The following information should be submitted if you are applying for benefits for yourself:

• Proof of income (i.e. employer pay stubs, W2’s, retirement, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation and child support orders)
• Proof of unemployment (i.e. an unemployment benefit statement)
• Proof of assets (i.e. bank statements, stock/bond statements, mutual fund statements, or life insurance statements)

For additional information or to obtain pamphlets, please refer to the following information:

Social Security Administration
2 Locations:

Federal Building
2 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
330-375-5790

United Chemical Worker's Building
1655 W. Market St.
Akron, OH 44313
330-375-5830

Hours of Operation: 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday
National Telephone Number: 1-800-772-1213

Adoption Assistance
If you choose to adopt the child in your care, there are several adoption subsidies that you may qualify for. Listed below are three adoption subsidies available. It is important to note the distinction between the subsidies, with regard to income eligibility, the services and financial assistance provided, and the time requirements for applications to be submitted. In addition, please be aware that these adoption subsidies may only be available for those children who are adopted through a Public Children Services Agency (PCSA), such as Summit County Children Services.

Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy
The Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) program is open to all adoptive families in Ohio whose child may be experiencing adoption-related problems or problems that were pre-existing but not apparent at the time of the adoption and may be at risk of disruption. Please contact your county PCSA for more information.

Title IV-E Adoption Subsidy
This program provides federal financial support for children who meet the eligibility criteria and who are placed for adoption. In addition to the monthly monetary payment, these children are eligible for Ohio Health Plan coverage and may be eligible to receive other assistance and services under the federal Title XX program. An application must be made by the adoptive family prior to finalization. Please contact your PCSA for more information.

State Adoption Assistance Program
The State Adoption Assistance Program is a financial assistance program, which provides monthly maintenance subsidy payments to adoptive families adopting children who meet the special needs criteria, as defined in rule, and who are not eligible for the Title IV-E adoption assistance. The PCSA is responsible for administering and determining eligibility for the State Adoption Subsidy Program. An application must be made by the adoptive family prior to the finalization of the adoption.

Child Support
Kinship caregivers who are financially strained, can pursue child support from the child’s parents. Child support can be a positive solution. Kinship caregivers deserve to receive child support just as much as a single parent does.

Please refer to the following information in order to access services through the CSEA:

Child Support Enforcement Agency
175 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
Telephone: 330-643-2765
1-800-726-2765 (Toll Free)
Fax: Each CSEA caseworker has his/her own fax number.
Hours of Operation: 8:00am-4: 30pm Monday-Friday

In order to process your application, the following documents will be needed:

• Birth certificate for each child
• Social security number for each child
• Any information pertaining to the child’s natural parents (names, addresses, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or names/addresses of current or former employers
• Legal custody papers or court orders identifying your relationship with the child

In order for a monetary order of support to be made, the following documentation will also be needed:

• Proof of income (i.e. employer pay stubs, Social Security or disability statements, W2’s, an OWF statement verifying monthly benefits or Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statements)
• Proof of expenses (i.e. day/evening care, utility bills, rent/mortgage bills, or insurance bills)

Locating Medical/Dental Assistance
Although there are times when kinship caregivers are unable to provide health coverage for the child in their care, there are medical programs that can assist with this matter. Please refer to the following list of public medical programs available to kinship caregiver:

Healthy Start/Healthy Families Health Care Program (formerly known as Medicaid)
Healthy Start is free and low-cost health coverage for kids from birth to age 19 and pregnant women who qualify based on family income.

Healthy Start, Healthy Families covers these services:

• Doctor Visits
• Prescriptions
• Hospital Care
• Vision Services
• Immunizations
• Dental Care
• Substance Abuse
• Mental Health
• Other Services

*Please Note: If you are receiving OWF through a child-only grant, the children in your care automatically become eligible for Healthy Start, no application is required.

In order to apply for the Healthy Start/Healthy Families Program, you can choose the method that is most convenient for you.

• Contact the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-324-8680
• Contact or visit the Summit County office of the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services at:

  Sojourner Truth Bldg.
  37 N. High Street
  Akron, Oh 44308
  330-643-8200
  Monday-Friday 7:00 to 5:30

  Macedonia Outreach Office
  9699 Valley View Road
  Macedonia, OH 44056
  330-650-2523 (Akron line)
  330-657-2221 (Akron line)
  330-468-5440 (local line)
  330-657-2329 (fax)

  Building #1
  47 Main Street
  Akron, OH 44308
  330-643-8200
  330-643-7202 (TDD Monday-Friday 7:00 to 5:30
  

  Building #2
  37 N. Main Street
  Akron, OH 44308
  

*Download the application from the following Internet website:
www.state.oh.us/odjfs/ohp

The following documents are needed in order to process your application:

• Identification for each family member (i.e. driver’s license or state identification card, birth certificate, or social security card)
• Proof of residence (i.e. a rent receipt, mortgage statement, or property lease)
• Proof of income (i.e. employer pay stubs, OWF statement verifying monthly benefits, W2’s, retirement, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statements, veteran’s benefits, and child support orders)
• Proof of pregnancy such as a physician’s statement
• Proof of citizenship (i.e. a Visa, green card, or immigration papers)
• Any other health insurance you may have (if applicable)
• Any recent medical/prescription bills you may have incurred

Help Me Grow
Help Me Grow is a program designed for all Ohioans to:

• Help pregnant women get earlier prenatal care
• Help parents and caretakers keep their children healthy
• Help parents and caretakers find health information
• Help families find information about early child growth
• Help make sure children get all of their shots, or immunizations, by age two

Help Me Grow provides services such as:

• The "Help Me Grow Wellness Guide," which gives you health tips and coupons valued at over $500
• The Help Me Grow Helpline helps you find low cost health care, referrals to social service agencies, food and nutrition, child care, car seats and immunizations

Help Me Grow also provides free information regarding:

• Foster Care and Adoption
• Child Safety
• Positive Parenting
• Help Me Grow Wellness Guide

You can access the Help Me Grow Helpline at 1-800-755-GROW (4769)

Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
The Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) is a tax-supported, state-administered program in the Ohio Department of Health. The mission of BCMH is to assure those children with special health care needs and their families, obtain comprehensive care and services.

BCMH has three programs to serve children with special health care needs and their families.

• The Service Coordination Program helps families locate and coordinate services for their child.
• The Diagnostic and Treatment Programs link families with quality care providers and help pay for the medical care of eligible children with medical handicaps.
• BCMH also has a Premium Payment Assistance Program. This program assists qualified families with the payment of their high cost insurance premiums, including COBRA premiums. This prevents the loss of a family’s private health insurance.

For additional information about the BCMH program, please refer to the following information:

Bureau for Children With Medical Handicaps
P.O. Box 1603
Columbus, OH 43216-1603
(614) 466-1700

Or call the Help Me Grow Helpline at 1-800-755-GROW (4769) (a toll free helpline for parents only). *When calling the Help Me Grow Helpline, ask to be transferred to the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps.

Dental Options Program
The Dental Options Program is designed for those individuals who do not have any form of dental insurance or Medicaid. Participants must meet financial guidelines in order to be eligible for the program. Once eligible, participants are matched with nearby volunteer dentists, or are referred to local dental programs for care. For more information, please call the Dental Options Program at 1-888-765-6789.

Locating Child Care
Many kinship caregivers require childcare, if the kinship caregivers work or attend school. In addition, due to the high cost of childcare, financial assistance is also needed. Please refer to the following programs, which may provide some relief to your childcare problems.

Summit County Department of Job and Family Services’ (SCDJFS) Title XX Childcare Program
Childcare services are provided to children of eligible parents and caregivers in order to support their work, school, and training efforts and assist families toward self-sufficiency. Childcare services are provided to children in certified homes or licensed centers. Families whose income falls below 185% of the federal poverty level can receive payment for all or part of monthly childcare expenses that are provided by a certified or licensed childcare provider. The provider receives payment from SCDJFS for approved periods of childcare.

The following information is necessary to process your application for childcare assistance:

• Copies of your children’s birth certificates and social security cards
• Driver’s license or state identification
• Copies of your last four pay stubs or a letter from your employer
• Copy of your training schedule from school

Applicants can sign up at any of the following sites of the SCDJFS:

Sojourner Truth Bldg.
37 N. High Street
Akron, Oh 44308
330-643-4686
330-643-7693 fax

Macedonia Outreach Office
9699 Valley View Road
Macedonia, OH 44056
330-650-2523 (Akron line)
330-657-2221 (Akron line)
330-468-5440 (local line)
330-657-2329 (fax)

Decker Family Development
633 Brady Avenue
Barberton, OH 44203
330-745-5043
330-848-4226 - fax
Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00 pm

Child Care Connection
Childcare Connection is a free resource and referral service provided by Info Line, Inc. a human service agency. Childcare Connection provides information and referrals to individuals needing and providing childcare services. In order to access services through Childcare Connection, please call (330) 376-7706 or 1-800-407-KIDS (5437).

Locating Respite Services
Kinship caregivers need a break from child-rearing at times. Obtaining respite is an ideal way to get that much needed break. Although locating a respite provider, or locating financial assistance to pay for a respite provider, may be somewhat difficult, the following programs may provide you some relief to your respite problems.

ChildCare NOW
ChildCare NOW is a group of licensed childcare centers that, in partnership with the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services and Summit County Children Services, have joined together to provide safe and immediate short-term respite care for special situations for children ages six weeks through twelve years of age. Caregivers can use emergency respite services if they have a job interview, if their babysitter suddenly cancels, or just to take a break (respite) from caring for a child. Caregivers can use ChildCare NOW up to five days within a three-month period. For those caregivers who are in need of transportation, the City Yellow Cab Company will provide a ride to the childcare site free of charge (caregivers must provide their own transportation to pick the child(ren) up). Please refer to the following steps in order to obtain free emergency respite service:

1. Call (330) 379-1880 to locate the child care facility that is best for you (there are over fifteen sites to choose from). If there is an available spot:
2. Take your child(ren) to the Licensed Child Care Center Partner. If you need transportation, call the City Yellow Cab Company at (330) 253-2131 no less than 30 minutes before you need to leave. Tell them you are part of the ChildCare NOW program. This is also a FREE service.
3. After entering the day care center, identify yourself as a participant in the ChildCare NOW program. Complete the simple forms required by the Licensed Child Care Partner.
4. To shorten time spent filling out required paperwork at the childcare center, a ChildCare NOW support worker will contact you for follow-up.

United Disabilities Services
United Disabilities Services offers the Time For Me Respite Care Program.

The Time For Me Program provides respite services to families caring for a person with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities, an older adult with health impairments, a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or a child with an emotional disability.

If the person to be cared for has mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities, the individual may be cared for in his or her own home or in the home of the respite care provider. Older adults with health impairments are cared for in their own homes. Arrangements for either in-home or out-of-home care can be made for a few hours of respite care or for a longer period of time.

To be eligible to receive respite service, a family must be caring for:

• A person with mental retardation or other developmental disability
• A person with Alzheimer’s Disease or a person 60 years of age or older with a health impairment
• A child with an emotional disability

Pre-registration, including an eligibility determination, is required. Contact Time For Me for more information.

Please refer to the following information to access services from United Disabilities Services:

United Disabilities Services
The Time For Me Program
701 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44311-1019
(330) 762-9755 (voice)
(330) 762-0912 (fax)
(330) 379-3349 (TDD)

HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Respite Services: Available as agreed between the family
and the respite provider.

Locating Housing
ServicesAkron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)
The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is a public agency chartered by the State of Ohio, which provides subsidized housing to eligible citizens of Summit County. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply. Any applicants who have an outstanding monetary balance with AMHA can not apply for AMHA housing until the balance is paid in full. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony should contact AMHA prior to applying, in order to check eligibility for housing assistance.

Various housing programs offered by AMHA are as follows:

• Conventional Housing: Housing for families, seniors and singles that is managed and maintained by AMHA. AMHA does not provide emergency housing. The offer for housing will be based on family size and may be anywhere in Summit County.
• Section 8 Voucher programs: This program consists of privately owned and operated housing by individual landlords. The client will be contacted by the Section 8 department when his/her application comes to the top of the waiting list. All pertinent information will be provided at the briefing.
• Rosemary Square: Located near S. Arlington St. and Waterloo Road. This program consists of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units owned by AMHA and managed by Summit Management.
• Modern Rehab: This program consists of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units. Operated by the Section 8 department. Private landlords will contact you when a vacancy is available.
• Single Room Occupancy (SRO): Located at the Midtown Apartments on East Market St. This program offers efficiency apartments only. If applying the client must be single and homeless. Applications are taken at the midtown on a monthly basis and the waiting list is based on vacancy.

In order to apply for housing assistance, please refer to the following information:

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
100 W. Cedar St.
Akron, OH 44307
(330) 762-6271

Subsidized Housing
Subsidized housing is housing based on your income. Depending on the amount of income (including employment wages, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, veteran’s benefits, SSI, social security, OWF benefits, child support, etc.) you may be getting, you may be eligible to have a portion of your monthly rent paid in the form of a (government) subsidy. When residing in subsidized housing units, residents are usually required to re-sign a lease (if they choose to remain in the housing), and provide current income information on a yearly basis. Throughout the year, applicants are required to inform the unit’s financial department of any change in income.

Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity is a special home-buyer mortgage program, where Habitat houses are purchased by the homeowner families.

Habitat homes are newly built or rehabbed. Habitat does not guarantee a new home to applicants. Applicants are given three lots within which to choose from. If the applicant does not choose any of the lots, the applicant will go to the bottom of the waiting list.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, however, there is a lengthy waiting list. In order to obtain an application, applicants must call Habitat for Humanity and set up an appointment. In order to set up an appointment, please refer to the following information:

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
1177 Rosemary Blvd.
Akron, OH 44306
Telephone: (330) 785-2700
Fax: (330) 785-2704

Emergency/Homeless Shelters

• Harvest Home/Haven of Rest Ministries
  Harvest Home is a temporary emergency homeless shelter for women and children. Males over the age of 12 years are not accepted at Harvest Home. Individuals needing emergency shelter should call ahead to check for availability, obtain initial information regarding the shelter, undergo a phone assessment, and make an appointment. A drug screen and photo identification is required before shelter is provided.

  In order to access services from Harvest Home, please refer to the following information:

  Harvest Home
  24 N. Prospect St.
  Akron, OH 44304
  (330) 434-1149

  Haven of Rest Ministries is a temporary emergency homeless shelter for men. Individuals needing emergency shelter should call ahead to check for availability, obtain initial information regarding the shelter, undergo a phone assessment, and make an appointment. A drug screen and photo identification is required before shelter is provided.

  In order to access services from Haven of Rest Ministries, please refer to the following information:
  
  Haven of Rest Ministries
  175 E. Market St.
  Akron, OH 44309
  (330) 535-1563

• Safelanding Shelter for Boys/Safelanding Shelter for Girls
  Safelanding Shelters are emergency shelters for runaways and emotionally troubled youths, between the ages of 11 and 17 years. Safelanding provides services such as residential care, counseling, and a 24-hour hotline.

  In order to access services from Safelanding, please refer to the following information:

  Safelanding Shelter for Boys
  39 W. Cuyahoga Falls Ave.
  Akron, OH 44310
  (330) 253-7632

  Safelanding Shelter for Girls
  587 S. Seiberling St.
  Akron, OH 44305
  (330) 784-7200

Fair Housing

• Fair Housing Contact Service
  Fair Housing Contact Service provides various types of services including counseling, investigation, referrals, and seminars. These services are provided to address problems such as discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, disability, or handicap. Problems such as sexual harassment, change of housing terms, misrepresentation of availability of housing, and predatory lending, are also addressed.

  To access services, please refer to the following information:
  

  Fair Housing Contact Service
  333 South Main St., Suite 300
  Akron, OH 44308
  (330) 376-6191

• Fair Housing Advocates
  Fair Housing Advocates provides various types of services primarily dealing with landlord/tenant issues. Services available include advocacy, mediation, public education, investigation, and referrals. These services are provided to address problems such as discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, familial status, disability, or handicap. Problems such as sexual harassment, change of housing terms, and misrepresentation of availability of housing, are also addressed.

  To access services, please refer to the following information:

  Fair Housing Advocates
  520 South Main St., Suite 2459
  Akron, OH 44311
  (330) 253-2450

Locating Utility Assistance
If at some point you get behind on your utilities, the following programs may be able to assist you:

HEAP (The Home Energy Assistance Program)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households pay their winter heating bills. If you qualify, HEAP can pay a part of your December, January, and February heating bills. To quality, a household’s total income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

E-HEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program)
E-HEAP is an emergency assistance service for those individuals whose primary or secondary energy source has been disconnected, or is in danger of being disconnected. Individuals, who have less than a ten-day supply of fuel, are also eligible. A credit up to $175.00 is provided to the applicant upon approval for assistance.

Applications for either of the HEAP programs can be picked up at the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (SCDJFS)

Applicants can also contact the Ohio Department of HEAP for applications and referrals to other agencies who may be accepting HEAP Applications.

Dominion East Ohio (formerly East Ohio Gas)
Dominion East Ohio also offers several payment plans to individuals who need assistance with paying their gas bills.

To participate in any of these plans, please call 330-794-0790 or 1-800-362-7557 (toll free)

Ohio Edison (First Energy)
Ohio Edison offers Extended Payment Plans to customers who need help paying their electric bills. To arrange for extended payments, or for more information about payment options, call toll-free: 1-800-686-3421, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.Percentage of Income

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO’s) percentage of income payment plan calls for a qualified household to pay 15% of its monthly income for gas and electric service (10 percent to the supplier of primary heating fuel) throughout the year. Households on PIPP are required by the PUCO to apply for HEAP.

If you wish to apply for PIPP to assist you with your gas bill, you can contact Dominion East Ohio Gas for an application. For assistance, please call: (330) 794-0790 or 1-800-950-7989, during the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

If you wish to apply for PIPP to assist you with your electric bill, you can contact Ohio Edison at 1-800-686-3421, between the hours of 7:00 am through 9:00 pm., Monday through Friday.

HEAP/Summer Cooling Program
Income eligible households with a member who has respitory disease or breathing problem verified by a medical certificate, is qualified to receive the following:

• One air conditioner
• One payment for electric bill, not to exceed $175.00. A disconnect notice is not required.

Income eligible households with a member sixty (60) years of age or older can receive one payment for electric without a disconnect notice not to exceed $175.00.

Income eligible households with a disconnect notice can receive one payment for electric not to exceed $175.00

For assistance, please call the Ohio Department of Development at 1-800-282-0880, between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Medical Certification
A medical certification can delay a shutoff if it would be dangerous to the health of a permanent member of your household or if you are in the hospital. The certification does not reduce the amount owed on your utility bill, however, it does allow you 30 days to make payment arrangements or get financial help and may be renewed for up to two more 30 day periods. A licensed physician must sign the certificate. You can contact Dominion East Ohio or Ohio Edison for further information.

Salvation Army
Salvation Army offers utility assistance for gas, electric or water bills. Applicants must have received a shut-off notice to receive assistance. Applicants can receive assistance for one utility.

If you reside in the Akron area, you can call 330-996-4255 on Fridays only, in order to get an appointment for utility and assistance.

SBC Ameritech’s Ohio USA Plan
SBC Ameritech offers the Ohio USA Plan, which provides qualified residents with a monthly discount. If applicants receive medical (e.g. Medicaid), energy (e.g. HEAP), income (e.g. OWF, food stamps), subsidized housing (e.g. HUD), Section 8 Housing, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability (SSDI) assistance, they may be eligible for one of the following plans/services:

• Plan 1
  Monthly credit of $10.20
  Applicants can not have any features on their phone (e.g. call waiting, caller ID). Applicants can make bill arrangements.
• Plan 2
  Monthly credit of $6.75
  Applicants can have features on their phone, and they can make bill arrangements.
  

• New Service Plan
  A credit of $36.50 provided to applicants with new phone service, provided the applicant applies within 60 days of when phone service was implemented.

Obtaining Assistance for Food, Clothing, Furniture, Appliances, etc.
Food, clothing, furniture, and appliances are basic needs, but obtaining them when finances are strained, can be difficult. The following programs offer assistance to meet a variety of needs:

Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC)
The PRC program provides low-income families with temporary financial help and support services for emergency situations. PRC benefits help families stay self-sufficient by meeting urgent needs.

Services include:

• Car repair and insurance
• Clothing
• Employment expenses, such as tools or uniforms
• Education training
• Home repairs and appliances
• Legal services
• Rent and utility payments
• Transportation
• Counseling services, including parenting classes
• Pregnancy prevention
• Financial planning

In order to access this program, please refer to the following information:

Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services
Sojourner Truth Bldg.
37 N. High Street
Akron, Oh 44308
330-643-8200
Monday-Friday 7:00 to 5:30

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Summit County residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants/children under five (5) years of age, at nutritional risk, and qualify under the income guidelines may be eligible for this program.

WIC PROVIDES:

• Nutrition education and breastfeeding support
• Immunization screening and referral
• Referral for maternal, prenatal and pediatric health care
• Coupons to shop at local grocery stores for infant formula, milk, juice, cereal, eggs, cheese, beans, and peanut butter.
• Voter Registration

SUMMIT COUNTY WIC LOCATIONS

Good Neighbors
Services provided:

• Clothing for the family
• Special School Clothing Project
• Emergency Food
• Christmas Project
• Layettes
• Small household items and linens

Referrals must be made from the following organizations:

Family Services
Public Health Nurses
Visiting Nurses
Area Churches
Info-Line
Area Hospitals
Summit County Children Services Board
Summit County Welfare
Community Support Services
School Counselors
Salvation Army
Akron/Summit CAA

Easter Seal Society
3085 W. Market Street, Suite 124
Akron, OH 44333
(330) 836-9741

Services provided:

• Child car seats are available by calling to receive an application by mail. The seat is a convertible seat for infants and toddlers. Other special seats available on a limited basis are the Spelcast, the Gorilla, and the car beds for low birth weight infants;
• Speech therapy;
• Hearing/speech screenings for children. Call for fee information.

  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
  Fees: No cost
  Eligibility: Low income families

Salvation Army
Will provide emergency assistance for medical, and dental needs, utilities, furniture, and appliances. Very limited emergency assistance available for prescriptions via voucher system. No co-pay is involved. Monthly income cannot exceed $275.00/mo. Not available if any minors are in the home. Client to call in for phone assessment. Alcoholism prevention and treatment for males 18 years of age and older. Program for tutoring homeless children. School supplies in late August. Summer camp. Food pantry with referral via info-line or agency caseworker. Please phone ahead for guidelines and criteria. Applicants should call (330) 762-8481.

1104 Johnston Street
Akron, OH 44305
(330) 376-5169
Hot meals are served at this site during the last 5 weekdays of the month (excluding December) , from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Booth Manor is a family shelter. Client should phone ahead for information, details, criteria, and to schedule an intake appointment. Openings are not always available.

Locating Supportive Services
The kinship caregiver role requires much love, patience, and persistence, but one important aspect of maintaining the kinship family, is support. Supportive services have a significant influence on the success of kinship placements, and all kinship caregivers are urged to take advantage of supportive services, as much as possible. Please review the following information regarding the supportive services that are available to meet your specific needs: Informational Resources
If you need assistance with any of the following:
· Counseling Services
· Drug Abuse and Alcoholism
· Emergency Food Assistance
· Emergency Utility Assistance
· Employment Information
· Financial Assistance
· Government Services
· Holiday Assistance
· Housing
· Legal Services
· Medical Services
· Recreational Programs
· Senior Citizen Services
· Support Groups
· Transportation

In addition to the Kinship Navigator of Summit County, the following program is an excellent source of information:

InfoLine
InfoLine is a 24-hour information and referral service. In addition to providing information and referrals, InfoLine also offers programs such as Senior Info Line, MedAssist, and Child Care Connection.

InfoLine
474 Grant St.
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 376-6660
(330) 650-2603 (Northern Summit County)
Website: www.infolineinc.org

Support Groups

The Family Place (sponsored by Summit County Children Services’ Board)
The Family Place Kinship Care Support Groups are held at two different sites:

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1361 W. Market St.
Akron, OH 44313
(330) 996-1799
Groups are held on: 1st Tuesday of every month from 6pm-8pm & 3rd Thursday of every month from 11am-1pm

- and -

S. Arlington United Methodist Church
790 S. Arlington St. &
Akron, OH 44306
(330) 996-1799
Groups are held on: 2nd Wednesday of every month from 6pm -8pm & 4th Wednesday of every month from 11am-1pm

Grandparents on the Rise (sponsored by Caring Communities of Summit County)
The Grandparents on the Rise support group is held at:
Crouse Elementary School Annex
1000 Diagonal Rd.
Akron, OH 44320
(330) 761-1621
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8157
Akron, OH 44320
The group is held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from: 11:30am-1pm

The Ohio Trust Grandparenting Group (sponsored by Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron
The Ohio Trust Grandparenting Group is held at:
Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron
1 Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308
(330) 543-3036
The group is held one time per month from 5pm-6pm
(The date varies, therefore, it would
be best to contact the listed telephone number for specific dates and times).

On This Page:
Child Care
Housing
Respite
Medical/Dental
Food/Clothing
Financial
Support Group
Utilities