Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio.
The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio assists the homeless, tenants, and renters in the state by offering advice and general support. The organization, commonly referred to as COHHIO, also partners with landlords, local governments and land developers in the creation of affordable housing for people of all backgrounds.
The organization was created with the goal of assisting the less fortunate in Ohio who really have no one else looking out for their housing needs. They partner with Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, George Gund Foundation, and other groups on offering support. They also are involved closely in HUD as the non-profit needs to understand their programs terms and conditions in place.
It is an agency that does not offer direct financial aid to tenants, but rather they advocate to ensure that everyone has a place to live. This in itself can be a challenge with the ever increasing cost of rent in Ohio. So they look out for the disabled, single moms, mentally ill, elderly and others. At the end of the day, the main goal of COHHIO is to end homelessness in the state.
One of the main assistance programs available for those who currently rent their home is Tenants Outreach. This service is available to anyone that has a lease agreement with a landlord or even public housing authority. Many of the clients of the Outreach Service are also enrolled into the Ohio section 8 voucher program.
Staff from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio will meet with the tenant. They will ask questions to understand the situation. Then, based on what is needed, they will review the rental rights they have and also what the landlord can or can't do. They will ensure that the tenant has access to fair housing and that all guidelines are met. COHHIO will discuss the terms and conditions of Rural Housing Service 515 properties, HUD Section 8, Ohio Landlord Tenant Law, and even ensure that people are enrolled into the state of Ohio Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
COHHIO promotes affordable housing in Ohio. They will ensure that people from all backgrounds have a place to live. Whether the person is an immigrant, single mother or father, or disabled, the non-profit will advocate for them.
This is where the organization partners with landlords in the sate. They offer information on government grant programs that help them create affordable rental units for families. This can include apartments, town-homes, or other housing. Advocacy services include technical information as well as a wealth of information on HUD programs.
Fair housing also answers questions of landlords or builders. When a Ohio based company is seeking to increase the number of affordable units, the staff can provide insight into Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. This will ensure that the landlord meets the criteria in place, and that the tenants of the property have a safe place to live.
Supporting the homeless as well as families living in poverty is another service administered. COHHIO is a key member of the Ohio Balance of State Continuum of Care. There is assistance arranged in all cities and counties, with an emphasis on rural communities. They also focus on parent with children, even including single moms and/or dads.
Tenants that are struggling with paying their rent, immigrants that are new to the area, victims of abuse, and the homeless among others can call on the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. If it turns out that they are taking the steps they need, then referrals are given to shelters, emergency grants, and transitional housing programs.
All of the services are available for free. They have an information line that people can call for details on what is or isn't offered. The Tenant Rent Information Line from COHHIO is what people should dial, and the number is 888-485-7999. Another number that allows messages to be left at is 614-280-1984 x 33.
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