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Marion County assistance programs.

Housing and weatherization programs
Millions of dollars in federal government assistance is going to Marion and Crawford counties in Ohio. The funds will be used to provide rent assistance and weatherization programs. Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission will use over $2,000,000 of the federal stimulus money to provide home weatherization assistance programs. This now means that up to $6,5000 can be spent on each home to improve its energy efficiency.

Weatherization assistance programs are a great way to lower utility bills, and the funds typically go to adding insulation in attics and side walls for residents, repairing or replacing furnaces, or other aid.

In addition, almost $500,000 will be provided to Marion, Crawford and Morrow counties through a Community Services Block Grant to prevent foreclosures, reduce poverty, aid with monthly rent payments, revitalize low-income communities and assist low-income families with other low income programs.

Yes, some of the money will even go to prevent foreclosure on the homes of eligible participants, and Ohio Heartland is the lead agency developing guidelines for accomplishing that purpose for the state of Ohio.

In addition, The Marion Housing Continuum of Care Committee and representatives from Crawford County agencies are also designing housing assistance programs that will be used to implement the grant and provide help with rent. The programs that will receive funding are one that serves people at imminent risk of losing their apartments or homes, and there is a separate program that will assist people that are currently homeless. Both long term and short term rent and housing aid will be provided.

Help With Bills From Ohio Heartland Community Action Center (OHCAC)

The Ohio Heartland agency offers a variety of assistance programs, resources, and services to low and moderate income eligible residents of Marion, Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties Ohio. They have a well-trained staff that will work with every family, review their individual needs, and recommend both long term solutions and referral services. They can also provide with direct emergency financial assistance.

Some of the programs offered can help you pay for housing, provide assistance with heating and utility bills, offer medical and dental services, prescription medication, and more.

They have offices at 352 South Street in Galion, Ohio as well as 28 W High St in Mount Gilead, Ohio.

Other agencies, charity organizations, and ways to get help in Marion Ohio

• Center Street Community Health Center - They have a Primary Care Program and Dental Program which provides free and discounted primary health care and dental care for both the indigent and underserved residents who live in Marion County.
• Salvation Army - Almost $200,000 in federal aid was provided to help this agency to support foreclosure prevention programs and rapid rehousing program.
• Marion Area Counseling Center - The run the Marion Housing Assistance Program which provides one-time rental, security deposit, and utility bill assistance aid to low income households at risk of homelessness or of losing their utility or heating service.