Summit County assistance programs.

Find help with rent, your monthly mortgage, and utility bills

The Akron Summit Community Action Inc., located at 55 E. Mill Street, Akron, Ohio (Phone: 330-376-7730) offers low to moderate income families access to various programs and resources. Some of what is available is below, as well as information on other assistance programs.

Rent assistance

If you apply and are found to be qualified, you can receive as much as $700 for paying one month's rent or you can receive a $1,000 cash grant that is to be used for one month's mortgage payment (principal and interest only). The community action agency has provided rent/mortgage assistance since the early 1980s. The housing assistance program is funded with federal government dollars that made available through the United Way organization. Learn more on Ohio foreclosure assistance programs.

Food Aid and Nutrition

Receive food assistance and supplemental nutrition if your household is considered low income. Locations, pantries, and outreach sites are located in Akron, Springfield and Barberton.

Optical & Dental Care

If you do not have dental or vision insurance, Akron Summit Community Action Inc provides an eye exam, dental exam, or pair of glasses as well as filling or extraction of teeth. Find additional medical and hospital bill assistance programs.

Utility and Heating Bill Assistance

• Receive help with energy bills from the Summer Crisis Program (SCP). Assistance is provided to those households with an electric bill payment during the hot summer months. The Summer Crisis Program is available annually from June through August.
   
• Winter Crisis Program (WCP) will help low to moderate income families and individuals who are in danger of having their electric or gas service disconnected, that may have already had their utility service disconnected, or if someone has less than a ten day supply of bulk fuel or heating oil. This program runs annually from November to March.
   
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is an extended payment plan that requires electric and gas companies located in Ohio to accept payments for energy bills based on a percentage of the monthly household income.
   
• Contact the Salvation Army, Helping Hands of Summit County, or Lakemore United Community Council, or Hudson Community Services.

All of the programs mentioned above are coordinated by the Akron Summit Community Action Inc.

Other assistance programs in the Summit County and Akron area include:

Find housing repair assistance programs

Residents can take advantage of several resources that can help them repair, update, and modernize their homes. Some the aid is available in the form of grants and some as low interest loans. However, note that the potential for assistance does exist. (330) 643-2568.

Akron Urban League/ United Services for All - Housewarming Program

Some of the the types of repairs included in this program are the install insulation in attic and sidewalls, and also a furnace repair and hot water tank replacement. Contact the Urban League at 250 E. Market St. Akron Ohio. (330) 434-3101.

Minor Home Repair from the City of Akron

The general description of this repaid program is that it provides a grant of up to a maximum of $4,000 to correct safety and health items in the home. Any repairs are giving the highest priority. Contact the city of Akron.

Emergency Home Repair Program

This is offered by the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC). Details of this assistance include residents can receive minor and emergency home repairs, the maximum dollar amount is $450, and emergencies are prioritized. What they will repair is quite extensive, and includes the roof, plumbing, electric service, heating, and more. More information can be had at their office at 1035 Rosemary Blvd., Suite J in Akron Ohio. (330) 724-0244.

City of Akron Neighborhood and Housing Development Programs

Akron Ohio offers various housing rehabilitation programs in certain areas of the city. Some of the available programs include Rental Rehabilitation Program, Housing Inspection/Rehabilitation, Community Development Services Programs, and the Neighborhood Housing Petition Program. The city will invest in qualified homes and properties to improve its outward appearance, including windows, roof, siding, porches, gutters, steps, foundation. They will also make sure that the major interior systems, including electrical, heating, and plumbing are in very good working order. This is funded by a combination of grants and low interest loans. Property owners will be eligible for up to a $7,500 free cash grant and they may also receive a $7,500 deferred loan, which is a loan that is set at 0% interest and the loan is repaid when the house is refinanced, sold, or transferred to heirs. Dial 330-762-9631. Click here to learn more on home repair programs.

Ohio Edison Electrical Repair Program

This is a free grant program that offers assistance for owners who reside in their homes (owner-occupied homes) and the money is to be used update their electrical service and keep the home safe. Phone number 330-434-3101.

Helping Hands of Summit County Inc.

This agency is located at P.O. Box 26601, Akron, OH 44319. They will assist children, disabled and elderly people, and women who need assistance with housing expenses, rent, utilities, mortgage help, furniture, vehicles and medical and hospital bills due to terminal illness or unexpected events or crisis. Phone number for Helping Hands is 330-773-7731.

The Salvation Army-Orrville Service Center

The main office is located at 332 W. High St. Call 330-683-3138. The agency will help people who are in need and who live in in Orrville, Kidron, Dalton, Marshallville and North Lawrence. They have limited funds available, and people in need can apply for rent help, prescription medications, and cash for heating and energy bills. Contact the Akron Salvation Army at (330) 376-5169.

Hudson Community services

This non-profit organization coordinates the distribution of emergency financial assistance in the Akron Ohio community including food, medical supplies, utility and heating bill payments and clothing. It also sponsors activities for senior citizens and refers people to government programs. Call Hudson Community Service Association at 330.653.6509.

Lakemore United Community Council

This Summit County organization provides emergency food, helps with paying utility bills and provides some prescription medications, and it supports athletic and recreational programs for youth and other community members. Dial 330.794.1533 to reach Lakemore United Community Council.

Health and medical care

The Barberton Community Health Clinic offers low income patients and the uninsured medical care. It runs a free health care clinic that staffed by volunteer area physicians, nurses, doctors, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, lay personnel, and other medical professionals. 330.745.7471.

Free legal advice from non-profit law firms

Elderly and low-income residents of central northeast Ohio and Summit County can get free legal advice from Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. Click here to read more, or call the agency at 330.535.4191.