Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
Federal public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for eligible low-income households in the Cincinnati area. Apply, check waitlists, and find tenant resources on their site.
Get informed
Resource library
Cincinnati and Hamilton County starting points: housing, food, health, benefits, and legal help.
How to use this page
Starting points for Cincinnati and Hamilton County: official city and county portals, state benefits, and trusted referral lines. Descriptions summarize what each source is for; always confirm hours, eligibility, and programs directly with the provider.
Housing & shelter
Public housing, fair housing information, and city programs related to stable housing.
City of Cincinnati — Renter resources
Official city information for tenants, including maintenance standards, renter rights basics, and connections to housing-related services.
City of Cincinnati — Homeowner / renter assistance
Community development programs that may include repair assistance, lead safety, and other housing stabilization supports (availability varies by funding).
City of Cincinnati — Homeowner resources
Guidance for property owners on permits, maintenance, and city programs that support safe, compliant housing.
Hamilton County — Communities / housing
County-level housing and community development information, including links to programs that address housing needs across Hamilton County.
Food, clothing & basics
Nutrition benefits, emergency food networks, and how to find clothing and household help.
Hamilton County Job & Family Services (HCJFS)
County office for SNAP (food assistance), cash assistance, child care subsidies, Medicaid applications, and referrals. Many families start here for nutrition and income-linked programs.
Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal
State site to apply for or manage Medicaid, SNAP, child care, and related Ohio public assistance programs online.
Ohio WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
State-run nutrition program for pregnant women, new parents, and young children. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services explains eligibility and how to find a local WIC clinic.
Freestore Foodbank
Regional hunger-relief hub serving the Greater Cincinnati area with food pantries, mobile distributions, and partner agencies. Use their tools to find nearby food sites and programs.
United Way 211 Greater Cincinnati
Free confidential referral line and database for food pantries, clothing closets, utility help, shelter, and more. Call 211 or use online search for up-to-date local options.
Physical health
Local public health departments and pathways to medical coverage.
Cincinnati Health Department
City health department offering clinical services, immunizations, maternal and child health programs, and community health information for Cincinnati residents.
Hamilton County Public Health
County health district serving suburban Hamilton County with clinics, vital records information, WIC sites, and population health resources.
Ohio Medicaid
State Medicaid agency: eligibility, enrollment, managed care plans, and member services for Ohio’s public health coverage program.
Mental health & recovery
Crisis lines, state behavioral health authority, the board that plans county mental health and addiction services, and local counseling practices.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National network reached by calling or texting 988 for mental health crises, emotional distress, or substance use concerns. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)
State agency overseeing public mental health and addiction treatment systems, including information on recovery supports, housing initiatives, and how to find certified providers.
Hamilton County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board
County board that plans and funds the local behavioral health system. Their site lists crisis numbers, network providers, and prevention resources for Hamilton County.
A Sound Mind Counseling
Private practice serving Greater Cincinnati with therapy for children, teens, adults, and women.
Benefits, jobs & income
Public workforce and veterans services tied to government programs.
Hamilton County Job & Family Services
One county door for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, child support, and workforce development (employment training, SNAP E&T, youth programs, and OhioMeansJobs referrals).
Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission
County office helping veterans and families access federal and state veterans benefits, emergency financial assistance, and referrals.
Legal help & safety
Civil legal aid and public safety resources.
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
Nonprofit legal aid serving low-income residents in the region with housing, family, consumer, and benefits issues when income guidelines are met. Funded in part by government grants (LSC).
Cincinnati Police Department
City law enforcement site for non-emergency contacts, district information, and public safety programs. Use 911 for emergencies.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
County sheriff services including patrol, jail information, and community programs for unincorporated areas and contractual jurisdictions.