Housing Resources in Southwest Ohio

Whether you're facing homelessness, looking for affordable housing, experiencing landlord issues, or searching for rental assistance, there are organizations throughout Southwest Ohio that can help.

Shelters

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, begin with the Central Access Point (CAP). CAP connects individuals and families with emergency shelter, housing programs, and homelessness prevention services. Call 513-381-7233 to get connected.

Shelters and housing programs include:

Shelterhouse – Emergency shelter and housing services for adults.
Bethany House Services – Emergency shelter and housing support for families with children.
Interfaith Hospitality Network (Found House IHN) – Emergency shelter and housing support for families. (They also direct those in crisis to the Central Access Point.)
City Gospel Mission – Shelter and supportive services.
Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women – Emergency shelter and services for women.

Butler and Clermont County: Emergency shelter services are available through local nonprofit agencies and coordinated community resources. If you are experiencing homelessness, contact the county's homeless services network or 211 for the most current shelter availability.

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Hamilton County

Apply through Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA): 513-721-4580

CMHA administers:

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Public Housing
Affordable Housing Communities
Waiting Lists and Housing Applications

Butler County

Apply through Butler Metropolitan Housing Authority: (513) 896-4411

Programs include:

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Public Housing
Affordable Housing Programs

Clermont County

Apply Through Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority: (513) 732-6010

Programs Include:

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Public Housing
Affordable Housing Programs

Housing Advocacy

Navigating housing challenges can be overwhelming, especially when facing eviction, housing discrimination, accessibility barriers, or disputes with a landlord. Fortunately, several organizations serve Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties by providing free or low-cost legal assistance, fair housing advocacy, tenant education, and housing counseling.

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati

The Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Brown, Clinton, Highland, and Warren counties. Attorneys and advocates help individuals understand their rights, resolve housing disputes, and access legal representation when appropriate. Services may include:

Eviction prevention and representation in housing court
Landlord-tenant disputes
Unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions
Illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs
Fair housing and discrimination cases
Assistance with subsidized housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) issues
Foreclosure prevention and housing stability services

Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)

Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) is the region's fair housing organization serving Southwest Ohio, including Hamilton, Butler, and Clermont counties. HOME works to ensure equal access to housing by investigating complaints of housing discrimination, educating the community about fair housing laws, and advocating for inclusive housing practices.

HOME can assist individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination based on:

Disability
Race or color
National origin
Religion
Sex
Familial status (including families with children)
Other protected classes under federal, state, or local law

In addition to investigating complaints, HOME helps individuals request reasonable accommodations or modifications related to disabilities, educates landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities, and works with housing providers to promote equitable housing practices. HOME may also assist individuals in filing complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission when discrimination is suspected.

Ohio Legal Help

Ohio Legal Help is a statewide resource that offers free, easy-to-understand legal information, interactive forms, and guidance on common housing issues. While it does not provide legal representation, it can help individuals:

Understand tenant and landlord rights
Learn about eviction procedures
Request reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Respond to eviction notices
Find local legal aid organizations
Learn about fair housing protections

The website also includes self-help tools, sample letters, and referrals to local legal service providers throughout Ohio.

HUD-Certified Housing Counseling

Housing counseling agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide confidential guidance to individuals and families seeking stable housing. Housing counselors can assist with:

Budgeting and financial planning
Rental readiness
Preventing eviction or foreclosure
Credit improvement
Understanding affordable housing options
Homebuyer education
Fair housing education

These services can be especially valuable for individuals preparing to transition into independent housing or working to maintain long-term housing stability.

Need Help Navigating These Resources?

Finding the right housing, food, financial, or community resources can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to determine eligibility, complete applications, or connect with multiple agencies. If you would like personalized assistance navigating these services, case management services are available through our practice for a fee. As part of this service, I will work with you one-on-one to identify resources that fit your unique needs, assist with completing applications, coordinate referrals, and help you develop a plan to access available community supports. While I cannot guarantee eligibility or approval for any program, I am committed to helping you understand your options and navigate the process with confidence. If you are interested in case management services or would like to learn more about scheduling an appointment, please contact our practice.

Disclaimer: The community resources listed on this website are provided for informational purposes to help individuals identify available services in their area. Our practice is an independent provider of case management and resource navigation services and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency, nonprofit organization, or community resource listed. Fees charged by our practice are for professional case management services, including individualized guidance, care coordination, assistance with applications and referrals, and support navigating available resources. We cannot guarantee eligibility for, approval of, or availability of any program or service offered by third-party organizations.