Help in Ohio
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 27 places in Ohio, most of them in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland, plus 9 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (15) and after prison or jail (13).
Ohio 211
Free information and referral line for housing, food, utilities, health care, recovery, and legal help across Ohio. Dial 211 from any phone or use the online chat; coverage is expanding to all 88 counties.
Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline
The one number to call for family shelter, substance-use transitional housing, or homeless veteran services in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. CAP places people in shelter but does not pay rent; for rent help it refers to 211.
Alvis
Columbus nonprofit running residential and community reentry programs with cognitive behavioral treatment, workforce development, behavioral health care, recovery housing, and family support. Residential placement requires a referral from a judge or parole officer; community services take direct calls.
The P.E.E.R. Center
Free drop-in recovery centers on Columbus's east and west sides for people working through mental illness, trauma, and addiction. Peer-led groups, one-on-one peer support, a computer lab, and daily activities; no appointment or insurance needed. An evening phone line runs 5pm to 3am.
Ohio Recovery Housing
State affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences that accredits sober living homes across Ohio. Use its Find a Recovery Home search to locate certified recovery housing; the office answers questions by phone or appointment.
Ohio Benefits
Online portal to apply for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid, Ohio Works First cash assistance, and child care in one application using an OHID login. In-person and phone help is through your county Job and Family Services office; the Medicaid Consumer Hotline answers coverage questions.
National lines that work in Ohio
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.