Emergency Assistance
When something goes wrong, it tends to go wrong fast. A job ends, a medical bill arrives, the power company sends a notice, and suddenly the question is not which bill to pay but which one to skip. Catholic Social Services provides emergency assistance for individuals and families across central Ohio who need help right now, not next month.
We serve people from all backgrounds, all faiths, and all circumstances. If you are in a crisis and you are not sure where to start, start here.
JOIN Program
The JOIN Program brings mobile outreach directly into Franklin County neighborhoods, helping individuals and families access food assistance, emergency financial support, resource navigation, and connections to Catholic Social Services programs and community resources. By meeting people where they are, JOIN helps reduce barriers to support and connect residents with practical assistance during times of need.
Food Pantry
Access to food is the first need we address. CSS connects individuals and families to food pantry resources across our service area, including through our Our Lady of Guadalupe Center in Columbus, which serves as a central hub for food distribution for the Latino community and neighbors throughout the west side.
Food assistance is available regardless of immigration status. CSS staff can also connect individuals to additional food programs based on eligibility and location.
Rent and Utility Assistance
Falling behind on rent or utilities can happen to anyone. CSS helps connect eligible individuals and families to financial assistance programs that support rent payments, utility bills, and other essential housing costs. Staff can help you understand eligibility requirements, gather what you need, and connect with available programs.
Many individuals are also connected to additional resources through this process, including temporary cash assistance and other support programs based on their situation and location.
Housing Support
Stable housing is the foundation everything else is built on. CSS works to connect individuals and families to safe, affordable housing options and provides on-site service coordination at Seton Square Senior affordable housing communities across Ohio.
Seton Square currently provides 924 units of HUD-subsidized housing across 13 locations. CSS service coordinators are embedded at each community, building relationships with residents and helping them access the support they need to stay housed and healthy.
On-site services that coordinators help facilitate include:
- Accessing and maintaining benefits
- Blood pressure checks and wellness groups
- Chair exercise and fitness programs
- Home care support for HUD inspection compliance
- Hospital-to-home transition support
- Housekeeping assistance
- Meals on Wheels and food pantry access
- Medication management
- Nutrition guidance
- Preventive health and wellness programs
- Social events and outdoor activities
- Vaccinations
Need Help Now?
- Emergency assistance
- (614) 221-5891
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
- (614) 340-7061