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 | Emergency Utility Assistance
Catholic Social Services’ Joint Organization for Inner City Needs (JOIN) Program provides emergency utility assistance to eligible individuals and families in Franklin, Licking, Muskingum, and Vinton Counties, Ohio. The program helps households experiencing a temporary financial crisis avoid utility disconnection or restore service that has already been disconnected.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for JOIN utility assistance, applicants must:
- Reside in Franklin, Licking, Muskingum, or Vinton County.
- Have a current utility disconnection notice or have already experienced a utility shutoff.
- Provide proof of utility disconnection or a disconnection notice.
- Have not received JOIN assistance within the past 18 months.
How to Apply
To request emergency utility assistance, call 614-241-2530.
Applications are accepted during the first and third weeks of each month, Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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