The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented financial challenges for families and individuals across the nation. In Summit County, Ohio, the Summit County Cares Program stands as a vital resource, offering crucial support to residents facing housing instability due to pandemic-related economic hardship. This program acts as a central point of access to various government-funded assistance initiatives designed to ensure that Summit County residents can remain stably housed during these challenging times. A collaborative effort between local government and community organizations, Summit County Cares is dedicated to helping those in need within the community.
Understanding the Summit County Cares Program
Summit County Cares is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible residents. If you are a resident of Summit County facing past due balances on essential household expenses, this program may be able to help. It serves as a lifeline for individuals and families striving to maintain their housing and essential utilities amidst financial strain.
Who Qualifies for Summit County Cares Assistance?
To be eligible for the Summit County Cares program, applicants must meet specific criteria that ensure assistance reaches those most impacted by the pandemic. The key qualification requirements are:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Summit County, Ohio. This ensures that the program directly benefits the local community.
- COVID-19 Financial Impact: Households must demonstrate financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could include job loss, reduced work hours, or increased expenses due to the pandemic.
- Income Eligibility: Gross household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) Guidelines. This income threshold is set to prioritize assistance for low-to-moderate income households.
It’s important to note that while the program aims to assist as many eligible households as possible, priority is given to those with the most urgent needs. This includes:
- Households at or below 30% of AMI, representing the lowest income bracket.
- Households with pregnant women, recognizing the heightened vulnerability during pregnancy.
- Households with occupants aged 62 and over, acknowledging the risks faced by senior citizens.
- Households with a court-issued eviction notice, indicating immediate housing crisis.
This prioritization ensures that the program effectively targets those facing the most critical housing situations.
Types of Assistance Offered Through Summit County Cares
The Summit County Cares program provides financial assistance for crucial housing and utility expenses. Eligible households can apply for help with:
- Rent or Mortgage Payments: Assistance is available for past due rent or mortgage payments for your primary residence, helping families avoid eviction or foreclosure.
- Utility Bills: The program can provide support for past due balances on essential utilities, including electric, gas, and water/sewer services, ensuring continued access to these necessities.
This comprehensive approach addresses the core housing and utility needs of families facing financial difficulties.
Applying for Summit County Cares: What You Need to Know
The application process for Summit County Cares is designed to be accessible and efficient. The online application typically takes between 10 to 15 minutes to complete. To ensure a smooth application process, it is crucial to gather all necessary information beforehand. Applicants should have the following information readily available:
- Household Information: Details about all members of the household.
- Income Information: Documentation of household income to verify eligibility.
- Landlord Information: Contact details for your landlord if applying for rental assistance.
- Utility Account Information: Account numbers and details for all utilities for which you are seeking assistance.
It is important to note that cooperation from both applicants and landlords is required to facilitate the verification and payment process. All unpaid balances will be carefully verified and documented before payments are disbursed. Additionally, utilities must be in the name of an adult residing in the household or the landlord’s name to be eligible for assistance.
| AREA MEDIAN INCOME QUALIFYING LEVELS |
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| Household Size |
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This table provides a clear overview of the Area Median Income guidelines, helping residents quickly determine their potential eligibility based on household size and income level.
Accessing Summit County Cares and Further Resources
Summit County Cares is committed to providing accessible assistance to all eligible residents. To apply for the program and begin the process of receiving support, please visit the official application portal:
For additional information and resources, Summit County Cares also provides flyers in multiple languages to ensure broad community outreach and accessibility. These flyers contain essential program details and are available in:
Summit County Cares embodies the community’s commitment to supporting its residents through challenging times. If you are facing housing instability due to the pandemic, explore the resources available through the Summit County Cares Program and take the first step towards securing the assistance you need.
