In the State of Ohio, there are a variety of supportive housing options designed to assist individuals and families with special needs or who are at risk of becoming homeless. These housing options often come with extra services, such as medical or mental health care, addiction treatment, and job skill training, that are intended to assist residents in sustaining independent living and reaching their full potential. The major supportive housing options available are:
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a long-term solution for individuals or families dealing with chronic homelessness and disability. This type of housing was created through the Medicaid reform bill that became law in Ohio in 2016. It provides housing, as well as essential services such as mental health care, addiction treatment and job skills training.
Transitional Housing
Transitional housing serves as a temporary solution designed to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. These programs can last from two weeks to two years and can offer supportive services that enhance self-sufficiency and independence.
Shelter Plus Care
This program was designed to provide rental assistance and support services to homeless individuals and their families who have disabilities. It is a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) but administered on the local level by individual counties and municipalities.
Housing Choice Vouchers
Also known as Section 8 housing, the Housing Choice Voucher program helps low-income families, the elderly, and disabled afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Recipients are free to choose their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The housing must meet certain health and safety standards, and the rental amount is based on the recipient's income.
State and Federal Subsidies
In addition to these housing options, several state and federal subsidies exist to support low-income individuals and families. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), for example, assists low-income households with their home energy bills. Another program, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), provides first-time homebuyer programs, as well as rental, foreclosure prevention, and homeowner assistance programs.
Non-private Assistance in Ohio
Various non-profit organizations offer supportive housing programs. One of the most prominent ones is the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). It provides advocacy programs, training and technical assistance, and lending services to help create supportive housing initiatives across Ohio.
The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio is another non-private assistance provider, which works to end homelessness and promote affordable housing. This coalition provides resources and advocacy, as well as tools for landlords and tenants about affordable housing resources in Ohio.
As this overview suggests, Ohio offers a significant array of supportive housing options for its vulnerable residents. These initiatives represent collaborative efforts between governmental and non-governmental agencies to ensure that every individual and family has access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing options. The main focus of all these programs is to promote independence, boost self-sufficiency, and prevent homelessness among Ohio's residents. While these programs have made significant strides in addressing the state's housing needs, ongoing work and investment are required to eradicate homelessness and promote affordable housing for all.
