Help with Food
Nutrition program services are available to persons aged 60+ and their spouses regardless of age. Priority is given to frail, homebound, or isolated older adults and consumers. Services include:
Home-delivered meals
Known to many as “meals on wheels,” this service provides safe and nutritious meals delivered to the homes of older persons who are homebound because of illness or disability.
Congregate meals
Provide safe and nutritious meals, in addition to social interaction and activity, at nutrition sites such as senior centers and community focal points.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA). SFMNP provides eligible participants with $50.00 worth of coupons to purchase fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmers. The purpose of the SFMNP is to improve the nutritional health of low-income seniors and to increase business for local farmers.
Help with Utilities
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
216.350.8008 | Visit the Website
HEAP assists eligible residents in meeting the cost of home heating (natural gas, electric, oil, kerosene, or wood) during the winter months. This one-time benefit goes directly toward the resident’s utility bill. To learn more, visit the website linked above.
The Cleveland Department of Aging is available to help with HEAP applications. Call (216) 664-2239 for assistance.
HEAP Winter Crisis Program
216.350.8008 | Visit the Website
Winter Crisis pays the $175.00 reconnection fee of electric and/or gas utilities of income- eligible customers who are disconnected, have received a disconnection notice, or who have less than a 25% supply of fuel in their tank.
To make an appointment, call or schedule online at the website linked above.
Winter Reconnect Order (WRO)
Visit the Website
The WRO allows any electric or natural gas customer of a public utility to avoid disconnection or reconnect their service for $175. Customers owing more than $175 will make payment arrangements with the utility company for the remaining past-due amount. For more information, go to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website linked above or contact your utility company.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)
216.350.8008 | Visit the Website
Eligible households can maintain gas and electric service by paying a percentage of their household income as a regular payment for energy bills. PIPP Plus makes monthly payments more affordable on a year-round basis. To apply, call or visit the website linked above.
Home Weatherization Assistance
216.325.1149 | Visit the Website
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) helps homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes while assisting renters to reduce their energy costs. Eligible households receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Services can include attic, wall, and basement insulation, air leakage reduction, heating system repairs or replacements, health and safety testing and inspections, LED bulb installation, and Energy Star refrigeration replacement. Call or visit the website linked above for an application.
No-Heat Emergency Services
216.574.7100, ext. 270 or 216.325.1149 | Visit the Website
CHN also provides No-Heat Emergency Services for eligible clients with non-working furnaces or hot water tanks. This service is available from October 15th to April 15th. Call or visit the website linked above for an application.
Water & Sewer Affordability Program
216.774.2349 | Visit the Website
Administered by CHN Housing Partners
This program offers a 40% discount on water and sewer charges for income-eligible homeowners under the age of 65 who are serviced by the City of Cleveland’s Division of Water and/or Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. You must be the homeowner and occupy the home. Total household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. To apply, call or visit the website linked above.
Sewer Crisis Assistance Program
216.774.2349 | Visit the Website
Administered by CHN Housing Partners, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District customers can receive up to a $300 sewer credit for hardships that occurred within the past six (6) months (e.g. major medical expenses, job loss, or change in marital status). You must be the homeowner and occupy the home or be a renter making NEORSD payments. Renters whose NEORSD bills are not in their name must provide a lease indicating sewer payment responsibility and two (2) receipts for NEORSD payments. You must have documentation to support your hardship. To apply, call or visit the website linked above.
Homestead Discount Program
216.664.3130 | Visit the Website
The Homestead Water Discount offers a lower-fixed charge and consumption rate to homeowners serviced by the City of Cleveland’s Division of Water. To qualify for the Homestead Discount, you must be 65 years or older or permanently disabled. You must own and live at your property and have an annual income of less than $36,300. If you are eligible for the Homestead Discount, you also automatically qualify for a reduction on the City’s waste collection fee and your sewer bill. Applications are available online at the website linked above.
Homestead Exemption
216.443.7050 | Visit the Website | Homestead Exemption Program Application
The Homestead Tax Exemption provides a property tax reduction to qualified seniors, disabled persons, and surviving spouses. To qualify: (1) you must be at least 65 years of age, have a permanent disability, or be a surviving spouse (2) own and have occupied your home as your principal place of residence on Jan 1st of the year in which you file the application. Income guidelines are set yearly by the state. Applications can be filed January 1st through December 31st. For more information, call or visit the website linked above.