Works with a variety of churches and charities to provide temporary emergency financial aid for residents of Geauga County.

Provides assistance with the following: rent, mobile home lot payments, mortgage payments, utility bill payments (will only help with phone bill payments if there is a medical or emergency reason), fuel oil, gas money, home repair, furnace repair, and stranded traveler assistance (transportation only to adjacent counties).

Does not help with car repair or diapers.

Provides vouchers for clothing that may be used at thrift stores.

Also provides financial assistance to access medical services, prescription medications (does not help with over the counter medications), and other urgent needs if deemed necessary and appropriate.

Funds are limited, subject to availability, and given at the discretion of the charitable organization.

Payments will generally not exceed $500, and the typical amount given is less than $350.

Money will not go directly to the client.

HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED:

By phone; By mail

WHO QUALIFIES:

Serves residents of Geauga County.

Individuals seeking assistance must first apply with Geauga County Job and Family Services before contacting United Way.

Households may only receive assistance for the SAME service ONCE in a 12-month period.

For rent/lot payment/mortgage - must be 30 days late or in threat of eviction. For utility assistance - must be in threat of disconnect.

HOURS OF SERVICE:

M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm.

FEES:

Free

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

May require proof of residency as well as rent agreements or bills if applicable.

For utility bill assistance - must have disconnect notice.

HOW TO ACCESS:

Must have first contacted Geauga County Job and Family Services for assistance.

If asssistance cannot be aquired from GCJFS, then phone for information or service M-F: 12:30pm-4:30pm.

May call anytime and leave a message.

Calls are generally returned the same business day or always by two business days.

SERVICE CONTACT PERSON:

Receptionist will direct the call

SUPPORTS FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Contracts with a language line service to provide interpretation in over 140 languages.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

Operates as a private sector agency that builds partnerships, conducts research into community needs, and engages in fund raising and budgets.

Plans and allocates funds to various health and human service programs.

Convenes and funds partnerships focused on solutions for Geauga County s health and human service priorities.

Develops partnerships with agencies, businesses, government, foundations and others to improve services to the community and increase awareness of these services. Operates the Volunteer Center, which connects volunteers to area organizations.

TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS:

Located near the intersection of Center St. (Rt. 44) and Washington St. near the post office.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY:

ALL services accessible or available.

This site has an accessible restroom.