SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Through an unprecedented collaboration with United Way of Summit and Medina, Community Action Akron Summit and other local organizations, Summit County has invested $63 million in housing and utility assistance for residents experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in June 2020, the Summit County Cares program has provided aid to approximately 8,750 unique households in all 31 communities of Summit County.
Due to federal requirements governing Emergency Rental Assistance funds, the County and its partners will begin winding down the program in late October. Residents have until October 28th to submit applications for rent and utility assistance. Residents who submitted an application and are awaiting processing do not need to submit another application. By December 31, staff will make a determination on every application that was submitted prior to the cutoff date. If approved for assistance, the payment process may take up to two billing cycles for utilities and up to 30 days for rent.
Residents who have previously received housing or utility assistance from the Summit County Cares program must complete supplemental requirements to qualify for additional assistance. These requirements include demonstrating a continued financial hardship related to COVID-19 and completing eight verifiable job searches through OhioMeansJobs Summit County. Residents can visit https://www.summitmedinaomj.org/ or call 330-633-1050 to access OMJ resources.
Housing and utility assistance will still be available to residents after October 28th through other community programming. Residents in need should call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.211summit.org/ for other housing and utility assistance options.
The Executive’s Department of Community Development offers several programs to assist income qualified residents with home repairs to help them stay in their homes and reduce energy burden. Information about these programs can be found at https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Community-Economic-Development.html#nav-programs.
