Free Furniture and Household Items for Single Mothers in Ohio
Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Ohio
Last updated: September 2025
This guide shows clear, practical ways to get free furniture, beds, cribs, and basic household items in Ohio. You’ll see how to use county cash programs, furniture banks, health departments, and trusted charities—plus online options that actually work. Every section includes Plan B steps and direct contacts you can call today.
— Keep this page open while you call or apply. —
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- Call or chat with your nearest 2‑1‑1 now and say, “I need a furniture voucher and a referral to a furniture bank.” Use statewide 2‑1‑1 via Ohio 211 and, if you live in Greater Cincinnati, use United Way 211 for live help 24/7. If you’re in Northeast Ohio, chat with United Way 211 Greater Cleveland and ask for “furniture and household goods” listings.
- Ask a caseworker to refer you to a furniture bank today. In Columbus, ask about referrals to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio; in Cleveland, ask for Cleveland Furniture Bank; in Cincinnati, ask for New Life Furniture Bank.
- Stop any utility shutoff while you work on furniture. Make a Winter Crisis Program (WCP) appointment through EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov and use the 30‑day disconnection hold; if someone in the home has a medical need, request a 30‑day medical certificate from your utility or PUCO/OCC to pause shutoff while you stabilize. (occ.ohio.gov)
Quick help box — numbers and sites to keep handy
- United Way 2‑1‑1: dial 2‑1‑1 statewide via Ohio 211; Cleveland area chat at United Way 211; Greater Cincinnati hotline 1‑513‑721‑7900 via UWGC 211.
- Furniture Bank of Central Ohio (Columbus): 1‑614‑272‑9544 x202 via Need Furniture page; general info at Furniture Bank home. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Cleveland Furniture Bank: 1‑216‑459‑2265 via Furniture Bank Network listing; see “Beds for Kids” updates at Furniture Today coverage. (furniturebanks.org)
- New Life Furniture Bank (Cincinnati): 1‑513‑313‑0530 via What We Do; referral list at Partner Agencies. (nlfurniture.org)
- Ohio energy shutoff help: Make WCP/PIPP appointments at EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov; get disconnection protections tips from OCC WCP factsheet. (occ.ohio.gov)
Who gives free furniture in Ohio and how to get it fast
The fastest path in Ohio is a two‑part track: get a referral from a partner agency and, if needed, use county cash help to cover delivery fees or household basics. Start by asking for a referral to a furniture bank like the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio or New Life Furniture Bank and then apply for your county’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) funds through your local Job & Family Services office. In Cleveland, you can also ask Cuyahoga County HHS about current PRC categories that may cover move‑in needs after a fire or re‑housing. (furniturebankcoh.org)
Most Ohio furniture banks will not take walk‑ins; they require a case manager, church, clinic, or nonprofit to refer you. The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio asks agencies to sponsor clients and can accept one‑time sponsors like churches, while New Life Furniture Bank serves only by partner referral across Greater Cincinnati. In Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Furniture Bank distributes thousands of items each year and runs “Beds for Kids.” (furniturebankcoh.org)
Some referring agencies charge small processing or delivery fees to secure the appointment and truck. A common example in Cleveland is a $100 processing fee through a partner site before scheduling, though amounts and sponsors can vary—always ask if PRC or a charity can cover it. You can see a sample partner instruction at B.E.S.T. Community Resource Center and confirm current fees with Cleveland Furniture Bank before you pay. (bestcommunityresourcecenter.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask 2‑1‑1 for parish‑based St. Vincent de Paul vouchers or a CORE furniture voucher in Summit County through CORE Furniture Bank; both can move quickly when referred. In Cincinnati, your SVDP helpline (1‑513‑421‑0602) may offer bed or furniture help; in Dayton, the SVDP network provides furniture vouchers tied to shelters and parishes via St. Vincent de Paul Dayton. (ohiolegalhelp.org)
Major Ohio furniture programs you can use now
| Program | Service Area | How To Access | Typical Costs/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture Bank of Central Ohio | Franklin & neighboring counties | Case manager or one‑time sponsor referral; call 1‑614‑272‑9544 x202 | Sponsor often covers appointment/delivery; ask agency to pay; thrift store backups at Furniture with a Heart. (furniturebankcoh.org) |
| Cleveland Furniture Bank | Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Summit, Medina, Lorain | Referral via partner agencies; call 1‑216‑459‑2265 | Beds for Kids provides new beds; some partners require processing fees—ask if PRC covers them. (furniturebanks.org) |
| New Life Furniture Bank | Greater Cincinnati | Only by partner referral; call 1‑513‑313‑0530 for guidance | Delivery included after referral; no direct individual requests accepted. (nlfurniture.org) |
| CORE Furniture Bank | Summit County (Akron area) | DIY voucher form online; message line 1‑330‑379‑3188 | They email a voucher within about a week; pickups also accepted. (corefurniturebank.org) |
| St. Vincent de Paul (local conferences) | Statewide via parish networks | Call your county SVDP helpline or 2‑1‑1 for a voucher referral | Furniture/bed vouchers vary by parish and funding; ask SVDP to refer you to a furniture bank. (211oh.org) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your county Job & Family Services about PRC disaster categories (fire/flood) to replace furniture, or request a charity “starter kit” from Home for Families when re‑housed in Franklin County. For used items when programs are out of funds, post a request in your local Buy Nothing Project group or watch the “free” tab on Facebook Marketplace.
Use county PRC funds to bridge gaps (delivery fees, starter items)
PRC (Prevention, Retention, and Contingency) is county TANF cash for one‑time crises. It can often cover move‑in costs, basic household goods after a disaster, and sometimes delivery/processing fees a sponsor requires. Check your county’s live page—Franklin County explains eligibility and how to apply online at FCDJFS PRC, while Cuyahoga County sets 200% FPL limits and categories at Cuyahoga HHS PRC. Montgomery County shifted PRC intake to Miami Valley CAP on 08/01/2024; apply through Miami Valley CAP if you live in Dayton. (jfs.franklincountyohio.gov)
Income caps and categories differ by county and can change mid‑year. For example, Lucas County posts 200% FPL and notes some shelter categories paused effective August 1, 2025; check the active PRC plan and call 1‑844‑640‑6446 to confirm current service lists at Lucas County PRC. Fairfield County publishes its $2,000/12‑month cap when funding allows; see Fairfield DJFS PRC and ask if household item support is open. (co.lucas.oh.us)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your caseworker to write a one‑time sponsor letter to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio and pay the appointment/delivery fee, or request a parish‑based SVDP voucher via Ohio 211 to cover essential items like beds, tables, and dressers. (furniturebankcoh.org)
Baby and kid essentials: cribs, pack‑n‑plays, and kids’ beds
Ohio health departments run Safe Sleep programs that give free Pack‑n‑Plays to eligible families. In Columbus, call 1‑614‑645‑3111 for the CelebrateOne Safe Sleep class and crib distribution via Columbus Public Health Safe Sleep; in Allen County, Pack‑n‑Plays are available weekly to WIC/Medicaid‑eligible families via Allen County Public Health Cribs for Kids. Check your county health department or call 2‑1‑1 for your local “Cribs for Kids” site. (columbus.gov)
Kids’ beds are available across Ohio through Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) chapters; apply online with your nearest chapter like SHP Cincinnati in Hamilton County or SHP Cuyahoga West in Brook Park. SHP delivers twin beds with new mattresses and bedding to approved families; if your area has a waitlist, ask 2‑1‑1 to check nearby chapters through SHP Chapters. (shpbeds.org)
If you’re on Ohio Medicaid, many managed‑care plans offer baby gear. Anthem Medicaid Ohio lists a “baby essentials bundle” where you can choose items such as a portable crib, car seat, breastfeeding kit, or safe sleep kit, plus diaper credits; call your plan’s member services to redeem. Your local Safe Sleep page (like Huron County Baby Sleep Safe) may also include Pack‑n‑Play, sheet, sleep sack, and pacifier for WIC‑eligible families. (anthem.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask a pediatrician’s office for a Pack‑n‑Play referral, check United Way 211 for churches with baby closets, and request an SVDP bed voucher through SVDP Cincinnati or your parish conference if SHP is backed up. (211oh.org)
How to stop utility shutoff in Ohio today
Start with a HEAP Winter Crisis Program (WCP) appointment at your local community action agency through EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov or call the 1‑800 number listed on your bill. When you have a WCP appointment, PUCO‑regulated utilities must place a 30‑day hold on disconnection, and income‑eligible families can also use the Special Reconnection Order (SRO) with a $175 payment to reconnect in winter. See the OCC WCP factsheet and OCC SRO page for exact steps and income limits. (occ.ohio.gov)
If someone in your household has a health condition, ask your provider for a 30‑day medical certificate to pause shutoff or reconnect within 21 days; the form is on the PUCO/OCC medical certificate page and regulated by Ohio Admin. Code 4901:1‑18‑06. If you need longer‑term help, enroll in PIPP Plus through your community action agency, and note that mail‑in HEAP applications can take 12+ weeks to process per the OCC HEAP overview. (occ.ohio.gov)
Some utilities also offer their own grants. For example, AEP Ohio’s Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor grants of up to $350 ran through March 2025 and reopen seasonally; see dates and eligibility at AEP Ohio Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor and Dollar Energy Fund. Always call your utility’s customer service for in‑house payment plans listed on the OCC utility programs page. (aepohio.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: file a complaint or ask a question with the PUCO Consumer Call Center at 1‑800‑686‑7826, and ask 2‑1‑1 to schedule a same‑day WCP slot. Use a medical certificate to buy time while you finalize furniture referrals. (occ.ohio.gov)
Where to find free or low‑cost household items beyond furniture
Ask your case manager about move‑in “starter kits” that include cookware, cleaning supplies, and linens. In Franklin County, Home for Families supports families exiting homelessness with basic kits, and Community Shelter Board coordinates re‑housing when you call the Homeless Hotline at 1‑614‑274‑7000. In Cleveland, CHN Housing Partners can help with deposits and navigation if you’re moving into city housing. (homeforfamilies.org)
County‑based charities often stock household goods. In Summit County, Good Neighbors units provide small household items and linens, and CORE Furniture Bank can issue a DIY voucher if you’re referred or complete the form; in Dayton, St. Vincent de Paul issues furniture vouchers to families leaving shelters or after a verified crisis. Ask your local United Way 211 to filter by “household goods” when searching. (greengoodneighbors.org)
Weatherization programs can replace unsafe or failing major items tied to energy efficiency. The HWAP program through the Ohio Department of Development can repair or replace heating systems and, in some counties, swap out inefficient refrigerators; see OCC HWAP and, for local examples, HARCATUS HWAP which lists refrigerator/freezer replacements among services. These aren’t “furniture,” but they’re household must‑haves when budgets are tight. (occ.ohio.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: lean on online free sources—local Buy Nothing groups, Freecycle, Nextdoor, and the “Free” section on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace—and always meet in a public place or bring another adult when picking up.
Online free‑stuff strategies (and safety tips that matter)
- Use your ZIP to search Freecycle and add “ISO: toddler bed” or “ISO: pots and pans” to your posts; community members will message you. Post the same request in your nearby Buy Nothing group and on Nextdoor to widen reach.
- On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, set filters to “Free” and save searches like “pack and play” or “dresser.” Use porch pickups to avoid cross‑scheduling, and take another adult with you.
- If you can, borrow a vehicle with tie‑down straps. Some items are posted by Habitat ReStore donors a day or two before stores open; call your local ReStore to ask about donation “as is” giveaways. (habitat.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask a case manager to write a brief note that confirms your move‑in and need—a short letter can nudge local groups and churches to prioritize your request on United Way 211 and in private parish networks.
County‑specific variations and real‑world examples
- Franklin County (Columbus): Apply for PRC online or via drop boxes through Franklin County DJFS and ask your worker to sponsor your Furniture Bank of Central Ohio appointment. Expect document checks and follow‑up calls; complete your “Sustainability Determination” and submit every verification the same day. (jfs.franklincountyohio.gov)
- Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): Eligibility is 200% FPL for PRC; ask your worker or SVDP to refer you to Cleveland Furniture Bank for a furniture package. If you have kids without beds, ask about “Beds for Kids.” (hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov)
- Hamilton County (Cincinnati): PRC focuses more on work‑related and housing barriers via HCJFS PRC; many families get referred to New Life Furniture Bank through shelters and case managers. Ask SVDP (1‑513‑421‑0602) if you need a bed right away. (hcjfs.org)
- Montgomery County (Dayton): PRC intake moved to Miami Valley CAP; the Dayton SVDP system gives furniture vouchers for re‑housed families via SVDP Dayton Community Furniture Bank. Pair this with SHP Montgomery County chapter for children’s beds. (mcohio.org)
- Lucas County (Toledo): PRC shelter assistance was paused effective 08/01/2025 due to funding; confirm current categories with Lucas County JFS and call 1‑844‑640‑6446. Ask 2‑1‑1 for church vouchers and try regional SHP chapters if you need beds. (co.lucas.oh.us)
- Summit County (Akron): Apply directly to CORE Furniture Bank for a DIY voucher; for household items and linens, ask Good Neighbors and use Akron‑area 2‑1‑1 for referrals. Many families combine CORE with SHP chapters for bunk beds. (corefurniturebank.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask your county JFS whether PRC disaster funds can replace furniture after bedbugs, fire, or flood; if funds are closed, request a letter verifying re‑housing so St. Vincent de Paul or a local church can sponsor your furniture bank appointment.
Diverse communities — tailored tips and contacts
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: ask 2‑1‑1 for affirming case management and referral to furniture programs; Cleveland families can also find legal/advocacy help via Equality Ohio, and Columbus parents can use the youth‑focused supports at Kaleidoscope Youth Center while connecting to Furniture Bank of Central Ohio through a supportive agency.
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: request reasonable accommodations (like large‑print forms and curbside pick‑ups) from county Job & Family Services and ask for weatherization safety upgrades via HWAP. If a shutoff risks medical harm, ask your provider for a 30‑day medical certificate to pause disconnection while your furniture referral is scheduled. (occ.ohio.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: contact the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) through 2‑1‑1 and ask for furniture referrals plus move‑in kits; in Cleveland, housing stability navigation via CHN Housing Partners can pair with local furniture banks, and in Columbus the Community Shelter Board hotline can link to veteran‑specific resources.
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: ask your resettlement caseworker to refer you to New Life Furniture Bank in Cincinnati or Furniture Bank of Central Ohio in Columbus; both work with refugee partners. For benefits navigation statewide, contact OhioKAN if you’re caring for kin placed with you. (nlfurniture.org)
- Tribal‑specific resources: Ohio has urban Native centers that can connect you with emergency help; ask 2‑1‑1 for the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) and request referral letters to Furniture Bank of Central Ohio and CelebrateOne Safe Sleep if you’re in Franklin County. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Rural single moms: call your Community Action Agency through EnergyHelp (HEAP) portal to ask about furniture referrals in counties without a furniture bank; check Freecycle and Buy Nothing for porch pickups when gas money is tight, and consider weatherization support via HARCATUS HWAP in Appalachian counties. (harcatus.org)
- Single fathers: all programs above are gender‑neutral; ask 2‑1‑1 for referrals and use PRC and furniture banks exactly the same way. In Hamilton County, request a partner referral to New Life Furniture Bank and check SHP Cincinnati chapter for beds.
- Language access and accessibility: ask agencies for phone interpretation and TTY/relay; most county JFS offices and United Way 211 offer free interpreters. Request “curbside paperwork drop‑off” where available, and ask for “large‑print applications” or help completing online forms at your library or community action office.
Resources by region — who to call for furniture and household items
- Columbus/Franklin County: Furniture Bank of Central Ohio (1‑614‑272‑9544 x202) via case manager; emergency PRC at FCDJFS PRC; Safe Sleep class & crib via Columbus Public Health. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Cleveland/Cuyahoga County: Cleveland Furniture Bank (1‑216‑459‑2265) by referral; PRC and income chart at Cuyahoga HHS PRC; kids’ beds via SHP Cuyahoga West. (furniturebanks.org)
- Cincinnati/Hamilton County: furniture on referral through New Life Furniture Bank; SVDP helpline 1‑513‑421‑0602 via Ohio Legal Help SVDP; energy help via OCC HEAP/WCP. (nlfurniture.org)
- Dayton/Montgomery County: PRC intake now through Miami Valley CAP; furniture vouchers through SVDP Dayton; beds for kids via SHP Montgomery County. (mcohio.org)
- Toledo/Lucas County: confirm PRC categories at Lucas County PRC; call 2‑1‑1 for nearest furniture referrals; weatherization via GLCAP/EPP and HEAP/PIPP at EnergyHelp. (co.lucas.oh.us)
- Akron/Summit County: CORE Furniture Bank voucher; small household items via Good Neighbors; ReStore deals at Habitat Summit ReStore. (corefurniturebank.org)
Quick reference cheat sheet
| Need | Do this first | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Free furniture (Columbus) | Ask your case manager for Furniture Bank of Central Ohio referral | Request PRC help at FCDJFS PRC to cover fees |
| Beds for kids | Apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace near you | Ask parish St. Vincent de Paul for a bed voucher |
| Free crib/Pack‑n‑Play | Call Columbus Public Health Safe Sleep or your county “Cribs for Kids” | Check your Medicaid plan’s baby bundle at Anthem Medicaid Ohio |
| Utility shutoff | Book WCP at EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov for 30‑day hold | File medical certificate via OCC/PUCO |
| Household kits/linens | Ask Home for Families or your shelter | Search Freecycle and Buy Nothing |
Application checklist you can screenshot
- Photo ID(s) for you and adults — ask for large‑print copies from your county JFS and request email submissions if needed.
- Social Security numbers or proof of application — confirm with your furniture bank sponsor what they require. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Proof of current address or re‑housing plan — use your lease, shelter letter, or unit approval; housing navigation through CHN Housing Partners can help. (chnhousingpartners.org)
- Proof of income for the last 30 days — PRC and energy programs will ask; verify guidelines at Cuyahoga PRC or OCC HEAP/WCP. (hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov)
- If replacing items after fire/flood — get a fire report or landlord letter; ask for “disaster” PRC category at Lucas County PRC or your county. (co.lucas.oh.us)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to call until you “have all documents.” Call 2‑1‑1 and your furniture bank sponsor right away through Ohio 211 and your local furniture bank; you can upload docs later. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Paying fees without confirming funding. Before paying a processing or delivery fee, ask your PRC worker at county JFS or parish SVDP about covering it.
- Missing energy appointments. A missed WCP slot can remove the disconnection hold; rebook at EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov and ask OCC for guidance at OCC WCP page. (occ.ohio.gov)
Reality check — what to expect
Funding cycles: furniture and bed programs run on donations and grants. Expect waitlists during back‑to‑school and winter; check Cleveland Furniture Bank updates and ask your sponsor about priority slots for families leaving shelter. (furnituretoday.com)
HEAP processing times: mail‑in HEAP can take 12+ weeks during peak season; use a local appointment and keep copies of everything per OCC HEAP guidance. (occ.ohio.gov)
County differences: PRC help varies by county and can pause certain categories, like Lucas County’s shelter help pause as of 08/01/2025; confirm live rules at Lucas County PRC before counting on it. (co.lucas.oh.us)
How to apply — step‑by‑step
- Find a referring agency via 2‑1‑1 and ask for a furniture bank referral (Columbus: Furniture Bank of Central Ohio; Cleveland: Cleveland Furniture Bank; Cincinnati: New Life Furniture Bank).
- Ask your county for PRC to help cover household goods or delivery fees—see Franklin County PRC and Cuyahoga PRC for live criteria. (jfs.franklincountyohio.gov)
- If you’re pregnant or have an infant, grab a free Pack‑n‑Play through your health department (Columbus: Safe Sleep; other counties list “Cribs for Kids”). (columbus.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: ask a church St. Vincent de Paul conference for a furniture voucher, apply to SHP for kids’ beds, and use Freecycle or Nextdoor as a stopgap.
Tables you can use while calling
Furniture banks and referral methods at a glance
| City/Region | Furniture Bank | Referral Source | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus & nearby | Furniture Bank of Central Ohio | Case manager, church, or one‑time sponsor | 1‑614‑272‑9544 x202 |
| Cleveland metro | Cleveland Furniture Bank | Partner agency/SVDP | 1‑216‑459‑2265 |
| Greater Cincinnati | New Life Furniture Bank | Partner agency only | 1‑513‑313‑0530 |
| Akron/Summit | CORE Furniture Bank | DIY voucher form | 1‑330‑379‑3188 |
HEAP/PIPP/WCP quick facts
| Program | When | Income limit | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEAP | Heating season | 175% FPL (2025‑26 chart) | Lowers heating bills; mail‑in can take 12+ weeks |
| WCP | Nov 1–Mar 31 | 175% FPL | One‑time payment; 30‑day shutoff hold after appointment |
| PIPP Plus | Year‑round | 175% FPL | Income‑based monthly payment; protects from shutoff |
Baby/child sleep supports
| Resource | What you get | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| CelebrateOne Safe Sleep | Pack‑n‑Play after brief class | 1‑614‑645‑3111 |
| Cribs for Kids (county health depts) | Pack‑n‑Play + safe sleep education | Local health dept |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace | Twin bed with bedding for kids | Online chapter application |
Where to find basic household items
| Resource | What to ask for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home for Families | Move‑in kit (kitchen/bath/linens) | Re‑housed families in Franklin County |
| Good Neighbors (Summit) | Small household items/linens | Requires referral in some units |
| Habitat ReStore | Low‑cost furniture/appliances | Ask about discount vouchers |
Online “free stuff” platforms
| Platform | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Freecycle | Single items (dressers, pots) | Post “ISO” requests with your ZIP |
| Buy Nothing | Neighborhood swaps | Join exact local group |
| Facebook Marketplace | Free section, porch pickups | Filter “Free” + save searches |
If your application gets denied
- Ask for the exact denial reason in writing and the appeal/mediation steps; PRC and energy programs must explain next steps on county JFS or OCC pages.
- Correct the issue (missing documents, wrong category) and reapply; have 2‑1‑1 email your local office to confirm what’s still needed via Ohio 211.
- Ask for alternatives: parish St. Vincent de Paul vouchers, SHP for beds, Safe Sleep cribs through Columbus Public Health or your county program. (columbus.gov)
FAQs (Ohio‑specific)
- How long does a HEAP mail‑in take: more than 12 weeks in peak season; book an appointment through EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov to move faster. (occ.ohio.gov)
- Can PRC pay for furniture delivery fees: sometimes, especially after fires or for new re‑housing; ask your county at Cuyahoga PRC or Franklin PRC which categories are open. (hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov)
- Is there a way to get kids’ beds quickly: apply at your local SHP chapter and ask parish SVDP for a voucher if urgent.
- Do furniture banks require a referral: yes, most do. See Furniture Bank of Central Ohio and New Life Furniture Bank rules. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Are there fees: some sponsors charge processing or delivery fees; ask if PRC or SVDP will cover it. Check sample guidance from B.E.S.T. and verify current fees with Cleveland Furniture Bank. (bestcommunityresourcecenter.org)
- I’m pregnant—can my insurance help with baby gear: some Medicaid plans include baby bundles; Anthem Ohio Medicaid lists portable cribs and diaper credits. Call your plan’s member services. (anthem.com)
- What if my utility is already off: schedule WCP and ask about the SRO at OCC SRO; if a medical need exists, file a medical certificate for same‑day reconnection when received by 3:30 p.m. (occ.ohio.gov)
- Can weatherization replace appliances: in some counties, yes (e.g., refrigerator replacement). See OCC HWAP and HARCATUS HWAP for examples. (occ.ohio.gov)
- How do I find a local case manager: dial 2‑1‑1 statewide and ask for a “furniture bank referral partner” or “re‑housing case manager.”
- What if my county PRC is paused: it happens. Lucas County paused some shelter assistance 08/01/2025; in those windows, rely on SVDP, furniture banks, and SHP while checking back weekly. (co.lucas.oh.us)
Tips that save time and money
- Batch your asks: while on the phone with United Way 211, ask for three referrals—one furniture bank, one baby item source, and one parish or charity backup—so you’re not starting over tomorrow.
- Ask for fee coverage: have your PRC worker at county JFS email the furniture bank about sponsoring your delivery fee; parish SVDP can sometimes cover it too.
- Use crisis protections: if you’re under a shutoff threat, book WCP via EnergyHelp and consider a medical certificate to prevent shutoff while you focus on furniture. (occ.ohio.gov)
What to do if a section above doesn’t work (Plan B)
- If you can’t get a furniture bank appointment: post an ISO request on Freecycle and Buy Nothing and ask a church partner through SVDP for a one‑time delivery assist.
- If no crib is available: apply to a nearby county’s Cribs for Kids and ask your Medicaid plan about a portable crib under “baby essentials” via Anthem Ohio Medicaid. (allencountypublichealth.org)
- If PRC is closed: call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “non‑PRC emergency funds” and parish networks; keep checking your county PRC page like Lucas County PRC weekly, as categories reopen mid‑quarter. (co.lucas.oh.us)
Spanish summary — Resumen en español
Esta guía fue traducida con herramientas de IA para ayudar rápidamente. Verifique siempre con las oficinas oficiales antes de aplicar.
- Para muebles gratis, pida una referencia a un “furniture bank”: Furniture Bank of Central Ohio (Columbus), Cleveland Furniture Bank (Cleveland) y New Life Furniture Bank (Cincinnati). Llame al 2‑1‑1 de Ohio 211 para localizar agencias que refieren. (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Para cunas/Pack‑n‑Play, contacte a su departamento de salud del condado (por ejemplo Safe Sleep Columbus) o busque su capítulo local de Sleep in Heavenly Peace para camas de niños. (columbus.gov)
- Para evitar un corte de servicios, haga una cita con WCP (HEAP) en EnergyHelp.Ohio.gov y use el “30‑day hold”; si existe una condición médica, pida un certificado médico de 30 días. (occ.ohio.gov)
About this guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
We relied on official sources, including:
- Furniture Bank of Central Ohio — Need Furniture and Client Referral (client process and referrals). (furniturebankcoh.org)
- Cleveland Furniture Bank and industry coverage at Furniture Today (beds for kids, service area). (furniturebanks.org)
- New Life Furniture Bank — Partner Agencies (referrals and service model). (nlfurniture.org)
- Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and HEAP overview (WCP rules, 30‑day holds, processing times). (occ.ohio.gov)
- PUCO/OCC 30‑Day Medical Certificate and Ohio Admin. Code 4901:1‑18‑06 (disconnection protections). (occ.ohio.gov)
- Ohio 211 and United Way 211 Greater Cleveland (referrals across Ohio). (ohio211.org)
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters (children’s beds, statewide chapters).
- Anthem Medicaid Ohio benefits (baby essentials bundle). (anthem.com)
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur—email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information and does not replace official agency rules. Programs can change or pause suddenly based on funding. Always confirm current availability by calling the agency or checking the official page the same day you apply. For energy, housing, or legal emergencies, contact United Way 211, your county Job & Family Services office, or the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel for up‑to‑date guidance. (occ.ohio.gov)
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- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
