A practical referral guide for advocates serving adults age 18 and older in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Family and maternity programs are included for adult clients with dependents. Programs with a narrower age range are identified. An out-of-county treatment link is labeled when it matters.
Provider, government, and community webpages were reviewed for service descriptions, contact details, and published intake criteria. No provider was called, and bed availability, funding, and appointment capacity were not confirmed in real time.
Immediate danger
911
Life-threatening emergency. Do not wait for routine intake.
Behavioral health crisis
988
Call or text 988. FrontLine local crisis line: 216-623-6888.
Homeless shelter intake
216-674-6700
Coordinated Intake, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone only.
After hours
211
Evenings, weekends, and when the first referral cannot help.
Urgent help and referral entry points
Urgent help and referral entry points
Start with the immediate need. Get the client’s consent for a warm handoff and a safe callback method.
United Way 211 Greater Cleveland
Free, confidential, 24-hour navigation for community services.
Service
Navigation for shelter, food, utilities, benefits, transportation, and other community services.
Eligibility
Adults and households seeking services in Cuyahoga County. Each program applies its own rules.
Intake
Dial 211, 24 hours a day, or use the website chat. Give ZIP code, household composition, and the urgent need.
Confirm before you send someone
Ask the specialist to confirm the service area, the current intake route, and an alternative if the first referral cannot help.
FrontLine Service and 988
Mental health, suicide, and addiction crisis support.
Service
Crisis support, local crisis assessment, and connection to appropriate care. This is not routine therapy or a guaranteed hospital admission.
Eligibility
Adults in a behavioral health crisis, and people seeking help for someone in crisis.
Intake
Call FrontLine at 216-623-6888 or call or text 988. Describe immediate safety concerns and ask whether mobile crisis assessment is appropriate.
Confirm before you send someone
For immediate physical danger, use 911.
FrontLine Coordinated Intake
Main entry point for emergency homeless shelter placement.
Service
County entry point for emergency shelter placement and assessment. Intake is phone-only.
Eligibility
Adults and families experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter in Cuyahoga County. Household needs determine the route.
Intake
Call 216-674-6700, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. The call may take 20–45 minutes. After 6 p.m. and on weekends, call 211.
Confirm before you send someone
Do not send clients to the old Cosgrove intake office. Ask about accessible placement, pregnancy, dependents, and safe transportation.