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.
Utilities, income, and practical assistance
Utilities, income, and practical assistance
Step Forward HEAP and PIPP
Current Cuyahoga energy-assistance administrator. Walk-ins need confirmation.
Service
Energy-assistance screening and applications. CHN identifies Step Forward as the current Cuyahoga HEAP and PIPP administrator.
Eligibility
Households meeting the current program’s income, utility-account, and residency requirements. Seasonal crisis programs have separate rules.
Intake
Call 216-480-4327 for the current application or appointment route. CHN lists walk-ins Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–noon, at 2203 Superior Avenue. Confirm before travel.
Confirm before you send someone
Bring current bills, a shutoff notice if applicable, and the income and household documents Step Forward requests. Verify funding and season. Do not use old CHN intake instructions.
CHN water, sewer, and energy savings
Separate water and sewer help, plus energy-efficiency programs. Renter rules differ.
Service
Separate water and sewer assistance and energy-efficiency programs.
Eligibility
Water-program criteria vary. The published water application includes income limits and owner-occupancy requirements for Cleveland Water customers. Energy savings has separate rules.
Intake
Call 216-574-7100 or use CHN’s relevant program application. Identify the exact utility and whether the client rents or owns.
Confirm before you send someone
Confirm the current form, covered service, income period, and required bills or ID. Do not assume renter eligibility for an owner-occupied program.
Catholic Charities emergency assistance navigation
Central intake for local emergency assistance. Confirm the active location.
Service
Connection to local emergency-assistance and other social-service programs.
Eligibility
Adults and households in need. Assistance depends on location, program rules, and funding.
Intake
Call central intake at 1-800-860-7373, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., and request the appropriate Cuyahoga program.
Confirm before you send someone
Ask about utilities, basic needs, and document or ID support. Confirm the active location. Cosgrove’s historical listings require the additional check in the changes section.