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.
Veterans, young adults, and a wider search
Veterans, young adults, and a wider search
VA homeless veteran access
National line connecting veterans at risk of homelessness to local VA resources.
Service
National entry point connecting veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness to local VA resources.
Eligibility
Veterans and people assisting them. Specific housing and healthcare programs apply separate eligibility rules.
Intake
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 and request Cleveland-area assistance. Local 211 also offers veteran-resource navigation.
Confirm before you send someone
Ask about emergency housing, SSVF, and HUD-VASH screening as appropriate. A referral is not immediate enrollment or guaranteed placement.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Employment preparation for eligible ages 18–24.
Service
Employment preparation, training, and work opportunities for young people.
Eligibility
For this adult guide, restrict referrals to eligible ages 18–24. Particular tracks have geographic, school-status, or income criteria.
Intake
Call 216-566-5445 or use the current program inquiry links. Public office: 1457 East 40th Street, Suite 200, Cleveland.
Confirm before you send someone
Ask for an adult or young-adult employment track and confirm application dates, compensation, documents, and transportation.
211 for needs this guide does not match
Ask 211 to search by ZIP code when the first referral does not fit.
Service
A route to neighborhood and specialty resources beyond a fixed directory.
Eligibility
Adults whose need is not resolved by the first referral, or whose eligibility excludes the listed options.
Intake
Ask 211 to search by ZIP code and need: LGBTQ-affirming support, immigrant assistance, HIV care, disability services, clothing or furniture, IDs, phone or internet, legal help, or reentry.
Confirm before you send someone
Request the agency’s direct intake details, not just a name. For treatment use ADAMHS adult and service filters. For food use both food-network maps. For housing use coordinated entry.
Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
Temporary vendor-paid help with rent, utilities, food, and hygiene for qualifying veterans.
Service
Temporary help with eligible rent, mortgage, utilities, deposits, food, clothing, and hygiene needs. Payments are made to vendors. Staff also assist with veterans’ benefits.
Eligibility
Qualifying veterans and certain dependents or survivors who demonstrate need and have lived in Cuyahoga County at least three months. Military service and discharge criteria apply. The site identifies honorable or general discharges for financial help.
Intake
Call 216-698-2600 or use the financial-assistance application. Main office is listed at 3950 Chester Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114. Have service and discharge, residence, income, and expense records ready.
Confirm before you send someone
Ask for the current document checklist, appointment process, qualifying service determination, and funded expense categories. Older web references to the Prospect Avenue address should not be used for travel without confirmation.