Akron residents facing eviction or falling behind on rent have access to several well-organized faith-based and nonprofit assistance programs through Summit County. The organizations below are the primary points of contact — most serve Summit County broadly, not just the city of Akron itself.
One critical note before calling: funding at every program is limited and fluctuates. The Salvation Army Akron explicitly states that rent assistance is only available when they have funds — call before visiting. The same applies at Catholic Charities and Community Action. Always call Monday mornings, when most programs take new applications for the week.
Start by dialing 2-1-1 — United Way of Summit & Medina’s helpline, available 24/7, connects you to currently funded programs in your zip code and can initiate referrals.
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Akron
- Monday is the critical day — Salvation Army takes calls first-come, first-served on Mondays; Community Action also opens Monday for calls; Catholic Charities Basic Needs line opens Monday mornings 9am–11am
- Appointment required — no walk-ins — Catholic Charities accepts appointments only; walk-ins are not accepted
- Payments go directly to landlords — checks written to your landlord, not cash to you
- Summit County residency required — most programs serve Summit County broadly, not just the city of Akron
- Apply to multiple programs simultaneously — funds are limited; do not wait on one program before contacting others
1. Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland — Summit County
The primary faith-based emergency rental assistance provider in Akron and Summit County.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland operates an Emergency Financial Assistance program for Summit County residents through its office at Blessed Trinity Parish. The program helps individuals facing eviction or struggling with rent and utilities, and also provides bus tickets, grocery gift cards, financial fitness workshops, and help applying to government benefit programs.
No walk-ins — appointment only.
How to schedule an appointment: Call 330-475-0091 during the Basic Needs Akron intake window: Monday mornings, 9:00am–11:00am
Office hours (Blessed Trinity Parish location):
- Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am–7:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
- Thursday: 8:00am–7:00pm
- Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Phone: (330) 475-0091 Location: Blessed Trinity Parish, Akron, OH Main Catholic Charities line: (330) 724-9059 Coverage: Summit County residents Website: ccdocle.org/programs/emergency-financial-assistance
Additional services offered:
- Financial Fitness Workshop — budgeting and cost-cutting guidance
- My Budget Coach — one-on-one guidance toward monthly financial goals
- Ohio Benefit Bank — help applying for HEAP, SNAP, and other county and state programs
If you are a Summit County senior navigating both housing instability and benefits, our Ohio SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply for food assistance that may free up budget for rent.
2. Salvation Army — Akron Citadel
Emergency rent and utility assistance for Summit County residents — Monday calls only.
The Salvation Army Akron Citadel provides rent and utility assistance to Summit County residents. The program operates on a highly specific intake schedule — calls are only taken on Monday mornings on a first-come, first-served basis, and only when funding is available. Eligible callers receive a callback and are given an appointment for the same week.
How to access:
- Call Monday mornings — first-come, first-served
- If eligible, you will be called back and given an appointment for the same week
- Funding is not always available; call to confirm before planning your week around it
Important limitation: The Salvation Army Akron Citadel cannot assist with water bills — only gas and electric utility assistance alongside rent. Residents with gas or electric disconnection notices may apply once every 12 months.
Address: Akron Citadel facility, Akron, OH Website: easternusa.salvationarmy.org/northeast-ohio Coverage: Summit County residents
For details on Salvation Army emergency assistance nationally and what to expect at an intake appointment, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
3. Community Action Akron Summit
Nonprofit rent and utility assistance for low-income Summit County residents.
Community Action Akron Summit is a private nonprofit serving low-income Summit County residents for over 40 years. Their rental assistance program provides up to one month’s rent payment — applicable to first month’s rent or back rent — for income-eligible households.
How to access:
- Call Monday mornings at 9:00am — the program takes calls on Mondays on a first-come, first-served basis
- Phone: 330-376-7730
- Email: [email protected]
Address: 55 East Mill Street, Akron, Ohio 44309 Phone: 330-376-7730 Website: ca-akron.org
Documents needed (based on program requirements):
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Landlord name, email, and phone number
- Copies of most recent energy bills
- Proof of Summit County residency
Community Action also administers the HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) for heating and cooling crises — if you are facing both a rent emergency and a utility shutoff, ask about both programs in the same call. Seniors aged 60 and older and households with a disabled member may qualify for expanded cooling assistance without the standard income documentation.
4. Society of St. Vincent de Paul — St. Paul Parish
Parish-based rent and utility assistance, plus food, clothing, and furniture.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Paul Parish in Akron provides a broad range of emergency assistance including eviction prevention through rent and mortgage assistance, emergency help to prevent water, heat, and electric shutoffs, food, clothing, and furniture through its hunger centers.
Services confirmed:
- Rent and mortgage assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness
- Emergency utility assistance to prevent shutoffs
- Free food, clothing, and furniture at multiple hunger centers
- More than $40,000 worth of back-to-school supplies distributed annually
- Winter blankets and outerwear for homeless individuals and shelters
Contact: St. Paul Parish Akron — contact the parish office to reach the SVdP conference Website: stpaulparishakron.org/st-vincent-depaul-society
SVdP conferences serve residents in the geographic area surrounding the parish. If St. Paul Parish is outside your area, ask them to direct you to the nearest active SVdP conference for your zip code.
5. OPEN M (Opportunities for People Everywhere in Need Ministry)
Faith-based comprehensive emergency services including housing assistance in Akron.
OPEN M is one of Akron’s long-standing faith-based nonprofits providing comprehensive emergency services to low-income residents. Their programs address housing needs alongside food, healthcare, and other emergency assistance.
Contact: Search for OPEN M Akron or dial 2-1-1 for current availability and intake procedures Website: openm.org
6. Summit County Fiscal Office — Emergency Assistance
County-level emergency financial assistance for residents facing eviction.
Summit County provides emergency financial assistance for individuals facing eviction through county-administered programs.
Phone: (330) 643-8200 Coverage: Summit County residents How to access: Call during business hours; explain you are facing eviction and need emergency rental assistance
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Akron
- Valid photo ID for all adults in the household
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members (especially children)
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, 3-day notice, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Landlord’s full name, email address, and phone number
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters, unemployment documentation)
- Copies of most recent utility bills (gas, electric)
- Documentation of financial hardship (termination letter, medical bills, etc.)
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Akron
Dial 2-1-1: United Way of Summit & Medina — 24/7 helpline; the fastest way to identify currently funded programs in your zip code and to get direct referrals.
Ohio 211: ohio211.org — searchable statewide database of assistance programs.
Akron Municipal Court Eviction Prevention Resources: akronmunicipalcourt.org — if you have received a formal eviction filing, the court’s eviction prevention page lists additional resources and legal aid options.
Legal Aid Society of Greater Akron: Free legal representation for tenants facing eviction in Summit County. Call (330) 535-4191 or visit laswo.org. If you have received a court summons, contact Legal Aid immediately — there are strict deadlines for responding to eviction filings. For tenants who need housing stability beyond emergency help, our Section 8 housing vouchers guide explains how to apply for long-term subsidized housing in Ohio.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): For heating and cooling utility bill help — administered through Community Action Akron Summit; call 330-376-7730.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Akron, OH?
The primary faith-based organizations providing emergency rent assistance in Akron and Summit County include Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland at Blessed Trinity Parish (330-475-0091; appointment required; call Monday mornings 9–11am), the Salvation Army Akron Citadel (call Monday mornings; first-come, first-served; when funding available), Community Action Akron Summit (330-376-7730; call Mondays at 9am), and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Paul Parish (stpaulparishakron.org).
How do I get emergency rent help in Akron fast?
Call Monday mornings. The Salvation Army Akron, Catholic Charities Basic Needs line (330-475-0091), and Community Action Akron (330-376-7730) all open their intake calls on Monday mornings. Call as early as possible — programs are first-come, first-served and often exhaust appointment slots within the first hour. Also dial 2-1-1 to identify all currently funded programs in your zip code simultaneously.
Do I need an appointment to get rent help in Akron?
Catholic Charities accepts appointments only — no walk-ins. The Salvation Army Akron takes calls on Monday mornings and gives eligible callers a callback for a same-week appointment. Community Action Akron also takes calls Monday mornings. Most programs coordinate by phone before scheduling any in-person appointments.
Does the Salvation Army in Akron help with rent?
Yes. The Salvation Army Akron Citadel provides rent and utility assistance to Summit County residents when funding is available. Calls are taken every Monday morning on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible callers are called back and given an appointment for the same week. The program cannot assist with water bills — only gas and electric utility costs alongside rent.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Program availability, funding, and contact information change frequently. Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and Community Action Akron Summit all confirm that funding is limited and subject to availability — always call before visiting. The Monday morning call window is confirmed from findhelp.org and official program sources. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.