You will also want to connect with JFS for any services they can provide.
There are a couple of options to consider when it comes to looking for housing. The two major types of government-funded housing are subsidized housing and Section 8 housing. For subsidized housing, all you need to do is apply at the apartment complex or property management office. For Section 8, you must apply for a voucher at the Housing Authority (HA). After you are granted a voucher, you can then go to any apartment complex that accepts vouchers and apply for residency there. It should be noted that the waiting list to receive a voucher can be long – often up to a year. Many times it is advised to apply to more than one HA. Each HA will have an up-to-date list of all Section 8 buildings that you can apply to.
To Apply for Section 8:
- Names of all persons who would be living in the unit, their sex, date of birth, and relationship to the family head;
- Your present address and telephone number;
- Family characteristics (e.g., veteran) or circumstances (e.g., living in substandard housing) that might qualify the family for tenant selection preferences;
- Names and addresses of your current and previous landlords for information about your family’s suitability as a tenant;
- An estimate of your family’s anticipated income for the next twelve months and the sources of that income;
- The names and addresses of employers, banks, and any other information the HA would need to verify your income and deductions, and to verify the family composition.
List of Section 8 Apartments
Cambridge Square
101 Promontory Dr
Covington, KY 41072
859-431-2205
Fay Apartments
3710 President Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45225
513-542-8333
Brookstone Properties
Brookstone owns several Section 8 and subsidized buildings. Applications are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-4pm at their office at 1321 Vine Street, Cincinnati and on Wednesdays from 9am- 12pm at 652 State Ave Cincinnati, OH 45204
513-421-6999
Apex Properties
4851 Paddock Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Owns many Section 8 buildings. Can come in and apply anytime M-F from 8am- 6pm.
513-242-0719
List of Subsidized Apartments
Alms Hill Apartments
2525 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513-861-1584
Accepts applications Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm.
Centennial Estates Cooperation
9801 Mangham Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513-733-4700
Must make appointment to apply. Application can be sent in mail to applicant or can be picked up.
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing
1635 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45214
513-421-2642
Application is online. Can be dropped off M-F from 8am-4:30pm. They will then be put on a waiting list for public housing.
Ebcon Inc.
513-251-2500
Call office and they will mail an application out.
Hidden Meadow Townhomes
2333 Hidden Meadow Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45231
513-742-2926
Page Tower
619 Central Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-579-8384
Documents to bring when applying for an apartment:
- Picture IDs for everyone in the house that is of age to have one
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Social security cards or proof of legal US residency for all household members
- Proof of household income (paycheck stubs, SS/SSI verification letter)
- Police background checks for all household members (most landlords will run a background check on residents during the application process; just be aware you will have to sign a release form and pay a fee)
- Current landlord information
- Proof of all household assets (bank statements, real estate deeds, etc.)
Emergency Options
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati
Garden Street Transitional Home
513-241-0490
Anthony House
513-569-9500
Mt. Airy Shelter
513-661-4620
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing
St. Francis-St, Joseph Catholic Worker House
Bethany House Homeless Shelter For Women and Children
Hope House
513-863-8866
Greater Cincinnati Interfaith Hospitality Network
Mercy-Franciscan at St. John’s Temporary Housing Program
513-651-6479
Mercy-Franciscan at St. Raphael’s Temporary Housing
513-421-5211
Salvation Army Family Service Bureau
513-762-5660
Second Mile Ministry
513-684-9354
Catholic Social Services
513-241-7745
Memorial Community Center
513-621-3032
Public Utilities Commission (PUCO)
St. Michael Outreach
513-921-0766
Terrance Guild
513.641.0382
Utility Assistance
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Ohio Developmental Services Agency
Ohio Lifeline Telephone Discounts
513-565-5433