News

Aug 01, 2023

The application period has expired for this funding cycle.

AKRON, OH – Eligible Akron and Summit County residents facing ongoing housing challenges because of the pandemic may be able to receive much-needed rental and utility assistance. This year’s funding, facilitated by Community Action Akron Summit through the American Rescue Plan Act-Home Relief Grant (ARPA-HRG), is extremely limited, totaling only $2.5 million, and may not be available to all applicants.

The online application is only open for two days – Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12.

As funding is extremely limited, residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible when the portal opens at 12:01 a.m. on August 11. The portal will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 12. Applicants must apply online through the link found at Summit County CARES (summitcountycares.org) or Community Action (ca-akron.org) starting August 11.

The program provides various assistance to eligible individuals and families facing financial hardship. Financial assistance can be used for rent, utility bills and other limited housing-related expenses. To apply, residents should have the required information and documentation, including:

• Name, date of birth and Social Security numbers for all household members
• Income source(s) and amounts for each household member
• If applying for rent assistance - landlord name, email and phone number
• If applying for utility assistance - utility company name, account number, person's name on the bill

For those needing assistance in applying online, Community Action’s compassionate and knowledgeable staff will be available on a limited basis to help. To schedule an appointment for this assistance, please call 330-940-1120 before 5 p.m., Thursday, August 10.

In response to the pandemic, Community Action and Summit County CARES have helped more than 8,500 households with rental assistance. Considering the reduced amount of funding available, the organizations expect to be able to assist up to 600 households within the next several months. Community Action Akron Summit has partnered with Asian Services in Action Inc., Mustard Seed Development Corporation and United Way of Summit & Medina to assist families that apply. 

For further questions, contact Community Action at 330-940-1120 or cahelp@ca-akron.org.

The application period has expired for this funding cycle.

Community Action Akron Summit is a private non-profit corporation operating various programs that assist low-income Summit County residents to become self-sufficient. These programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, Foster Grandparent Program, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Pathways HUB Community Action, and the Akron Summit Earned Income Tax Credit Program.