Top 14 Churches That Help With Utilities in Columbus Ohio

Churches That Help With Utilities in Columbus Ohio

In Columbus, Ohio, several people and families face the stress of expensive utility bills. Whether it’s a harsh winter gas bill or a summer electricity spike, these are the reasons behind the disconnection notices and fear of living without basic services. But don’t worry! We have a solution for you. Fortunately, churches that help with utilities in Columbus, Ohio, are available 24/7 to help people in need of emergency assistance.

So, if you’re suffering from a financial crisis and need help, then contact the churches immediately. Here in this article, we’ll explore the list of churches that help with utilities in Columbus Ohio, how to get help, who is eligible to get it, and many more details that you need to know.

What is the Ohio Utility Program?

Ohio offers energy assistance programs to help low-income residents pay their heating or cooling bills. CHN Housing Partners is currently conducting a pilot program to assist public utility companies during the pandemic, funded by Cuyahoga County. Check your eligibility.

14 Churches That Help With Utilities in Columbus Ohio

Here, churchesthathelpus has described the list of churches that help with utilities in Columbus Ohio. So, if you need help with utility bill payment assistance, then you may contact the churches directly and immediately.

1. Broad Street Presbyterian Church – COMPASS Program

The COMPASS program at Broad Street Presbyterian Church offers emergency financial help for utility bills to low-income families facing disconnection. Applicants must meet income criteria and show documented hardship. Assistance is usually available once every 12 months and is prioritized for urgent needs.

2. Broad Street Presbyterian Church – Stable Housing Initiative

Through their Stable Housing Initiative, the church helps renters with past-due utility payments and provides up to three months of future utility support. This initiative is funded by the city and focuses on preventing eviction and utility shutdown. Payments are made directly to utility companies.

3. Bishop Griffin Resource Center

This nonprofit center offers a wide range of emergency services, including utility assistance for those facing financial hardship. Applicants are typically required to provide documentation, and help is given on a case-by-case basis. They also offer referrals to other community programs if needed.

4. Linworth Road Church – Mercy Ministry

The Linworth Road Church provides help through its Mercy Ministry, which helps people with immediate financial requirements, including utility bills. The church’s Deacon Team manages these requests and can also provide financial counseling. Help is usually reserved for local community members or church attendees.

5. St. Catharine Church – St. Vincent de Paul Society

St. Catherine provides emergency assistance such as utility payments, rent assistance, and food. Help is based on the requirement and often involves home visits or phone interviews. They serve both the remuneration in crisis and the residents of the surrounding area.

6. Salvation Army Central Ohio – Utility Assistance

The Salvation Army provides utility assistance through various programs, including seasonal assistance for gas and electricity bills. Programs like HeatShare and Neighbor to Neighbor help eligible families facing shutoff notices. Depending on income, support is available to income-qualified individuals throughout the year.

Also read: Salvation Army Utility Assistance

7. Salvation Army Hilltop Corps

This Hilltop location offers help with utility bills, especially during colder months or when service termination is imminent. In addition to their food pantry, the Hilltop Corps supports emergency needs by appointment. Help is subject to availability and neighborhood eligibility.

8. Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs (JOIN)

JOIN, affiliated with the Catholic Diocese, helps families with overdue utility bills. They provide support for gas and electric for a year between April and October, and for water bills. Help is limited to once every 18 months and requires documentation like a shutoff notice.

9. St. Stephen’s Community House

St. Stephen’s offers limited utility assistance to those living in specific zip codes. Applicants should meet income guidelines and reside in eligible areas. The Center also provides housing, food, and workforce assistance to struggling families.

10. Dwell Community Church – Urban Concern

Through its Urban Concern outreach, Dwell Community Church helps local families in crisis. Although focused on education and housing, they’ve also assisted with emergency utility bills in the past. Aid is typically offered alongside referrals and additional social services.

11. Second Baptist Church

This church provides emergency assistance to community members, including help with free utilities. The church’s mission includes the service of low-income families through food, rent, and utility assistance. They are known for their assistance program.

12. Holy Name Church

Holy Name Church runs a community pantry and often refers to the parish for utility assistance programs. While they do not always provide direct financial assistance, they are an important contact to connect families with the right agencies.

13. Holy Family Church

Holy Family runs one of the busiest food pantries in Columbus and often refers families to utility aid programs. Though they don’t pay utility bills directly, they play a key role in guiding people to other Catholic aid agencies. Their support is especially focused on the Franklinton community.

14. Holy Cross Catholic Church

Holy Cross Catholic Church offers emergency financial support, including utility assistance during crises. Applicants need to provide paperwork such as ID and proof of hardship. The church helps both parish members and neighborhood families struggling with disconnection notices.

These are the top 14 churches that pay utility bills for the needy who are facing financial difficulty. For further help,p visit the church websites online.

Other Resources Available in Columbus, Ohio

Not only churches, but there are other resources also that help with utility bill payment in Columbus, Ohio. Let’s explore the resources now:

IMPACT Community Action

IMPACT provides emergency utility assistance, rent assistance, and weather programs. They operate the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), PIPP Plus, and Summer Crisis programs. Low-income houses can apply directly through your main office or online portal.

Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS)

JFS only helps with eligible families with PRC (Prevention, Retention, and Contingency) that can be used for utility bills. This government program is available for documentation of homes and financial needs with minor children. The application is reviewed quickly during the emergency.

Columbia Gas of Ohio Assistance Programs

Columbia Gas offers several in-house assistance programs like WarmChoice and HeatShare for income-eligible customers. They also partner with local non-profits to help residents avoid gas service disconnection. Payment plans and grants may be available.

AEP Ohio Utility Assistance Programs

AEP runs the Neighbor to Neighbor Program, offering financial aid to qualifying customers with electric bills. Seasonal programs are available, and payment plans can be arranged directly through AEP. They also participate in the PIPP Plus program.

LSS 211 Central Ohio

It is a free, 24/7 hotline that connects residents with hundreds of community resources, including utility assistance, food, shelter, and health services. By calling 2-1-1, the caller can talk with a trained specialist who will guide them to appropriate programs.

If you’re unable to get help from churches, then these resources may also help you.

How to Get Emergency Utility Assistance Columbus, Ohio?

To get help with emergency utility assistance in Columbus, Ohio, then you have to follow the tips and ways that we have mentioned here.

✔️Recognize the Emergency

If you have received a utility shut-off notice, your gas/electric has been disconnected, or you cannot pay your upcoming bill, then you need to work fast to avoid loss of service or restore electricity/water.

✔️Call Local Agencies Immediately

Contact local assistance organizations like Impact Community Action, Salvation Army, or St. Vincent de Paul. These agencies are a front line for utility assistance. You can also call 2-1-1 to get matched with open programs near you.

✔️Explain Your Situation Clearly

When you talk to an agency or church, tell your emergency in simple words:
“I’ve received a shutoff notice,” or
“My electricity has already been turned off.”
They will ask questions to understand how important your need is and if you are eligible.

✔️Request Emergency Help, Not Just Regular Aid

Be specific—ask for emergency utility assistance or crisis intervention. This tells them you can’t wait weeks for help. Some programs reserve fast-track slots for people in danger of losing service.

✔️Ask About Temporary Solutions

While waiting for assistance approval, ask if the agency can call the utility company for you to delay shut-off. Some organizations can place a “hold” on disconnection or speak on your behalf.

✔️Follow Up Every Day

Call or check in regularly with the agency or program. Emergency utility help often depends on quick action and staying in contact. If a waitlist opens or funds become available, you’ll be more likely to get them.

✔️Combine Help from Multiple Sources

You might be eligible for partial help from several places. For example, IMPACT might cover electricity while a church helps with water. Do not rely only on one program – explore more options to increase opportunities.

Follow the process and get help with emergency assistance.

Also read: Churches That Help With Utility Bills in Dayton Ohio​

Who Are Eligible to Get Utility Assistance?

Only people who are unable to pay the utility are eligible for assistance. Here we have given the basic eligibility requirements for you:

  • HEAP / PIPP Plus

Low-income households earning at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Must have service in your name and provide income proof.

  • Crisis Programs (Winter/Summer)

For those facing shut-off or already disconnected. Same income limit as HEAP (≤ 175% FPL).

  • Dollar Energy Fund

For households earning 175%–250% of FPL, with a shut-off notice or a large overdue bill. Must not be on PIPP.

  • AEP & Columbia Gas Programs

Income up to 200%–300% FPL. Must have a recent bill payment and face disconnection.

  • PRC (Franklin County JFS)

For families with minor children or pregnant members. Must show financial emergency.

  • City Utility Discounts / Payment Plans

At low-income homes, seniors, or SNAP, Medicare, or public housing. Also available: short-term payment schemes with low limitations.

For specific eligibility contact the church directly.

Utility Bill Forgiveness Ohio – How to Apply?

Need help with utuility bill forgiveness ohio? Here is the step-by-step application procedure:

Find the Churches Offering Help

Search for local churches such as the Vineyard Columbus, Broad Street Presbyterian Church, or St. Stephen’s Community House. Here we have described the list of churches that help with utilities in Columbus Ohio.

Check Eligibility Requirements

Go to the church website or call their office to ask about eligibility. You may need to show low income, a shut-off notice, and proof of ID.

Collect Necessary Documents

Collect documents such as:

  • Photo ID
  • Utility bill or shut-off notice
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, etc.)
  • Lease or proof of address

Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the church’s intake form either online or in person. Be honest and detailed about your financial situation and utility needs.

Attend Your Appointment or Interview

Meet with the church staff or a caseworker. Bring all required documents. They will assess your case and explain the assistance they can offer.

Follow Up If Needed

If more help is needed later, follow up with the church or ask for ongoing support options.

Follow the step by step application process to get help with utility assistance.

Conclusion

Due to the expensive utility costs, several families are facing financial hardship. Thankfully, the church that helps with utilities in Columbus Ohio, provides a very essential service during the time of crisis. So, if you need help with utilities, then contact the churches and other resources for further details and information.

Deb Kumar Roy

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