Grants for felons in Ohio
A report by the Ohio Justice Policy Center estimated that over 1.3 million Ohioans (about 12% of the adult population) have a felony conviction on their record. Not all individuals with felony convictions are actively serving sentences or under supervision. Many have completed their sentences and are reintegrating into society.
Ohio offers numerous grant programs for felons in need of financial assistance. These programs are designed to help individuals during difficult times by covering necessities. Grants can help pay for rent, food, utilities, healthcare, and more.
While many of these programs are funded by the federal government, some also receive support from local and state governments. Both short-term and long-term assistance options are available. Additionally, Ohio also provides job opportunities for felons, with many employers offering second-chance hiring initiatives, training programs, and vocational services to help individuals gain employment and rebuild their lives.
Is Ohio a felon-friendly State?
Yes, Ohio is a felon-friendly state, offering supportive measures for individuals with felony records. While felons lose their voting rights during incarceration, they are automatically restored upon release, allowing them to participate in the democratic process. Furthermore, second-chance apartments are available in Ohio, providing housing opportunities for felons. These initiatives aim to facilitate reintegration and rehabilitation, making Ohio a state that offers a fresh start for those with felony convictions.
What are the Grants for Felons with No Health Insurance in Ohio?
Ohio Medicaid
Ohio’s Medicaid program, also known as Ohio Medicaid, is a government-funded health insurance program for poor credit or low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, parents, and individuals with disabilities. It is administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM).
Ohio Medicaid covers a wide range of health services, including:
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Maternal and child health services
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitation services
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Transportation to medical appointments
To be eligible for Ohio Medicaid, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as:
- Income limits (varies by family size and composition)
- Residency in Ohio
- U.S. citizenship or qualified non-citizen status
- Disability or blindness (for certain programs)
- Criminal background or low credits
Ohio Medicaid has several programs, including:
- Medicaid for Adults (MMA)
- Medicaid for Children (MFC)
- Pregnant Women’s Medicaid (PWM)
- Disabled Children’s Medicaid (DCM)
- Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) for workers with disabilities
Ohio Medicaid also offers managed care plans, which provide coordinated care and additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Medical Services offers comprehensive healthcare to felons and second-chance individuals, including those in custody or on probation. Services include medical, dental, and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, chronic disease management, and reentry support to facilitate rehabilitation and community integration. ODRC also provides medication assistance, HIV/AIDS services, and telemedicine, and leverages community partnerships to enhance care access and reduce recidivism.
Ryan White Program
The Ryan White Program is a federal program that provides funding for healthcare services and support services for individuals with HIV/AIDS who are uninsured or underinsured. The program is named after Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who was diagnosed with AIDS in the 1980s and became an advocate for AIDS research and treatment before he died in 1990.
The Ryan White Program assists felons or second-chance individuals with HIV/AIDS in several ways:
- Health insurance premiums and cost-sharing assistance
- Outpatient/AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for medication
- Medical and support services, including case management, counseling, and transportation
- Housing assistance and referrals
- Legal assistance and advocacy
Eligibility and services may vary depending on the state or local jurisdiction. In Ohio, the Ryan White Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Health and provides services to eligible individuals, including those with criminal justice involvement.
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What Rent Assistance Programs are Available for Felons in Ohio?
Section 8 Housing
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal initiative providing rental assistance to low-income families, including felons, who meet specific requirements such as income limits and criminal history restrictions. Eligible participants receive a voucher covering 70-90% of their rent, with the remainder paid out of pocket.
The program requires a 1-year lease agreement with rent caps based on local market rates. Felons can apply through their local Public Housing Agency (PHA), submitting necessary documentation like income and family size proof. However, availability is limited due to long waiting lists, and not all landlords accept Section 8 vouchers.
Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF)
The Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) is a state-funded program that offers financial assistance for housing to low-income individuals, including felons. It aims to enhance affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and support community development. OHTF provides rental assistance to help felons secure stable housing, crucial for reintegration and achieving self-sufficiency. Additionally, it offers emergency financial help to prevent eviction and homelessness, aiding felons in maintaining their homes and facilitating successful societal reentry.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Reentry Program
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) Reentry Program offers comprehensive support to felons transitioning from incarceration to community life. It begins with reentry planning and resource connection during incarceration.
Upon release, the program provides temporary housing assistance, employment services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and case management. Additional support includes life skills training and temporary transportation assistance. By addressing these needs, the program helps felons successfully reintegrate into society.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program is a federal program that provides funding to states and local governments to support homeless services and emergency shelter programs. The program aims to help individuals and families, including felons and ex-offenders, who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
The ESG Program provides benefits to felons and ex-offenders in several ways:
Emergency Shelter: The program provides funding for emergency shelters that offer temporary housing, food, and supportive services to individuals and families in crisis.
Rapid Re-housing: ESG funding supports rapid re-housing programs that help individuals and families quickly find and stabilize in permanent housing.
Homelessness Prevention: The program provides assistance to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless, including rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and other supportive services.
Supportive Services: ESG funding supports a range of supportive services, including case management, employment assistance, and mental health services, to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
The ESG Program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is available in all 50 states. Eligibility and benefits may vary depending on the state and local program.
What types of Small Business Grants are Available for Felons in Ohio?
Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Grants provide financial assistance and support services to small business owners, including felons, to help them start and grow their businesses. The SBDC offers comprehensive business plan development, financial assistance through grants and loans, and guidance on marketing, sales, and business operations. They also connect business owners with lenders and investors, offer training on various business topics, and provide networking opportunities. For felons, the SBDC offers individualized counseling and guidance to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and achieve success.
Ohio Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC
The Ohio Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) Grants support minority-owned businesses, including those owned by felons or individuals with poor credit. The MBAC promotes economic growth in minority communities through capital access, business training, and resources like loan guarantees and mentorship. It also provides alternative credit options and flexible repayment terms to enhance creditworthiness. These comprehensive services help overcome entrepreneurial barriers, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency in minority communities.
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) Grants provide financial assistance and support services to women entrepreneurs, including felons and second-chance individuals. These grants offer funding through grants, loans, and other sources, along with business training in marketing, finance, and management.
WBCs also offer mentorship programs, access to credit and capital, and a supportive community. Specialized services for felons and second-chance individuals include entrepreneurship training, business plan development, and reentry resources. Through these comprehensive services, WBCs help women overcome barriers to business success, promoting economic empowerment and reintegration into society.
What Types of Educational Grants are Available for Felons in Ohio?
Pell Grants
Pell Grants are federal financial aid for undergraduate students, including felons in Ohio, who show financial need. These grants cover part of their tuition and fees, with the maximum award for the 2022-2023 year being $6,495. Beyond financial assistance, Pell Grants also offer counseling, mentoring, and academic support.
By providing these resources, Pell Grants helps Ohio felons overcome educational barriers, aiding in their reintegration and helping them achieve academic and career goals. Felons interested in higher education can explore this opportunity through financial aid offices or reentry organizations.
Second Chance Education Grants
Second Chance Education Grants in Ohio offer financial support to individuals with criminal records for higher education or vocational training. These grants can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and occasionally childcare or transportation. To be eligible, applicants must be Ohio residents with a criminal record and enrolled in a qualifying program. Funded by private entities, foundations, or government bodies like the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the grants aim to enhance employment prospects, stability, and personal growth, facilitating successful reintegration.
Jeremy Gordon’s Commitment to Change College Scholarship
The Jeremy Gordon’s Commitment to Change College Scholarship supports Ohio felons pursuing higher education, available four times a year to those dedicated to making positive life changes. This competitive scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses for those enrolled in college or vocational programs. Eligibility requires Ohio residency, a felony conviction, satisfactory academic progress, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation, aiming to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration. Additionally, local churches in Ohio often offer support programs like free meals, food boxes, clothing, bill assistance, and transportation vouchers, with generally minimal requirements.
