Cincinnati
Ask about Cincinnati
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Cincinnati and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Cincinnati
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Public health · City office
Cincinnati Health Department
3101 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229
Help here
- WICEligible pregnant people, new parents, and young children can get nutrition help through WIC.
- Health department servicesResidents can contact the department about public health services and local health concerns.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Human services · City office
Office of Human Services
Help here
- Human services information and connectionsThe office coordinates city support for housing stability, food access, jobs, health, youth, and seniors.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Housing help · City office
Office of Strategic Growth, Homeowner and Renter Assistance
Help here
- Housing repair and homeowner assistanceThe city connects eligible residents with help for home repairs and other housing needs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Housing help · City office
Buildings and Inspections, Housing Resources
Help here
- Emergency home repairsEligible homeowners can ask about city-funded help for urgent repairs that make a home safer.
- Relocation help after a city vacate orderSome tenants ordered to leave unsafe housing can receive help with a deposit, rent, and moving costs.
- Housing condition complaintsResidents can report unsafe or poorly maintained housing to the city.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Utilities · City office
Greater Cincinnati Water Works
4747 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
Help here
- Discount 4U water bill discountEligible low-income seniors and disabled veterans who own and live in their home can get a water bill discount.Apply onlineRead more
- Water bill helpCustomers can contact the water utility about bills, payment options, and water emergencies.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Local office · City office
Office of Human Relations
Help here
- Discrimination complaintsResidents can file a city complaint about discrimination in housing, employment, or public places.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Local office · City office
Department of Public Services
1115 Bates Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
Help here
- Neighborhood service requestsResidents can report neighborhood issues and request help with city services such as trash, recycling, and street repairs.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Local office · City office
311Cincy Customer Service
Help here
- City service requests and informationCall 311 for non-emergency questions or to request help from a city service.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincyweb.cincinnati-oh.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
Cincinnati Recreation Commission
Help here
- Senior centers and programsOlder adults can find city recreation programs and senior center services.
- Youth and teen programsYoung people can find recreation activities, camps, and teen programs.
- Youth recreation scholarshipsScholarships can help some children pay for recreation memberships and programs.Read more
- Youth to WorkTeens can find information about the city's Youth to Work program.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
OhioMeansJobs Cincinnati-Hamilton County
1916 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214
Help here
- Job search and trainingGet help finding work, building job skills, and accessing training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on omj-cinham.org
State office
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Deputy Registrar License Agency
138 E. Court St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Help here
- Ohio driver licenses and ID cardsResidents can apply for or renew an Ohio driver license or state identification card at a deputy registrar agency.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bmv.ohio.gov
Library · Regional office
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
800 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Help here
- Library servicesResidents can get a library card and use books, online resources, programs, and library locations.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on chpl.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Cincinnati Parks
Help here
- Nature camps and fee assistanceChildren can attend parks nature camps, and eligible families can apply for a camp scholarship.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cincinnati-oh.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Cincinnati first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Free meals
Queen City Kitchen
1.4 miles from the center of Cincinnati2386 Kemper Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Hours
- Tue12 PM to 1:30 PM
- Wed12 PM to 1:30 PM
- Thu12 PM to 1:30 PM
- Sat12 PM to 1 PM
- Sun2 PM to 3 PM
Listed on queencitykitchen.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Queen City Kitchen Pantry
Queen City Kitchen
1.4 miles from the center of Cincinnati2386 Kemper Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Hours
- Tue12 PM to 1:30 PM
- Thu12 PM to 1:30 PM
Listed on queencitykitchen.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free grocery market
Liberty Street Market
Freestore Foodbank
1.9 miles from the center of Cincinnati112 E Liberty Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours
- Mon8 AM to 4 PM
- Tue8 AM to 4 PM
- Wed8 AM to 4 PM
- Thu8 AM to 4 PM
- Fri8 AM to 4 PM
What to bring: Bring a picture ID and household verification, such as an address, birth certificate, or medical card.
Listed on freestorefoodbank.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room
Saint Francis Seraph Ministries
2 miles from the center of Cincinnati1615 Republic Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hours
- Mon6:45 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 3:45 PM to 6 PM. Dinner
- Tue6:45 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 3:45 PM to 6 PM. Dinner
- Wed6:45 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 3:45 PM to 6 PM. Dinner
- Thu6:45 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 3:45 PM to 6 PM. Dinner
- Fri6:45 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 3:45 PM to 6 PM. Dinner
Who can come: Anyone in need of a meal.
Listed on sfsministries.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free grocery market
The Market at CAIN
Cain
2.5 miles from the center of Cincinnati4230 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Hours
- Mon5 PM to 7 PM
- Tue10 AM to 1 PM
- Thu10 AM to 1 PM
Who can come: All ZIP codes in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Listed on caincincy.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Annette’s Café Community Meal
Cain
2.5 miles from the center of Cincinnati4234 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Every Monday at 3:30 pm
Who can come: Anyone. Meals are first-come, first-served and limited in quantity.
What to bring: No paperwork, documents, or registration needed.
Listed on caincincy.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Cincinnati
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Freestore Foodbank
3401 Rosenthal Way, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency
1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-3817
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Hamilton County
Cincinnati is in Hamilton County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Hamilton County Job and Family Services
1701 Patricia McCollum Way, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Help here
- Public assistanceApply for food, cash, child care, and medical assistance.Apply online
- Child supportGet help with child support services and case questions.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hcjfs.org
Housing help · Regional office
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
1627 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214
Help here
- Affordable housingApply for public housing and housing voucher programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cintimha.com
Public health · County office
Hamilton County Public Health
1701 Patricia McCollum Way, Dept. 93, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Help here
- Public health servicesGet public health information, certificates, and help with health concerns.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hamiltoncountyhealth.org
Public health · County office
Hamilton County Public Health Clinical Services and Tuberculosis Clinic
5050 Section Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45212
Help here
- Clinical and disease prevention servicesGet STI and HIV testing, tuberculosis care, and some immunizations.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hamiltoncountyhealth.org
Mental health and recovery · County office
Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board
2350 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Help here
- Behavioral health access and referralsFind local mental health and addiction treatment resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hcmhrsb.org
Courts and legal help · County office
Hamilton County Law Library
1000 Main Street, Room 601, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Help here
- Legal research and self-helpUse legal information and get help finding research resources.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on lawlibrary.hamiltoncountyohio.gov
Ohio programs by kind of help
These are run by Ohio and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way of Greater Cincinnati 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988