Media Contacts:
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us
Tina Coleman:  tina.coleman@jfs.ohio.gov

Cuyahoga County - Low to moderate income families impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for help with food, essential supplies and housing costs through emergency funding from the state. Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) is accepting applications for assistance and looking for local stores that will accept payment from the county for items purchased through the program.

Due to the current state of emergency the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has provided additional Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to Cuyahoga County for distribution through the CJFS Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program. The COVID-19 PRC fund is designated for TANF eligible families to temporarily to assist with vouchers for essential needs such as additional food, household cleaning products, self-care items, and housing costs.

“We have been provided with an additional opportunity to support local families with increased food and cleaning supply costs, and housing expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic”, says Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “We are working to get the word out about these resources, so families can get the help they need.”

We are celebrating this program kick-off by joining the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and 93.1 WZAK’s “Family Day at the Zoo” event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 26 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo at 3900 Wildlife Way. The free event includes games, activities, free health screenings and live music at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. CJFS staff will be at the event with information about the COVID PRC program and information about food and medical assistance programs available through CJFS.

CJFS will begin accepting applications for the COVID PRC program on July 26. Eligibility for the COVID PRC program is limited to eligible Cuyahoga County families that include: a minor child,  or a pregnant individual, or a non-custodial parent of a minor child receiving Ohio Works First (OWF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Medicaid where the income in at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty limit. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

“CJFS staff are preparing to help the families of Cuyahoga County with this additional temporary benefit”, states CJFS Administrator Kevin Gowan. “We are asking for the public’s assistance in letting residents know about the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance”

For questions, call the PRC Information Line at (216) 987-7392 and allow 48 hours for calls to be returned.