Cincinnati, Ohio - Communities United for Action members and supporters wrote 147 letters to Governor DeWine, asking him to end utility shutoffs until the pandemic is over. The Hamilton County Board of Health delivered the letters to Gov. DeWine's office. Here is the response we received today from the Governor's Office: 

Communities United For Action -

Thank you for contacting Governor DeWine’s office regarding individuals who are having trouble paying their utility bills.  We encourage anyone who is having trouble paying their bills to reach out to their utility provider about the options available to avoid shut-off.

Last week, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Development Services Agency is now distributing $100 million in federal funding to help low-income Ohioans, who do not own their own home, pay their rent, water, sewer, wastewater, electric, gas, oil, and/or trash removal bills.  Ohioans can apply for assistance with outstanding balances dating back to March 13, 2020, assistance for future rent/utility payments (for three months at a time) once past balances have been paid.

Eligible Ohio households must:

• Be at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (varies by county and size of household);
• Have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; and
• Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

The funding will be divided among Ohio’s 47 Community Action Agencies. Ohioans can apply for assistance by contacting their local Community Action Agency. A list of agencies can be found at www.businesshelp.ohio.gov under Home Relief Grants.

Again, thank you for contacting Governor DeWine’s office.  If we can ever be of assistance to you in the future, please feel free to contact us.

Very respectfully yours,

Michael Murry