The most recent social service news in Hamilton County, Ohio. If you would like your agency's news included in this podcast feed, go to cincinnati.unitedresourceconnection.org and follow the link that says "Submit News".

For children and young adults of families impacted by addiction, the holidays, substance misuse, and its related stresses may bring on a great deal of additional fear and isolation. Here are some resources and guidance that can be used to help them through the season. The National Association for Children Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 24, 2025

Good Plates Eatery near the University of Cincinnati is serving a Christmas Eve meal at noon, at their location on 235 West McMillan Street, in Clifton. Doors will open at 11:30 AM. “No Reasons, No Questions, No Charge.” Anyone is welcome to either pick up a meal, or stay and Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 19, 2025

Administered by The Salvation Army, the Share the Light fund provides one-time assistance to eligible customers to help avoid disconnection or maintain service. It is helpful to get started collecting the required documents ahead of the program opening, as it is a popular program and the program funding is limited. Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 16, 2025

It is extremely important that individuals are appropriately dressed when exposed to extreme cold. Appropriate dress includes 3 or more layers of clothing on the upper and lower body to protect from wind chill, gloves and a hat, as well as a facial covering. Exposure of skin to extreme cold Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 15, 2025

There are a number of programs in healthcare industry that pay patients money to participate in research projects. From the perspective of a potential patient participant, paid participation in medical surveys, focus groups, and other research projects can offer several benefits. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to contribute to medical Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 12, 2025

The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online tool to investigate and select the best medical health insurance plan for your situation. All the options available in the Health Insurance Marketplace are ACA compliant. “ACA compliant” means that the insurance plan follows the rules of the Affordable Care Act, which was Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 11, 2025

Hamilton County Job and Family services operates a program for Medicaid-eligible customers called the Non-Emergency Transportation program, or NET. This program provides transportation for any Medicaid eligible individual traveling to and from medical appointments that can be billed to Medicaid. Transportation can be in the form of bus passes, van Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 10, 2025

What do you do if you get sick and have no insurance? Rather than risk the possibility of incurring medical debt, many simply don't seek medical care. This can lead to significant illness that otherwise was easily treatable. It is important for individuals and families to know that there are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 9, 2025

During the holidays, Metro's fixed-route, MetroNow! and Access paratransit services will operate on the normal schedule, except on Christmas and New Years day. Instead of following the regular Thursday schedule on these days, Metro transit services on Christmas day will follow what is normally the Sunday schedule, and New Year's Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 5, 2025

There are a number of agencies in the Greater Cincinnati Area that provide low income families holiday assistance, offering Christmas gifts, meals, clothing, groceries and toys. Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army are two of these organizations. Toys for Tots provides children, including immigrants and newborns, free Christmas toys, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 3, 2025

The Ohio Department of Insurance publishes a monthly newsletter covering the latest developments that affect Senior Health Insurance in Ohio. The newsletter can be read online at insurance.ohio.gov. Here are the highlights we selected of the December 2025 edition: Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7th With just around a week Read More Shared by United Resource Connection December 2, 2025

In the event of significant ice or snow, Metro will still run service, but detours and delays may occur. Updated service information is provided through the following outlets: Metro Transit App. Alerts about route changes are provided on the Transit app, including information about detours and service interruptions for their Read More Shared by Cincinnati Metro December 1, 2025

Research shows that individuals who are shown very brief “Hands Only” CPR training videos are significantly more likely to attempt CPR and show superior CPR skills than individuals who are not shown the videos. Such exposure makes a significant life saving difference when no one formally trained in CPR is Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 27, 2025

Help Centers are provided by the Hamilton County Court system to provide legal assistance representing yourself in Municipal Court or Juvenile Court. The Help Centers are staffed with three full-time attorneys and two paralegals, and are supported by volunteer law students and volunteer attorneys in the community. These services are Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 26, 2025

It is crucial to prioritize supporting children during the holidays when one or more parents are suffering from addiction. The holiday season can be especially challenging for families affected by substance use disorders, as it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 25, 2025

In partnership with The Cleveland Orchestra, there are FREELY available 40+ weeks of daily mindfulness exercises. The exercises are available as YouTube videos, about 5 minutes long each, and designed to facilitate brain development with music and mindfulness instruction. The exercises were developed for ages preschool through 12th grade, but Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 24, 2025

Cincinnati Metro bus services are offering FREE fares on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 28th. This includes all Metro fixed-route, paratransit, and MetroNOW! services. The initiative aims to encourage everyone to shop local and avoid the hassles of traffic and parking during the busiest shopping day of the year. Maps Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 21, 2025

When temperatures outside fall below 60 degrees for 24 consecutive hours, landlords in Cincinnati must provide a minimum temperature of 70 degrees inside rental units. Landlords who don't comply can face fines up to $300 for the first day and $750 for each additional day they don't supply heat. Additionally, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 20, 2025

Good Plates Eatery, located at 235 W McMillan Street, in Clifton near the University of Cincinnati serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal for FREE, no questions asked, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving every year. Anyone is welcome to pick up a meal no questions asked, starting at 11 AM, on Wednesday November Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 19, 2025

United Resource Connection is seeking Medicaid and SNAP recipients for input and feedback about local support programs and services. One of the goals of United Resource Connection is to make access to support services more user-friendly. One of the ways we do this is by providing more than phone numbers Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 18, 2025

Ohioans who are 17 years and older can receive an Ohio photo ID card at no cost, from any of the 179 BMV Deputy Registrar license agencies. Photo IDs are critical for many basic things, including cashing checks. Not having a photo ID can make it additionally more difficult to Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 13, 2025

When a birth certificate is lost it can be very hard to replace it without financial resources. This can make it all the more difficult to connect to State benefits that require proof of identity. While state identification cards in Ohio are free to those 17 years and older, the Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 13, 2025

We celebrate and thank the veterans that have served our country today with an overview of some of the supportive social services available to serve them. While there are a number of services and benefits available to everyone who has served in the armed forces, some of these services and Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 11, 2025

The Metro Bus Service has a Veterans Program that provides half-price fares for veterans and active-duty personnel. Through a partnership with the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission veterans and active-duty personnel can also ride to their VA medical appointments on all fixed-route buses for FREE. One can Apply for the Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 10, 2025

Gold Star chili restaurant is offering veterans a complementary meal up to a value of $12 (or $12 off your order), November 11th. If you are a veteran you must show one of the following for eligibility: a Uniformed Services ID Card; a U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card; a Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 5, 2025

Metro is continuing its tradition of honoring Veterans Day by offering fare-free rides on Metro's fixed-route and Access paratransit services for veterans and active- or reserve-duty military members, including the National Guard and Reserves, on Tuesday, November 11th. To ride free on Veterans Day, active, reserve and retired military members Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 5, 2025

The Health Insurance Marketplace's open enrollment period for 2025 is November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026. Open enrollment is a specific period of time each year when individuals can sign up for, change, or cancel their health insurance plan, add or remove dependents, or change coverage levels, whether it's Read More Shared by United Resource Connection November 4, 2025

Bed bugs have an international presence, causing distress and inconvenience in modest homes to even the most luxurious hotels. Despite their global prevalence, victims of bed bug infestations are often subjected to unfair stereotypes that they are unclean or negligent. While scientific evidence does not show that bed bugs directly Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 30, 2025

All Metro services will operate fare-free on election day, November 5th. In an effort to encourage voter participation and ensure accessibility of Hamilton County voters to polling locations, all fixed-route, Access paratransit, and MetroNow! on-demand trips will be fare-free on November 4th 2025. Metro fixed-route buses will operate on regular Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 29, 2025

The Cincinnati Freestore compiles a list of local food pantries with addresses and contact information. This is a great resource if you know someone or a family in need of food assistance. It is also a great resource if you are financially able to support your local food pantry. You Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 28, 2025

Some kids live on blocks where none of the homes really participate in Halloween, or not in a kid friendly way. For these kids, optional locations for celebrating Halloween are a must! There are a number of locations throughout Cincinnati that are having safe events for kids to go trick-or-treating Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 27, 2025

United Resource Connection requires financial donations to keep our newsfeed freely available to the public. We recognize that the majority of the individuals we serve, however, are unable to make a financial contribution. One alternative way of supporting us is to write a testimony about your experience with our newsfeed Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 24, 2025

The Forest Park Library located at 660 Northland Boulevard, will be hosting an event to help seniors understand changes in Medicare that will take effect in 2025. The event will be held from 3 PM to 5 PM, Thursday October 30th. Topics to be covered include common gaps in plans, Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 22, 2025

Access to the internet is more crucial now than ever, especially for individuals and families struggling financially. The internet serves as a gateway to essential resources such as job opportunities, educational tools, healthcare information, and social services. Without affordable internet access, these individuals may face increased barriers to improving their Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 21, 2025

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District offers a senior assistance program to help low-income senior citizens pay their sewer bills. Eligible applicants receive a 25% discount on their monthly sewer bill. The estimated savings is $120 or more per year. Eligibility Requirements Eligibility requirements are based on age, income, and home Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 16, 2025

Commonly referred to as the “CAT House”, the Center for Addiction Treatment offers a continuum of addiction care for those with an addiction to alcohol, drugs, and/or gambling. Each patient begins with an assessment to determine their level of care needs. The center uses a multi-disciplinary team to make this Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 15, 2025

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partners with Governors' offices throughout the United States to provide FREE Children's Books to any child up to the age of 5. Families that enroll receive one FREE book each month until the eligible child's 5th birthday. You can check if your state participates in the Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 14, 2025

If you or someone you know is unable to pay for medications there are a number of programs that can help. The website NeedyMeds.Org has helpful information for finding programs to get FREE or low cost medication. They keep information updated on prescription assistance programs, $4 generics programs, medication coupons Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 9, 2025

Completing an application for Medicaid and SNAP services can be incredibly challenging for individuals with poor education or limited literacy skills. Additionally, those with physical or mental disabilities may face barriers in understanding and filling out the necessary paperwork. Busy schedules, especially for individuals juggling work and childcare responsibilities, can Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 8, 2025

It is important to dispose of expired medication and there are a number of locations where this can be done safely and in accordance with local laws. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency provides a tool you may use to find Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations, where expired or unneeded medications Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 7, 2025

Election day is approaching! This year the general election is Tuesday, November 4th. If you or someone you know needs information about how, when, or where to vote, the following information may be helpful. How to verify you are registered to vote: The Hamilton County Board of Elections has a Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 2, 2025

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. This month-long campaign aims to raise public awareness about the signs, effects, and prevention of domestic abuse, including resources for individuals Read More Shared by United Resource Connection October 1, 2025

The United States Department of Homeland Security provides Citizenship & Immigration Services, that include fee waivers for individuals that can demonstrate an inability to pay filing fees for various citizenship and immigration documents. The Form to Request a Fee Waiver and the Instructions for Completion are both available as pdf documents. This Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 29, 2025

What could cause the U.S. government to shut down? There are 12 appropriations bills, each covering various federal departments and agencies, that are supposed to be passed by Congress and signed by the president by October 1st every year. This almost never happens, however. In fact, Congress has only passed Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 26, 2025

The Cincinnati Computer Cooperative, located at 49 Novner Drive, is a non profit organization that provides low cost home computers to those in need. Low-income individuals and families, students from Kindergarten to Postgraduate, and individuals over the age of 55 are eligible to buy from the Cooperative. Both desktop and Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 25, 2025

FREE laundry services are available to low-income families, students, individuals and the homeless. Volunteers assist with the laundry services, and all laundry fees and supplies are paid for through generous donations. The laundry services are offered on a first come, first serve basis, and guests must remain present during throughout Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 23, 2025

Medication Assisted Recovery and outpatient services for women with Opiod Addiction are available at My Sisters Garden, located in Deer Park. They accept Medicaid and offer medication assisted treatment, as well as case management and individual, group, and family therapy. New clients can schedule by calling 513 686-7809. Service application Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 19, 2025

Families comprise 40% of the homeless population. Children in these families typically change schools 7 to 8 times per year, significantly disrupting their peer relationships and education. There are several programs in Hamilton County using a single gateway specifically focusing on the provision of housing support to homeless families with Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 17, 2025

There is an updated tool for application and participation in the public service loan forgiveness program. The tool allows participants to manage their account completely online, including the required signatures by borrowers and their employers. Things you can do with the online tool include the following: The tool provides a Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 16, 2025

Metro's Fare Deal program allows eligible riders to obtain a Fare Deal identification card valid for half-price fares on any Metro trip. Eligible Participants include adults 65 and older, Medicare card holders, Riders with disabilities, and Access Program participants. Those 65 years-old and older are automatically eligible; proof of age Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 12, 2025

As we age, maintaining a regular exercise routine becomes increasingly important for our overall health and well-being. For elderly adults, staying physically active can help prevent illness, improve mobility and flexibility, and enhance overall quality of life. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such Read More Shared by United Resource Connection September 10, 2025