Public Hearing Notice (updated 7-28-22)

COAAA hosted a public hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 1 pm on Zoom. The hearing included a review of COAAA's plans and requests for direct service waivers for American Rescue Plan Act and Title III funding.

Summary of direct service waiver requests:
ARPA Title III-B Cash Assistance: $90,000
ARPA Title III-D Evidence-Based Programs: $74,237
Title III-B Volunteer Placement: $221,829
Title III-D Evidence-Based Programs: $106,481
Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program: $32,100
Additional details are provided in the Public Hearing slides and recording. Waiver requests may be reviewed by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The slides from the hearing are provided for reference. The recording of the hearing can be accessed by copying and pasting the link below:

Meeting Recording: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/L89nwO5jxAmh4F70nHYZI_eOMKEf8w2vTORJGG4L3oXNWu35TEaCyjG5dtLSKVMj.4aWjGBWkRWp7nFUI 
Access Passcode: 5$1Lf.+f

During the hearing, a question was asked: "How does COAAA protect against fraud in the Housing Assistance Program?"
Answer: COAAA is committed to ensuring that any payments made to assist with rent or utilities are valid and appropriate. Our process includes:

Application stating undue hardship that created need for housing assistance and supporting documentation of the hardship, i.e., funeral, medical bills, loss of job, statement from physician, etc.

Documentation of tenant’s income and sustainability of tenant’s payment of future rent

copy of lease to see rental payment history or gaps in payments

Paperwork completed by landlord verifying amount needed to stabilize housing situation

Signed agreement from both landlord and tenant

The COAAA Housing Assistance Program (HAP) staff routinely check the ownership of independent rental properties on the county auditor’s website to decrease the potential for fraud. HAP staff routinely requests a rent ledger, which can show how long the person has had a balance and whether nonpayment is a pattern or an isolated event.  In addition, payment is made directly to the landlord or property management company, not the tenant.

If you have questions or comments, please send written comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 8-15-22.

Home Energy Assistance Program

Assistance to help pay home energy bills is available to income-eligible Ohioans through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The HEAP Heating Assistance Program from the Ohio Development Services Agency helps income-eligible Ohioans maintain utility service.  The program runs through May 31, 2022. 

Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs.  The program runs from July 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

As of November 1, 2021, there are no updates on when Request for Proposals (RFPs) for ARPA funding may be released. Please continue to check back for updates.