Here's what we found for you
- Emergency shelters
If you are going through a housing crisis or find yourself homeless, emergency shelter is available throughout Stark County. Various organizations offer overnight sleeping accommodations and temporary shelter.
Contact a location below or call the Stark County Homeless Hotline at (330) 452-4363.
- Hard times: youth & teens
When your family faces a job loss, medical issue or another significant financial setback, you might be shocked, confused and unsure where to turn. Fortunately, there are resources for young people and families who need emergency financial assistance in Stark County.
- Are you in crisis?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text one of the hotlines below. Counselors and intake specialists are available to offer free, confidential support whenever you need it.
In emergency situations, dial 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained officer. - Responsibilities: young adults
As young people transition to adulthood, they may be unprepared for the financial and personal demands of independence. For emerging adults with limited income, the burden of these new responsibilities can be scary and overwhelming. Discover community resources and public assistance programs to help individuals and families in Stark County achieve financial stability and success.
- Education opportunities: young adults
After school, it is important for students to look forward to what’s next. Whether they pursue a career, enroll in college or enlist in the armed services, young people have options in choosing their path toward adulthood. Some of these opportunities will require a high school diploma, others may demand a background of skills or training. Either way, emerging adults should have a plan for the future, so they are set up for long-term success.
- LGBTQ+: young adults
Just like anyone else, LGBTQ+ teens undergo a variety of lifestyle changes on their path to adulthood. They face new challenges, from living independently and finding a job to evolving relationships. However, emerging LGBTQ+ adults often find that coming out and coming into their own is an additional source of stress. Learn about the local programs and services available to support these local young people as they develop new coping resources and strategies.
- Trauma: young adults
When a young person’s safety and well-being is threatened, it can have negative effects for a lifetime. It’s often more challenging for a young adult to cope with such events because they’re also dealing with other significant challenges, including personal relationships and living independently for the first time. Whether sudden or long-lasting, these experiences can leave a young person confused, angry or anxious. Find local resources to support these emerging adults through traumatic events.
- Public Benefits Assistance: Application & Eligibility
Navigating life’s challenges is difficult enough. We’re here to make finding help for basic needs simple. Learn how to apply for cash, food and/or medical assistance and get started today. Cases are processed in the order they are received, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
Public assistance applications can take up to 30 days to complete. If you need immediate food, clothing, housing or medical help, please view these other resources:
- Where to Find Food and Meals for Thanksgiving
Updated 11.2023
For some families struggling with poverty and hunger, Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday. If you are dealing with food insecurity, need help with the expense of purchasing the needed ingredients for a special meal or are struggling with high medical bills, low wages, housing needs or other issues, we have gathered some valuable resources below.
Stark Help Central.com wants to help ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday, especially children.
- 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com
In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com.
Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.
StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),
- March 1st is Self Injury Awareness Day
The UK organization LifeSIGNS started dedicating March 1st as Self Injury Awareness Day in 2002. Now, 20 years later, it is a national awareness day for many countries, including the U.S. Self-injury goes by other names, including self-harm and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and encompasses a large range of actions that one takes to cope with extreme emotion, release tension from these emotions, or take back a perceived loss of control. While teens tend to be the most likely to self-injure,
- The Importance of Getting an Opioid Overdose Kit
As the opioid crisis in Northeast Ohio continued to grow, the Stark County Opiate & Addiction Task Force was created in 2011 to help educate the community and provide necessary resources on opioids. In 2014, Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) was created by the Ohio Health Department to bring together educational and naloxone distribution programs during the opioid epidemic. In order to prevent opioid overdose and to further harm reduction strategies, these organizations provide free overdose kits for anyone in Ohio who wants one.
- The Legacy Project of Stark Makes an imPACT
Who We Are
In 2015, The Legacy Project of Stark was founded by Eugene Lingenhoel. As he was delivering backpacks & school supplies at Lehman Middle School in Canton City, the principal, Jeanne McNeal, who is now the principal at Oakwood Middle School in Plain Local, asked Eugene if he would be willing to meet with some of her students. Jeanne saw a need for her students to have a positive role model in their life and saw an opportunity to provide that for them.
- Mental Health Resources During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This year, we’ve faced a pandemic unlike anything in our lifetimes. As we get closer to a vaccine for coronavirus, many people in Stark County are still feeling the stressful effects. Fortunately, the stress response is normal during a crisis.
Are you looking for ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety? Here are some common questions we have received related to mental health, coping with COVID-19 in the community,
- 3 Reasons Why Nature is Good for Your Mental Health
During the pandemic, everyone seemed to realize the importance of getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Think about how much lighter you feel after taking your dog for a walk. Or how energized your mind is after a hike in the woods. Or even consider the boost you get from a warm, sunshine-filled day. It should be no secret how nature helps our mental health.
Let’s explore just a few of the ways nature and mental health are connected.
COMPASS Rape Crisis
24/7 Confidential Hotline: 330-452-1111
Mental health, counseling, and case management services for all survivors of rape and sexual assault
Confidential Hotline
Hospital Advocacy
Justice System Advocacy
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is an event that negatively impacts the health, safety or wellbeing of an individual with developmental disabilities. If you or someone you know is experiencing a major unusual incident, call the 24-hour hotline to report the event.
MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477
The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI)
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Provides emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence in Stark County and surrounding communities
- Emergency Protective Shelter
- Outreach and Aftercare
- Legal Advocacy
- Transitional Housing
- Medical Advocacy
- Peer Support
Coleman Crisis Services
If you need immediate help, or are experiencing a mental health crisis, professional and confidential consultation is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Walk-in Clinic: 24/7 Crisis Services
Call-in Clinic: 24/7 Crisis Services
Canton, OH 44708
Child Protective Services
If you suspect a minor child is living in a dangerous situation, call the 24/7 child abuse hotline immediately.
Crisis Lifeline
24/7 Phone #’s
Call or text: 988
Chat on website: www.988lifeline.org
Or call: 330-452-6000
The new three-digit dialing code, 988 Lifeline, connects callers to the 988 Crisis Lifeline. When you call, text or chat using the 988 Lifeline, you’re connected to trained counselors that are part of the 988 Lifeline network, made up of more than 200 local crisis centers. Counselors are trained to provide emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis,
Aultman/Alliance Community Hospital
Health care facility dedicated to improving the health of Alliance residents and surrounding communities.
Emergency care with no appointment necessary.
Alliance, OH 44601
Alliance for Children & Families
Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing (referrals through Homeless Hotline) for individuals and families.
Programs:
- Permanent Supportive Housing Project
- Emergency Shelter
- Affordable Housing
- Ending Domestic & Family Violence through STAMP
- Financial Literacy
- Health and Wellness
Alliance, OH 44601
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Report emergencies and cases of unsafe working conditions, health or safety violations.
Suite 203
Independence, OH 44131
Secret Safe Place for Newborns: Mercy Medical Center ER
Confidential emergency shelter and medical care within three days of birth.
Canton, OH 44708
Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter
Emergency shelter for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
American Red Cross: Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter
We help communities in Northern Ohio prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We are able to make a difference in our local communities because of the generosity of our donors and support of our volunteers. Together, we provide the following programs and services:
- Disaster Services
- Volunteer Services
- Blood Donation Services
- Lifesaving Skills Training
- Military or Veterans Assistance (mental health counseling, emergency assistance and job services)
- Home Fire Campaign
Canton, OH 44707
Stark County Community Action Agency
Emergency HEAP Appointment Line: 330-617-1055
Summer & Winter Crisis
PIPP
Offers employment services, financial support and career counseling to the Stark County community.
Head Start
HEAP
HWAP (Home Weatherization)
Work Force Development
Charlotte & Main
Furnishings and household goods can be the missing piece that turns housing into homes.
Our Mission is to provide these items for: Young Adults aging out of foster care and entering into independent living Domestic Violence survivors exiting emergency shelters Veterans escaping homelessnessCanton, OH 44708
Clothed in Righteousness
Services include a hot meal, a free clothing closet boutique, hygiene, a bag of food for homeless individuals, an emergency box of food for housed individuals or families, and supplies for anyone homeless staying outdoors or in their vehicle.
No identification is required or appointment. Expect a small wait due to how busy we might be.
Alliance, OH 44601
Stark County Hunger Task Force
Network of more than 30 food pantries throughout Stark County
Emergency food pantry at the Goodwill Community Campus
408 9th St SW Canton, OH 44707
Monday: 9:15am – 2:35pm
Tuesday: 9:15am – 3:35pm
Wednesday: 9:15am – 3:35pm
Thursday: 9:15am – 2:35pm
Friday: 9:15am – 1:35pm
Suite 1637
Canton, OH 44707
Stark County Job & Family Services
Report child abuse: 330-455-KIDS / 1-800-233-5437
Partner with our customers, community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
- Cash assistance
- Food assistance
- Medicaid & Medical
- Non-emergency transportation – Transportation to and from Medicaid-qualified appointments, including doctor visits, dental visits, vision appointments and more.
- Child care services
- Work experience program –
Canton, OH 44702
Aultman Hospital
The largest hospital in Stark County.
Emergency Room provides services for individuals with urgent health care concerns. Also a place for parents to safely and legally give their babies up.
Aultman Serenity Program provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence. Including individuals that have experienced: abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault.
Offer grief support groups, more details online here.
Canton, OH 44710
Stark County Health Department
Serves the public health needs of more than 250,000 people in Stark County:
- Emergency preparedness
- Environmental health
- Health education
- Kids safety
- Reproductive Health department
- WIC – special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children
- Naloxone kits at the Stark County Health Department are available by appointment. If interested, please call (330) 493-9928.
- Adult &
North Canton, OH 44720
Catholic Charities
Emergency rental assistance for Stark County residents (under 65): visit ccdoy.org to fill out a pre-screening application
Through tangible assistance and other essential services, Catholic Charities affirms human dignity, meets basic human needs, strengthens families, builds communities, and empowers others to transform their lives.
Suite C
Canton, OH 44703
Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health & Recovery of Alliance
Provides outpatient psychiatric, counseling, and case management services to children, adolescents, and adults
Mental health & illness, addictions, dual disorders, behavioral issues, trauma
Closed Friday, clients directed to Canton if an emergency or direct care needed
Alliance, OH 44601
YWCA Canton
Provides emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient
Also provides early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten
To be placed in housing you must first register with the homeless hotline by calling 330-452-4363
Canton, OH 44702
Cleveland Clinic at Mercy Hospital
Emergency health care services available 24/7.
Child delivery and support services in Stark County:
- Maternity and mother/baby care
- Breastfeeding support
- Neonatal special care nursery
- High-risk pregnancy support
Cancer Support Group: Group of current or former cancer patients and their caregivers, family members and friends. Meets Thursdays at 6 pm.
Seeds of Hope: Supporting individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Canton, OH 44708