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Asistance programs in Van Wert County

Updated October 21, 2025 • 5 min read • 917 words
Focus Immediate Financial Assistance

Assistance programs in Van Wert County

Struggling people in Van Wert County have limited resources as the county (and city itself) have a small population. However there are a few financial assistance programs as well as places for free food, rent payment help and more. Find how and where to get help near you in Van Wert County.

Utility bill, rent, or mortgage assistance

The

Van Wert County DJFS

(jobs and family services) has an assistance program that will help families in need. They offer cash grants to help a family make it thru a short term financial emergency. The program benefits are available to help lower income and needy unemployed, or even employed families, who need short-term help as they gain long term stability.. Some examples of this include money to pay a utility bill , either one that is past due or current, or the government grants can also be used to pay rent or even a monthly mortgage payment with other details on various Ohio mortgage assistance programs if you need them. Job and Family Services will also provide government grants for transportation

  • if work related. This can be for a car repair or tank of gasoline.

People facing hunger can also get help , with applications for an EBT card to Food Assistance (SNAP) in Ohio or an emergency box of groceries. Many other benefits are offered by the county, and the location is 114 E Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891. Call (419) 238-5430. At the very least they are a great place to go to for information on Ohio and federal government programs.

Salvation Army

has a Corps Community Center. Most of the financial help is the result of money raised at the thrift store. However the charity will provide some help for bills as wide ranging as electric, rent or more from 120 N Cherry St, Van Wert, OH 45891-1710. The Salvation Army also gives away free stuff. This is groceries from a pantry, meals from a soup kitchen as well as Christmas toys and School supplies to parents with kids in Van Wert OH. Call (419) 910-9332

The Northwestern and Van Wert Ohio Community Action Commission

is a regional non-profit that offers support to the less fortunate. They often partner with local agencies such as the United Way, churches and also rely on government departments such as the Ohio Department of Development. Several services are available, with a focus on housing, emergency utility bill assistance, and coordinating help for children in the county. Some examples of the housing programs include loans to pay for home repairs for the elderly or disabled, rental assistance and help for security deposits. A shelter for the unhoused is also available for short term stays and serves free meals. The center processes applications for numerous federal government assistance programs too. They run Head Start in Van Wert County as well as administer heating and utility bill assistance from HEAP. Several conservation measures are offered, including for customers of First Energy and they administer the government weatherization program too. Other assistance may be free food, government commodities , and more. Continue with

programs from Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission

.

The United Way of Van Wert Ohio

provides information to people in need. They have a free 211 service in which residents can learn about local and regional financial assistance programs or social services, whether it is information on paying taxes (VITA), to their partnerships with dozens of local non-profits. Details are here. https://www.unitedwayvanwert.org/ . Health care in Van Wert County Ohio is available. The primary free community clinic to call is the

Family Health Center of Northwest Ohio

. They are located at 1191 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891, and the phone number is 419.238.6747. This community clinics provides residents of the county with free or low cost basic health and dental care to area residents who are without a primary care provider. Find other Ohio free community clinics .

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

has a free food pantry and small clothes closet too. The parish is at 160 W Sycamore St, Van Wert, OH 45891. Call (419) 238-6336 Food programs help the community . If you or your family need food, the

West Ohio Food Bank

is a place to call. They partner and work with many food banks, pantries, churches, and other organizations. The main facility is in Lima Ohio and can be called at 419.222.7946. The primary, number one mission of the West Ohio Food Bank is to find, rescue, and distribute food, while working with local charities, to people living in poverty in the region of Van Wert. They partner with a through an efficient network that is involved in uniting the public and private sectors.