Need Help in Lorain County?
If you or someone you care about needs immediate support, the listings below can connect you to food, shelter, housing support, transportation, or other essential services. If you are unsure where to start, first call United Way 2-1-1 for help.
General Hotline / Navigation
211 First Call for Help
Dial 211 or (440) 277-6530
Connect to food, shelter, utilities help, housing support, mental health resources, and more
Shelter & Housing Support
Emergency Shelter Access / Homelessness Assistance
Lorain County Coordinated Entry – central access point for all shelter and housing crisis support
📞 440-242-0455
Call first — do not go directly to shelters without calling.
St. Elizabeth Center – temporary shelter & coordinated entry support
📍 2726 Caroline Ave, Lorain, OH
📞 (440) 242-0056 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm)
Faith House – supportive housing for families facing homelessness
📍 1561 E. East 30th St., Lorain, OH
📞 440-277-4430
Blessing House – safe shelter care for children in crisis
📞 (Contact via local listings or 211 for intake assistance)
Genesis House / Lorain County Safe Harbor – domestic violence shelter and support
📞 (440) 244-1853 or (440) 323-3400
Food & Nutrition Assistance
Pantries, Meals & Groceries
These are some local food support options in Lorain County:
- Asbury United Methodist Church Food Pantry
📞 (440) 258-6750 (first & third Saturdays) - Elyria Hospitality Center (Food support info)
📞 (440) 323-9409 - Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (food & help applying for assistance)
📞 (440) 933-5639 - Church food pantries & services
Many churches in Elyria, Amherst, and surrounding towns offer weekly groceries or meals. Call ahead:- Community United Methodist Church – (440) 365-7391
- Saint John Lutheran Church food bank – (440) 324-4070
- New Life Wesleyan Church – (440) 236-8600
- Good Shepherd Baptist Church – (440) 988-4500
Government Food Assistance
Lorain County Job & Family Services (LCDJFS)
Apply for SNAP, cash, and other public benefits, including food support.
📍 42485 North Ridge Rd, Elyria, OH
📞 (440) 244-4150 or (844) 640-6446
Transportation Assistance
Public Transit
Lorain County Transit (LCT)
Bus and demand-response services for riders within the county.
📞 (440) 365-0224 (schedule & trip booking)
Basic Needs & Emergency Support
Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA)
Supports low-income households with emergency help, energy assistance, and links to other services:
📞 (440) 245-2009 (main) or (888) 245-2009 (toll-free)
📍 936 Broadway Ave, Lorain, OH 44052
Catholic Charities / St. Elizabeth Center Emergency Financial Assistance
Help with rent, utilities, groceries, or bus tickets (limited funds).
📞 (440) 242-0056