Free and Low-Cost Hoarding Cleanup Resources in Ohio

The cost of professional hoarding cleanup in Ohio ranges from $3,000 to over $25,000 depending on severity, putting it out of reach for many individuals and families who need it most. People with hoarding disorder are disproportionately likely to face financial hardship — research shows that hoarding is associated with unemployment, disability, and reduced income. The gap between the need for cleanup services and the ability to pay for them is one of the biggest barriers to recovery.

The good news is that Ohio has a wider range of free and low-cost hoarding cleanup resources than most states. From government-funded programs and Medicaid waiver services to nonprofit organizations and community volunteer groups, help is available for those who know where to look. This guide catalogs every major resource available to Ohio residents.

Government Programs

Several government agencies at the federal, state, and local level offer programs that can help cover hoarding cleanup costs in Ohio.

Ohio Department of Aging - PASSPORT Program

The PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) program is one of the most significant funding sources for hoarding cleanup among Ohio's elderly population. This Medicaid waiver program helps adults aged 60 and older remain safely in their homes rather than entering nursing facilities.

• Eligibility: Age 60+, Medicaid-eligible, assessed as needing nursing-facility-level care
• Coverage: Home modification, environmental accessibility adaptations, and home maintenance services that can include cleanup and decluttering
• How to apply: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Ohio has 12 AAAs covering all 88 counties.
• Cost to recipient: No cost beyond standard Medicaid cost-sharing

Ohio Home Care Waiver Program

For Medicaid-eligible adults under 60 with disabilities, the Ohio Home Care Waiver program provides similar services to PASSPORT. Environmental modification and homemaker services covered under this waiver can include hoarding cleanup assistance.

• Eligibility: Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities who meet the institutional level of care criteria
• Coverage: Homemaker/personal care services, environmental modifications, and home-delivered meals
• How to apply: Contact the Ohio Department of Medicaid or your county Department of Job and Family Services

MyCare Ohio (Medicaid Managed Care)

MyCare Ohio is a managed care program for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Many MyCare Ohio plans include enhanced benefits that can cover home cleaning and maintenance services. Plans operating in Ohio include Aetna Better Health, Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Molina Healthcare, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

• Eligibility: Dual-eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) individuals in participating Ohio counties
• Coverage varies by plan: Contact your specific managed care plan to ask about home environment services
• Key benefit: Care coordinators can help arrange cleanup services as part of a comprehensive care plan

Ohio ADAMHS Boards

Each Ohio county has an Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) board that funds local mental health services. Many ADAMHS boards fund hoarding-specific programs or can connect individuals with treatment and cleanup resources.

County/Region	ADAMHS Board	Hoarding Resources
Cuyahoga County	ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County	Funds the Hoarding Connection program, providing assessment, treatment, and cleanup coordination
Franklin County	ADAMH Board of Franklin County	Supports hoarding task force and funds community mental health providers treating hoarding disorder
Hamilton County	HAMHB (Hamilton County Mental Health Board)	Funds hoarding intervention through community mental health centers
Summit County	ADM Board of Summit County	Supports hoarding task force coordination and treatment referrals
Montgomery County	ADAMHS Board of Montgomery County	Funds community mental health treatment including hoarding-specific services

For information about your county's ADAMHS board and available resources, visit our government agencies resource page.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Ohio's 12 Area Agencies on Aging serve all 88 counties and administer numerous programs that can assist with hoarding situations for older adults:

• PASSPORT waiver administration (described above)
• Older Americans Act Title III services: Homemaker services, chore services, and home repair programs
• Community-based long-term care services: Help with activities of daily living including housekeeping
• Information and referral: Connecting seniors with local cleanup and support resources
• Case management: Ongoing coordination of services for complex situations like hoarding

Contact the statewide aging hotline at 1-866-243-5678 to reach your local Area Agency on Aging.

Local Health Departments

Ohio's county and city health departments can sometimes provide or fund cleanup assistance when hoarding conditions create public health hazards. While they more commonly enforce health codes, many departments have transitioned to offering support services alongside enforcement:

• Some health departments maintain lists of approved cleanup contractors and can negotiate reduced rates
• Several departments partner with community organizations to provide volunteer cleanup labor
• In cases where the resident cannot afford cleanup, some departments have emergency funds or can waive fees
• Health departments can issue orders that trigger other agencies to provide cleanup assistance

Nonprofit Organizations

Several nonprofit organizations in Ohio provide direct hoarding cleanup assistance or fund cleanup services for individuals who cannot afford them.

Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County

The Hoarding Connection is one of Ohio's most comprehensive hoarding-specific programs. Operated through a partnership between the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the ADAMHS Board, it provides:

• Free hoarding assessments for Cuyahoga County residents
• Case management and care coordination connecting individuals with cleanup and treatment services
• Peer support groups for individuals with hoarding disorder and their families
• Volunteer cleanup teams for qualifying individuals
• Connection to professional cleanup providers who offer reduced rates through the program
• Phone: 216-420-6700

Catholic Charities (Statewide)

Catholic Charities offices across Ohio provide various assistance programs that can help with hoarding situations, regardless of the recipient's religious affiliation:

• Emergency financial assistance that may be applied toward cleanup costs
• Homemaker and chore services for elderly and disabled individuals
• Mental health counseling including treatment for hoarding disorder
• Major offices: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Youngstown, Akron, and Dayton

Volunteers of America - Ohio

Volunteers of America operates programs in several Ohio cities that can assist with hoarding situations:

• Supportive housing programs that include cleanup and maintenance assistance
• Veteran services including home environment support for veterans with hoarding disorder
• Mental health and addiction services that can address underlying hoarding disorder

Habitat for Humanity (Ohio Affiliates)

While primarily known for building homes, many Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Ohio operate home repair programs that can assist with hoarding-related property damage. Some affiliates have partnered with hoarding task forces to provide:

• Structural repairs after severe hoarding damage
• Floor replacement in cases of deep contamination
• Accessibility modifications to make de-cluttered homes safer
• Volunteer labor for cleanup projects

Local Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Many Ohio churches and faith-based organizations organize volunteer cleanup efforts for community members in need. These are often informal but highly effective:

• Contact your local United Way 2-1-1 to find faith-based assistance in your area
• Salvation Army offices across Ohio can provide emergency cleaning supplies and sometimes volunteer labor
• Many congregations have deacon funds or benevolence programs that can help cover professional cleanup costs

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Community Volunteer Programs

Volunteer cleanup programs offer free labor for hoarding situations, though they typically work best for lower-severity cases (Levels 1-3) that do not require biohazard training. For more severe cases, see our guide to the professional hoarding cleanup process.

Ohio Hoarding Task Forces

Several Ohio counties have established multi-agency hoarding task forces that coordinate volunteer cleanup efforts alongside professional services:

• Cuyahoga County Hoarding Task Force: The most established in Ohio, coordinating cleanup efforts with health department, mental health agencies, fire department, and community volunteers
• Franklin County Hoarding Task Force: Partners with Columbus city agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assessment and cleanup coordination
• Hamilton County Hoarding Task Force: Works with Cincinnati health department and local nonprofits to address hoarding situations in the greater Cincinnati area
• Summit County Hoarding Task Force: Coordinates between Akron-area agencies to provide intervention and cleanup services

AmeriCorps and Senior Corps

AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers serve in various Ohio programs that may include home cleanup assistance:

• Senior Companions: Volunteers aged 55+ who assist homebound individuals with light housekeeping and organization
• RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program): Connects volunteers with community needs, including home cleanup projects
• AmeriCorps VISTA: Some VISTA members serve in organizations that address hoarding as part of housing stability programs

United Way 2-1-1

Dialing 2-1-1 in Ohio connects you to a comprehensive database of community resources, including organizations that can help with hoarding cleanup. The 2-1-1 operators can:

• Identify local agencies offering cleanup assistance based on your county and situation
• Connect you with financial assistance programs to cover cleanup costs
• Refer you to mental health services for hoarding disorder treatment
• Provide information about volunteer organizations in your area

Financial Assistance Programs

When free cleanup services are not available, financial assistance programs can help cover the cost of professional cleanup.

Ohio Development Services Agency - Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

While primarily designed for energy efficiency improvements, HWAP can fund repairs and modifications necessary to make a home safe and energy-efficient after hoarding cleanup. The program serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

• Eligibility: Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
• Coverage: Home repairs, insulation, HVAC improvements, and health and safety measures
• How to apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency

Community Action Agencies

Ohio has over 50 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that administer various programs for low-income residents. Many CAAs offer:

• Emergency home repair grants for health and safety hazards
• Utility assistance to restore services disconnected due to hoarding conditions
• Case management to coordinate multiple services for hoarding situations
• Financial counseling to help budget for ongoing maintenance after cleanup

County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS)

County DJFS offices administer emergency assistance programs that may cover cleanup costs in some situations:

• Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program: One-time emergency assistance for situations that threaten housing stability (hoarding-related eviction or condemnation qualifies in many counties)
• Ohio Works First (OWF) emergency assistance: For families with children facing housing emergencies
• Adult Protective Services: Can fund emergency cleanup when hoarding endangers a vulnerable adult

Veterans Administration Benefits

Ohio veterans with hoarding disorder may qualify for VA-funded cleanup assistance through several programs:

• VA Aid and Attendance: Monthly pension supplement for veterans who need help with daily living activities, which can be used toward ongoing home maintenance
• VA Housebound benefit: Additional monthly payment for veterans substantially confined to their home
• VA Home-Based Primary Care: Includes environmental assessments and can coordinate cleanup services
• Veteran-focused nonprofits: Organizations like the DAV, VFW, and American Legion often have emergency assistance funds

Ohio is home to over 730,000 veterans, and VA benefits are frequently underutilized in hoarding situations. For more details, visit our financial assistance resource page.

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How to Access These Resources: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the web of available resources can be overwhelming. Follow this process to maximize your chances of obtaining assistance:

Step 1: Assess the Severity

Before contacting agencies, understand the scope of the hoarding situation. Take our free hoarding assessment to determine the severity level. This information helps agencies match you with appropriate resources.

Step 2: Call 2-1-1 First

United Way 2-1-1 is the best starting point. Operators can review your specific situation, including location, income, age, and disability status, and identify all programs you may qualify for in a single call.

Step 3: Contact Your County ADAMHS Board

Request a mental health assessment for hoarding disorder. A formal diagnosis strengthens applications for government assistance and may qualify you for Medicaid-funded services.

Step 4: Apply for Medicaid (If Not Already Enrolled)

If you are not currently on Medicaid, applying should be a priority. Many of the most significant cleanup funding sources require Medicaid eligibility. Ohio expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, so adults with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level now qualify.

Step 5: Contact Multiple Agencies Simultaneously

Do not wait for one application to be processed before contacting the next agency. Apply to multiple programs at the same time, because:

• Processing times vary from days to months
• Some programs have limited funding that runs out quickly
• Multiple smaller assistance sources can be combined to cover total costs
• Having backup options prevents delays if one application is denied

Step 6: Get a Professional Estimate

Most assistance programs require a written estimate from a professional cleanup company. Browse our Ohio hoarding cleanup provider directory to find companies in your area that provide free estimates. Having a detailed estimate helps agencies understand the funding needed and strengthens your application.

Resource Comparison by Situation

The following table matches common situations with the most relevant resources:

Your Situation	Best Resources to Contact	Potential Coverage
Senior (60+) on Medicaid	PASSPORT, Area Agency on Aging	Full cleanup cost covered
Disabled adult on Medicaid	Ohio Home Care Waiver, ADAMHS Board	Full or partial coverage
Low-income family	Community Action Agency, PRC program, 2-1-1	Emergency assistance up to several thousand dollars
Veteran	VA benefits, DAV, VFW, American Legion	Varies by service-connected disability rating
Facing eviction due to hoarding	Legal Aid, PRC program, ADAMHS Board	Emergency cleanup to prevent eviction
Code violation or condemnation	Local health department, Community Action Agency	Compliance-focused cleanup assistance
Any Ohio resident	2-1-1, local churches, volunteer task forces	Volunteer labor, supplies, partial funding

Tips for Getting the Most Help

• Be honest about the severity: Understating the problem leads to inadequate assistance. Agencies have seen it all and will not judge you.
• Document everything: Take photos, keep copies of all applications, and record names and dates of every contact.
• Accept mental health support: Programs are more likely to fund cleanup when the individual is also engaged in treatment, because it reduces the chance of recurrence. Our guide on how to help a hoarder offers additional family guidance.
• Be persistent: Initial denials are common. Ask about appeal processes and alternative programs.
• Involve a case manager: If you are connected with any social service agency, ask for a case manager to help coordinate multiple resources.
• Plan for maintenance: Ask about ongoing support services that can help maintain the home after the initial cleanup.

Contact the Ohio Hoarding Cleanup Directory

If you are unsure where to start, the Ohio Hoarding Cleanup Directory can help you navigate available resources. We maintain relationships with cleanup providers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations across all 88 Ohio counties. Contact us for personalized guidance.

• Phone: (330) 737-7740
• Provider directory: Browse Ohio cleanup providers
• Cost estimator: Calculate your cleanup cost
• Self-assessment: Take the free hoarding severity assessment
• Financial assistance: View all financial assistance options
• Government agencies: Browse government agency resources

No one should have to live in unsafe conditions because they cannot afford cleanup. Ohio has more resources available than most people realize. The most important step is making the first call.