Star/ARP Program

The STAR Program helps people stay housed by offering short-term financial help and support services. This program is only available for Lake County, Ohio residents or individuals wishing to move to Lake County, Ohio.  The goal is to prevent homelessness before it happens.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

  • You must be current on your rent to qualify.

  • You cannot already receive rental assistance from another program (such as Section 8, public housing, or extended housing).

  • This is not an emergency program. Assistance is for future housing costs only, not past-due rent.

  • Applications for assistance will only be accepted on Intake Day.

STAR Program Options

Senior or Disabled Short-Term Rental Assistance

This program is for seniors or people with disabilities who need temporary help paying rent.

Who can apply:

  • Low- to moderate-income households

  • At least one household member is 62 years or older or has a disability

  • The household has some form of income

  • Must show a need for assistance

What help is available:

  • FHRC may pay up to 70% of the rent

  • Includes a utility allowance

  • Assistance can last up to 6 months

  • Eligibility is decided on a case-by-case basis

Short-Term Rental Assistance for Low-Income Households

This program helps low-income households who need temporary rent support.

Who can apply:

  • Household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)

  • The household has some form of income

  • Must show a need for assistance

What help is available:

  • FHRC may pay up to 70% of the rent

  • Includes a utility allowance

  • Assistance can last up to 6 months

  • Eligibility is decided on a case-by-case basis

First Month’s Rent, Security Deposit & Utility Deposit Assistance

This program helps people move into a new home.

Who can apply:

  • Low- to moderate-income households

  • Anyone may apply

  • Household must have current income

  • Must be current on rent

What help is available:

  • Assistance with the first month’s rent

  • Help with paying a security deposit

  • Help with utility deposits

  • Eligibility is decided on a case-by-case basis

⚠️ Important:
If you are applying for help with the first month’s rent or security deposit, you must wait for approval before moving in. Moving in before approval will result in disqualification.

Moving Assistance

This program helps cover the cost of moving to a new home.

Who can apply:

  • Low- to moderate-income households

  • Anyone may apply

  • The household must have a current income

What help is available:

  • Up to $1,500 for:

    • Moving trucks

    • Movers

    • Moving boxes

Additional Program Rules

  • People already receiving housing subsidies (such as Section 8, public housing, or extended housing) are not eligible, except for security deposit assistance.

  • All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Full assistance is not guaranteed.

  • Applications are reviewed first-come, first-served, depending on available funding.

  • STAR assistance is generally one-time only, unless prior approval is given.

 

How to Apply or Learn More

To apply for the STAR Program, click here:
👉 STAR APPLICATION 2026- Final

For frequently asked questions regarding the program, click here:

👉STAR Fact Sheet 2026 1 1

STAR Program Intake Day Information

FHRC accepts STAR Program applications only on Intake Day, which is held on the second Tuesday of each month. Applications are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this time, applicants may submit a request for housing assistance while funds are available.

Because STAR is not an emergency program and funding is limited, applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting an application on Intake Day does not guarantee assistance, but it is required to be considered for the program.

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation regarding income, housing status, and the need for assistance. The document checklist is in the application. Incomplete applications may delay review or impact eligibility.

If you are unable to attend Intake Day, please contact FHRC as soon as possible. Our housing counselors may be able to discuss options or provide guidance. You can reach us at 440-392-0147.

If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact us at (440) 392-0147.

Geauga County Application Fee Assistance

Fair Housing Housing Resource Center, Inc. received funding from the Geauga Housing Coalition to provide application fee assistance to Geauga County residents in need.

To qualify for assistance:

  • Low to moderate income household
  • Live in Geauga County or Moving to Geauga County
  • Demonstrate a need for assistance.

To see if you qualify, please contact our office during business hours and we can see if you qualify. Contact our office at 440-392-0147.