|
Q: I need help finding a place to
live or money for rent. What can you do?
A: EDEN serves low-income, disabled individuals. You (or in some
cases, another household member) must have a documented disability to
qualify. Some EDEN programs can provide long term or temporary subsidized
living, while others can provide emergency funds for utilities, rent,
furnishings, or to avoid eviction. Please be aware that EDEN programs have
very specific guidelines, and most have lengthy waiting lists. (back
to top)
Q: What qualifies as a disability?
A: EDEN serves individuals who have a variety of disabilities.
Different programs have different disability requirements, but your
disability must be documented. In some cases, you may need to prove you
receive SSI or SSDI for your disability. Please see the
Program Descriptions section for more
information. (back to top)
Q: I am interested in Section 8.
A: EDEN has two Section 8 programs for people with permanent disabilities: Section 8 Mainstream and Section 8 Gateway.
Unfortunately, EDEN is not currently accepting applications
for either program. Please see the Program Descriptions section for more information.
The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) runs the general Section 8 program for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. See the
Links section to find out how to contact CMHA. (back to top)
Q: I am interested in Shelter Plus Care.
A: Shelter Plus Care (S+C) is a program for homeless indivuals or families, and the head of household must have a qualifying disability. In August 2005,
EDEN began accepting a select number of applications from approved agencies. Only specific, approved agencies may refer clients to S+C. Clients
may not apply for this program directly. (back to top)
Q: How do I get on an EDEN
program?
A: Many EDEN programs require a case manager/social worker to fill out
the application with you. Please consult the
Program Descriptions section of this website to determine whether
a program is currently accepting applications and whether you need a case
manager referral. (back to top)
Q: How do I know if I qualify?
A: You must have a documented disability and proof of low income/no
income to qualify for EDEN programs. Each program has a different set of
requirements. View our Program Descriptions
section or contact your case manager for specific information. You can
also contact EDEN via email. (back to top)
Q: How long does it take until I’m
on the program?
A: Most available EDEN programs have waiting lists. It can take one to
five years to actually access some programs. Depending on the program and
funding availability, some programs do process applications immediately.
If you qualify for emergency funds or a loan, it may take a few days to
two weeks to receive the money. (back to top)
Q: Do I need a case manager or
social worker?
A: Some EDEN programs require a case manager to submit your
application, and some programs are only offered through specific agencies.
Please read the Program Descriptions
section for more information, or contact EDEN or your case manager
directly. (back to top)
Q: Can my case worker from the
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) fill out the
application for me?
A: In most cases, case workers from ODJFS do not refer clients to our
programs. Please see
Program Descriptions for more information. (back to
top)
Q: How can I fill out an
application? What documents do I need?
A: Your case worker may need to contact EDEN to receive and submit the
application. If you are able to submit an application directly, EDEN will
mail it to you, or you can download
it from this site. In most cases, be prepared with your birth certificate,
social security card, proof of income (or notarized statement proving you
have no income), photo identification, and documentation of your
disability. (back to top)
Q: Can I come to EDEN’s offices
to pick up or drop off an application?
A: In most cases, clients should mail applications or have a case
manager submit them. Please be aware that you must make an appointment
before coming to the EDEN offices to see someone. (back to
top)
Q: If I am accepted into an EDEN
rental subsidy program, how much will I have to pay for rent or utilities?
A: That depends on the program you enroll in, but you will usually
have to pay between 30-40% of your adjusted monthly income (which includes
SSI, TANF, child support, etc.) toward rent and utilities. (back
to top)
Q: Am I eligible even if I
receive no income?
A: Yes, but EDEN needs to verify this information. You must show a
notarized statement that proves you receive no income. Please be aware
that some EDEN programs require clients to work toward self-sufficiency,
which means you must apply for income or be involved in an educational or
training program. (back to top)
Q: What area do you serve?
A: EDEN serves individuals who live in (or are moving into) Cuyahoga
County. (back to top)
Q: If I am accepted into an EDEN
rental subsidy program, where will I live?
A: Some EDEN programs allow you to choose your own housing unit if the
landlord accepts the program. If you apply for EDEN-owned housing, you
will live in a building owned by EDEN. The agency owns 83 buildings both
in the city of Cleveland and in the suburbs (east and west). (back
to top)
Q: Can a landlord refuse to
accept a rental subsidy program?
A: Yes, every landlord has the right to not accept rental subsidy
vouchers. EDEN, however, works with many landlords throughout Cuyahoga
County who accept this type of funding and who will lease to tenants in
our programs. (back to top)
Q: Do I need to tell my landlord
about my disability?
A: You do not need to share information regarding your disability with
your landlord. (back to top)
Q: Can my significant other (not
my spouse) live with me if I’m on an EDEN program?
A: While it may be possible to add an unrelated adult to your
household, this will not increase the allotted bedroom size of your unit.
At the least, if this is allowable, the added tenant’s income will be
counted toward the rent payment. For other specific household
arrangements, please inquire with your case manager or EDEN when you are
submitting your application. (back to top)
Q: Does your agency offer any rent to own programs,
or can EDEN help me buy a home?
A: Unfortunately, EDEN does not have any services to assist clients in purchasing a home.
If you are interested in home ownership, you may wish to contact the Cleveland Housing Network for more
information (see Links). (back to top)
Q: Is there another agency that
could help me? How can I get a case manager?
A: Please see our Links section for
information about other agencies and services. (back to top)
To view FAQ from agencies or case managers, please
click here. |
