January 2026

Photo: ACCAA Meals on Wheels staff member delivers meals and checks in on seniors during Ohio's recent snowstorm. See More in 'Network News.' Picture source: WKYC Studios.

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Upcoming Events

How Northeast Ohio organizations are keeping vulnerable communities safe during dangerous cold

(Story and photos source: Linsday Buckingham at WKYC Studios))

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — As brutal cold grips the region this weekend, three Northeast Ohio organizations are working around the clock to ensure the most vulnerable don't face the freezing temperatures alone.

From Ashtabula County to Lorain County to Lake County, Meals on Wheels, Blessing House, and Sub Zero Mission are providing food, shelter, and warmth to those who need it most.

In Ashtabula County, the Community Action Agency's Meals on Wheels program is delivering more than just hot meals to 296 homebound seniors across the top half of the county.

"So what Meals On Wheels does is it delivers meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday. Not only do they get a fresh, nutritious warm meal, but they also get a wellness check-in," said Alissa Holdson, executive director of the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency. >>> READ STORY

Debt after Christmas may become overwhelming, but there's help

(The Crescent-News; By: Wendy Bryant Scheurich)



Along with gaining weight after all the Christmas meals, desserts, and snacks, some people find their credit card has also become a little heavier than expected after the holidays.

Getting out of debt typically isn’t as easy as getting into debt, but according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as well as a local financial coach, individuals can take some steps to get back on track. [...]

A good first step is to make a budget that includes writing down the regular monthly bills that might consist of rent or mortgage, car, utilities, phone, TV and internet charges, insurance, money spent on food, gas and other items, which will help to define where the money goes and show how it might be spent differently to be more beneficial, according to the FTC site, where a budget worksheet is also available.

Suzie O’Neal, financial coach for Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission’s Financial Opportunity Center in Defiance, agrees with that approach.

For new clients, she collects their basic information to give her a “snapshot of their current finances.” She also completes paperwork for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) that funds the non-profit’s program, which is free to residents of Defiance, Paulding, Henry, Van Wert, and Williams counties. >>> READ ARTICLE

USDA invests nearly $1M for repair, rehab of rural housing in Ohio

(Source: The Highland County Press)



U.S. Department of Agriculture, Press Release

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell announced recently nearly $1 million in grant funding for 12 projects through the agency’s Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. 

These grants help Ohio nonprofits and local government organizations to repair or rehabilitate housing owned by low- and very low-income rural citizens. 

“Safe and secure housing is key to the health of rural America. Safe housing allows rural residents to start businesses, grow their families, and contribute to their local communities,” said Tassell. “Not only do these grants benefit rural homeowners, but they also create and sustain jobs across Ohio for the trades workers performing these necessary repairs.”

Community Action Agencies that received grant funding:

• Pickaway County Community Action Organization, $113,300 grant
• Bridges Community Action Partnership, $154,759 rant
• Community Action Program Corporation of Washington-Morgan Counties, $100,000 grant
• Community Action Commission of Fayette County, $40,000 grant

>>> SEE FULL RECIPIENT LIST