Homelessness-to-Housing (H2H) Program

The Homelessness-to-Housing (H2H) Program is a comprehensive, community-driven initiative by STLT Ambassadors that supports individuals experiencing homelessness in Hamilton County, Ohio. Through a step-by-step approach, H2H helps clients address their immediate needs and guides them toward permanent housing, employment, and personal growth. With a focus on partnership, compassion, and tangible assistance, we walk with each person on their journey to self-sufficiency.

At STLT, we believe that no one should have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone. Through the H2H Program, our clients receive personalized support in four key stages:

We start by meeting our clients’ most urgent needs: food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and safety. Through partnerships with local agencies like the Freestore Foodbank, Shelterhouse, and Hamilton County Public Health, we ensure that clients have access to immediate resources while they work toward long-term solutions.

Services include:

• Immediate food assistance and SNAP application help
• Access to emergency shelters and health services
• Assistance in obtaining critical documents like IDs and birth certificates

Once basic needs are met, we focus on helping clients build a stable foundation for emotional well-being and employment readiness. Our team provides counseling, peer mentorship, and job training in partnership with organizations like Cincinnati Works and Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services.

Services include:

• Job readiness training and employment placement
• Financial literacy courses to build budgeting and savings skills
• Peer mentoring for emotional and social support

Helping clients move into stable housing is the heart of our program. Through partnerships with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and other housing agencies, we assist clients in applying for low-income housing options. Our team continues to provide support with budgeting and life skills, ensuring housing sustainability.

Services include:

• Assistance with housing applications and rent subsidies
• Ongoing support for maintaining housing stability
• Access to Keys to Comfort, our furniture assistance project that provides free furnishings to clients once they secure a new apartment

We believe that the journey doesn’t end with housing—it’s about personal growth, achieving long-term goals, and giving back to the community. In the final stage of H2H, we focus on empowering clients to continue their education, find fulfilling careers, and reintegrate into society through volunteerism and leadership opportunities within STLT.

Services include:

• GED preparation and educational opportunities
• Career development and mentoring
• Access to professional clothing and self-care services through partnerships with Dress for Success and local barbershops
• The Keys to Comfort program to furnish homes for our clients

At STLT, we’re committed to tracking our clients’ progress and ensuring they achieve lasting results. Through our H2H Client Tracker Spreadsheet, we document each client’s journey—tracking goals, needs, and outcomes at every step.

Our Success Metrics:

• Number of clients successfully housed
• Employment retention and job placement rates
• Progress in mental health or addiction recovery
• Community involvement and leadership development

Learn More about Our Client Success Tracking ➔

Whether you’re in need of assistance or looking to support our mission, there are many ways to get involved with the H2H Program. STLT Ambassadors is always looking for volunteers, partners, and donors to help us make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Volunteer as a mentor, counselor, or outreach worker
• Donate furniture, clothing, or funds to support our clients
• Partner with us to expand services and resources for our clients

If you or someone you know is in need of housing support, or if you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission, please reach out. We’re here to help and make a difference in our community.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (513) 849-3749
• Email: h2h@stltcincy.org