What We Do

Housing

Move toward greater levels of independence, stability and health with an affordable, safe place to call home.

We provide housing and support services to individuals living with HIV, and their families, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Our housing program offers:

Assistance with deposit, rent, mortgage or utility costs in the short term
Long-term housing subsidies
Support in gaining the skills and resources to maintain stable housing

Learn About

Housing

Short-Term Assistance

We can help pay rent, mortgage or utility costs in the short term, or help you get into safe, affordable housing with help with your first month’s rent and/or deposit.

Eligibility

HIV-positive household member
Able to demonstrate financial need based on income, budget and circumstances
Able to resume the full expense of your rent and utilities after assistance ends
Resident of Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Warren or Brown County in Ohio, or Dearborn, Ohio, or Union County in Indiana

You can apply for Short Term Rent Mortgage and Utility (STRMU) assistance:

By mail: download and print the application to mail to our offices.
Stop by: our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM–5:oo PM.

You can apply for first month's rent and/or deposit assistance:

By mail: download and print the application to mail to our offices.
Stop by: our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM–5:oo PM.

Caracole housing has limited availability and may not be able to assist even if you qualify.

Long-Term Assistance

If you are experiencing homelessness

Caracole has long-term housing subsidies at our site-based Caracole House and scattered throughout the community with private landlords. Most of our long-term subsidies are reserved for people experiencing homelessness.

If you are homeless, contact your shelter or street outreach worker to talk about the housing options available to you.

Due to the shortage of affordable housing in our community, it may be difficult to assist everyone who needs help.

Need something else?

Our region is home to many partner agencies that provide assistance:

To find other community services to meet your needs: dial 211 or visit United Way of Greater Cincinnati 2-1-1 Community Resource Directory

If you need shelter, call the Central Access Point CAP Line at (513) 381-SAFE (7233).

To apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and cash assistance in Hamilton County, visit Job and Family Services

To connect with mental health or addiction services in Hamilton County, visit the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board

To get on a wait list for subsidized housing, visit Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Caracole wants to make sure that you and your friends and family are treated with respect. Your rights are listed below. If we have not lived up to this promise, we need you to let us know. Please download and follow our guide to report a concern.

Your rights as a Caracole client:

RESPECT: You and your friends and family will be treated with respect and honor.
FAIRNESS: You and your friends and family will not be treated differently because of your race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, religion, spirituality, ethnicity, national origin, past history, military service, health or age.
PRIVACY: You can expect to have your privacy protected. We won’t share your information without your permission
CARE: You and your friends and family have the right to receive high quality care at Caracole. In order to make that happen, we need you to stay involved with your service plan.
COMMUNICATION: Our staff members will respond to your questions, concerns, and requests in a reasonable amount of time. We will provide services in your language using an interpreter if needed.

Caracole Housing clients have additional rights and responsibilities regarding our rental subsidies and the HMIS (Information System).

For details, visit:
HMIS Consent Form
Occupancy, Tenancy and Assistance Termination

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process to get housing assistance at Caracole?

Caracole provides housing and support services to individuals living with HIV, and their families, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Once a referral is made from Shelterhouse or your case manager, Caracole housing staff will review your application and may get in touch with you to clarify your situation and needs. Once you are approved for assistance, you will need to complete intake and provide some documentation. Then staff can work with you on finding housing or making assistance payments. This process can take several weeks depending on program availability and your needs.

Does Caracole have emergency housing?

Caracole does not have emergency housing. If you need emergency housing, it is best to contact the CAP line at 513.381.7233 to get information about local shelters and rental assistance programs.

You can also go to one of these Shelterhouse locations:

Men’s shelter: 411 Gest Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203
Women’s shelter: 2499 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202

I need long-term housing help. How do I get connected?

If you are currently homeless, talk with a shelter or street outreach worker about getting referred for housing assistance. If you are not homeless, your case manager can talk with you about the assistance you may qualify for.

I am behind on my rent and utilities. Can Caracole help me?

Caracole offers short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to people living with HIV. Contact your case manager to be referred to this program.

What do I do if I am HIV+ and need immediate housing services?

Unfortunately, Caracole does not have immediate or emergency housing services. If you have an immediate housing need, it is best to contact the CAP line at 513.381.SAFE (7233) for information on local shelters and shelter diversion programs.

I'm homeless and need to find a shelter. Where can I go?

To find an available shelter, please call the Central Access Point (CAP) Line at 513.381.SAFE (7233). Intake specialists will gather information about your situation and help place you in a shelter or provide a referral to a partner agency for help.

I am HIV negative. Can I still receive housing services from Caracole?

Caracole’s housing programs are only for people who are HIV positive.

Can Caracole help pay for moving expenses?

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist you with the cost of moving expenses. Please call the United Way at 211 to see if other community resources are available.

What We Do

Housing

Our housing program offers:

Learn About

Housing

Short-Term Assistance

Long-Term Assistance

Need something else?

Call our intake line at (513) 619-1465 to speak with a Caracole staff member.

Your rights as a Caracole client:

Frequently Asked Questions

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