Programs at SELF
Building Skills, Building Confidence, Building Self-sufficient Futures!
Emergency Services
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic put you in fear of having your power shut off or worse, being put out on the street? SELF has funding for emergency rent and utility assistance. Mortgage assistance is available through our partner, Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton (NHS). Learn more about assistance and find applications here!
Build-Up Academy
Onsite and classroom construction training for individual adults who qualify for this program. SELF also works with local schools, including Marshall High School, to offer Build-Up to teens! Upon graduation, clients receive recognized construction accreditation, and a starter tool kit. Opportunities to network with local employers or apply for apprenticeships upon graduation! Learn more about BUA here!
BUA Students painting classroom desks they made themselves!

BUA Students learn about rigging.

Getting Ahead
Are you tired of “Just Getting By?” Make the choice to Get Ahead! SELF’s Getting Ahead workshops help individuals take a hard look at their own resources, mindsets, and actions, and then build their own plan for prosperity. Work toward a better life for you and your family!
Classes are held year-round throughout Butler County, including at Ohio Means Jobs in Fairfield!
Learn more about Getting Ahead and how to enroll here!

JOBS NOW!
Are you looking for a better job? SELF offers an employment and education program that promotes self-sufficiency through goal setting and barrier removal. This 4-day workshop helps participants obtain more gainful employment through workshops and one-on-one job coaching.
Held at Ohio Means Jobs in Fairfield, as well as throughout the community. Learn more here!


IDA (Individual Development Account)
Do you want to learn how to budget and save? SELF’s IDA program helps low-to-moderate-income families save for homeownership, higher education, or small business ownership through financial skills education and matched savings accounts. SELF matches $2 to every $1 saved!
These classes re held at SELF’s Hamilton headquarters. Learn more here!


Neighbors Who Care: Home Repair and Renovations Programs
Need home repairs and modifications to maximize the safety of your home? SELF helps low-income Butler County homeowners with free home repairs and mobility improvements year-round through our Neighbors Who Care: Home Repair program and our annual Group Workcamps Home Repair Blitz Week. Home repairs are conducted throughout Butler County.
SELF also renovates homes and sells them to low-to-moderate-income homebuyers through its Neighbors Who Care: Renovations program. Several homes have been renovated and sold throughout Butler County.
Learn more about our housing programs here! Interested in volunteering? Contact us at 513-664-0170 or info@selfhelps.org


Microenterprise and Microloan Program
Passionate about starting your own business? Don’t know where to start? Wondering why your new business is having trouble taking off? This program provides intense instruction in starting and operating a small business, including hands-on help with writing a business plan. Successful graduates may be eligible for a microloan to capitalize their business! Classes are held at SELF’s Hamilton office. Learn more here!

Utility Assistance (HEAP, Summer Crisis, Winter Crisis, PIPP Plus)
Falling behind on utility payments? Freezing in the winter? Burning up in the summer? SELF offers utility assistance through the following state-mandated programs: HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), Winter Crisis Program, and Summer Crisis Program. SELF can also assist eligible clients with signing up for various payment plans, such as PIPP PLUS (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) to keep utility costs more manageable. These programs are offered in both Hamilton and Middletown and serve all of Butler County. Learn more about how to receive utility assistance here.
Weatherization
Want to further reduce your utility bill? SELF offers a residential energy efficiency program which reduces energy use by reducing air infiltration and heat loss in homes, reducing utility bills for low-income homeowners and renters. Intake is performed at SELF and conducted by our sister agency in Montgomery County, the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership. Interested in seeing if you’re eligible? Learn more here.
Who is eligible?
SELF’s programs are offered to residents of Butler County, Ohio. For Ohio residents of other counties, you can find your local Community Action Agency here. Most SELF Programs have an income eligibility threshold of 200% of the Federal Poverty Line as well as other non-income based eligibility requirements.
If you have any questions about you or your family’s eligibility for programs, call SELF at 513-868-9300.
