• Feeling insecure about where to spend the night, or where to find the next meal, may have significant psychological and academic effects on university students, including decreasing physical and mental health and a negative impact on academic performance and overall persistence to graduation. If you find yourself, or someone you care about, insecure regarding food, housing, or finances, please utilize the resources cataloged below, or reach out to our office for assistance. 
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  • Campus Partners

    Career Closet

    The Career Closet is an on-campus site where YSU students can outfit themselves for interviews and employment free of charge!

    Office of the Dean of Students

    The Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) provides support, education, guidance, and advocacy to all members of our campus community. In support of YSU’s commitment to “place students at its center,” this office is dedicated to ensuring that individuals have a centralized point of contact to discuss extenuating situations and concerns, specifically those related to mental and physical health, hospitalizations, food and housing insecurities, challenging family situations, issues with faculty or staff members, or any other barriers that may impede their success, while maintaining campus safety and fostering a culture of civility, character, and respect. The DOS team is comprised of professionals from three critical areas that work together to assist students: Student Counseling Services, Community Standards & Student Conduct, and Student Advocacy and Support.

    Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

    The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is committed to helping students with the financial aid process. Every effort to communicate all available financial resources is made. One of our main objectives is to offer students and parents a complete financial aid package early to plan for college expenses.

    Office of Student Advocacy and Support

    The Office of Student Advocacy and Support (SAS), housed within the Office of the Dean of Students, assists students who are experiencing crisis or distress that impacts their social, personal, and/or academic stability. SAS staff triage reports and work with the Dean of Students to connect high-risk students to appropriate care/support.

    Penguin Pantry

    The Penguin Pantry, located in Kilcawley Center, exists to help those students struggling with food insecurities. It is free to students in need, and provides a variety of goods, from toiletries and diapers, to canned foods and water.

    Penguin Service Center

    The Penguin Service Center is a single place to receive essential information, find guidance, and resolve enrollment-related concerns in the areas of financial aid, records and registration, and student billing. The Penguin Service Center aims to significantly reduce the shuffle of being routed from office to office so instead of visiting several locations, they provide most services you need at one convenient location.

  • Financial Assistance

    Community Action Agency of Columbiana County (CAACC)

    The CAACC aids low-income individuals and families through mental health counseling, veteran services, head start programs, weatherization, assistance with utilities, rent and mortgages, as well as supplying additional resources and assistance.

    • Location: 7880 Lincole Place, Lisbon, Ohio 44432
    • Phone: 330-424-7221
    • Website for CAACC

    Mahoning County Community Action Program (MYCAP)

    MYCAP helps low-income families in Mahoning County with utility bills, mortgage, rent, weatherization, and will even replace some older, inefficient appliances with energy efficient alternatives. They also have a professional development center with training provided for a variety of jobs.

    Rent, Prescription, Mortgage, Utility, and Food Assistance

    There are government agencies, charities, and churches that provide cash grants, loans, and other support in Mahoning County. The funds can help pay heating or utility bills, help with rent, pay for prescription drugs, or offer a free box of food. Other resources in Youngstown range from gasoline vouchers to case management and permanent housing placement services, among other assistance programs. Two of the primary organizations that aid in Mahoning County include Catholic Charities (330-744-3320) and St. Vincent de Paul Societies (330-746-4004).

    Trumbull County Community Action Program (TCAP))

    TCAP aids low-income families in Trumbull County with utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, weatherization, payment plans for utilities, counseling services, and a head start program.

    • Location: 1230 Palmyra Road Southwest, Warren, Ohio 44485
    • Phone: 330-393-2507
    • Website for TCAP

    Ursuline Sisters Scholars at Beatitude House

    Ursuline Sisters Scholars provide students with several options to pursue educational goals dependent on their interests and needs. Financial assistance is available to address a college student’s basic needs for food, clothing and transportation. This helps alleviate expenses and empower low-income individuals to overcome obstacles in their lives. Scholarship and grants for academic-related needs are available for students enrolled in the program. Workshops on topics such as financial/credit management, time management, academic/study skills, and stress management are provided.

  • Wellness Resources

    Columbiana County Health Department

    The Columbiana County Health Department offers medical testing, immunizations, routine screenings, and other health-related resources at free or low-cost to residents of Columbiana County.

    Community Counseling Clinic

    The Community Counseling Clinic (CCC) is a training clinic for master’s degree level counseling students. The clinic’s counselors and counselor trainees provide counseling to individuals, families, couples, children, adolescents, and adults living in Youngstown and its surrounding communities. All counseling services provided are free of charge.

    COMPASS Family and Community Services (Counseling)

    COMPASS’ Counseling Services Program offers experienced, compassionate, professionally-trained counselors and social workers partnering with you to identify potential solutions and provide guidance that helps you to achieve a healthier state of well-being. They offer same day appointments, short-term, solution-focused counseling, and services for youth (over age 5) and adults.

    Dental Hygiene Clinic

    Each semester, junior and senior dental hygiene students must administer a set number of cleanings as a part of their curriculum during weeks 1-14 of fall and spring semesters. The program offers exams, screenings, X-rays, sealants for children (3 years and older), cleanings and fluoride treatments. A licensed dentist is always present for procedures and is generally joined by two dental hygienists. Instructors regularly check students’ work at several points during the procedures.

    • Location: Cushwa Hall, First Floor
    • Phone: 330-941-3342

    Mahoning County Public Health

    The mission of Mahoning County Public Health (MCPH) is to promote and protect the health of individuals and communities. This is done by educating, mobilizing, and collaborating with the public to prevent disease, reduce health disparities, and enhance the quality of life in Mahoning County. MCPH provides pregnancy assistance, WIC assistance, help with vaccinations, and provides other resources 

    Midlothian Free Clinic

    The MFHC is staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses and administrative support staff. All volunteers strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere to service the health care needs of the uninsured in the community. A strong emphasis is placed on providing non-judgmental, compassionate care, respecting the dignity and self-worth of every patient.

    • Location: 201 Wick Avenue (First Presbyterian Church), Youngstown, Ohio 44503
    • Phone: 330-788-3330 
    • Email: brenda.duffett@hotmail.com

    Niles Health Department

    Niles City Health Department is responsible for the health and wellness of residents of the City of Niles. The Trumbull County Health Department is not directly responsible for health-related services offered to Niles residents.

    • Location: 34 West State Street, Niles, Ohio 4446
    • Phone: 330-544-9000

    Ohio Department of Health: Medicaid/Food Stamp Application

    Planned Parenthood

    Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care. With or without insurance, individuals can always come to Planned Parenthood for health care, including HIV and STI testing for males and females, pregnancy testing and services, birth control, patient education, cancer screenings, and LGBTQI+ services.

    Trumbull County Health Department

    The Trumbull County Health Department continually provides services in the environmental and nursing divisions. However, the Department also participates in liaison networks in the community and other public health efforts that include prevention strategies and a number or programs funded by state grants. All services are important, whether they be direct health services by the nursing division, clinic, or the issuance of permits and licenses. All services and programs provided work hand-in-hand to keep the community healthy. The office is always available to advise or answer any questions.

    Warren City Health District

    The mission of the Warren City Board of Health is to prevent unhealthy conditions, promote and protect the health of the citizens of the City, to monitor and maintain a safe and healthy environment, and improve the overall quality of life in the City of Warren. This is accomplished through strict enforcement of State of Ohio statutes, local board resolutions, and City of Warren ordinances. The City also operates a Public Health Clinic.

    Youngstown City Health District

    The mission of the Youngstown City Health District is to protect and improve the public health of the residents of the City of Youngstown.

     

     

  • General Services

    Community Legal Aid

    A non-profit law firm serving the legal needs of low-income individuals and families in central northeast Ohio; aids with divorce, dissolution, child support, mortgage, and rent issues.

    COMPASS Family and Community Services (Workforce Development)

    Workforce Development specializes in assisting people in finding jobs and provides ongoing support to help employees and employers sustain employment relationships. They provide career counseling to help you determine your interests and strengths, understand your options, and plan for your future. They assist you with resume writing, application forms, and interview training. They specialize in assisting you by connecting you with job training, employment opportunities, and setting up job interviews. Workforce Development provides you with ongoing support after the job starts to help you sustain the employment relationship. They provide you with assistance in accessing work-related services that promote job stability such as work tools, uniforms, transportation, childcare, credit counseling, housing, etc.

    Dress for Success

    Dress for Success is a global not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

    Dress to Succeed

    Dress to Succeed is an off-campus alternative to the Career Closet, that aims to minister to people in need of clothing for professional or personal use.

    Help Network of Northeast Ohio

    If you and your family are struggling with challenges in your daily life, Help Network of Northeast Ohio is here for you. They administer or refer to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency assistance programs that can get you the help you need. Unless otherwise indicated, dial “211” 24 hours a day/7 days a week to learn more about offered programs, or you can also access the database of community resources by visiting the Help Network’s website and clicking on the appropriate circle under “Help Finder.”

  • Food Assistance

    Mahoning County Department of Job & Family Services

    Food stamps, medical coverage, daycare assistance applications can be found on the websites below.

    Mahoning County WIC

    Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program for Women (pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding), Infants (birth to one-year-old), and Children under the age of 5 years. WIC provides nutrition education, supplemental nutritious foods and breastfeeding education and support. WIC is an important part of your children’s lives during critical times of growth and development to make sure they can avoid health and growth problems.

    Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana County Food Pantries

    Emergency food programs are available at several non-profit pantries and feeding centers in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana County. The locations will normally help only residents of the county in which they operate, but some of the centers may offer referrals to other food banks or public aid programs that are more convenient to the family.

    Penguin Pantry

    The Penguin Pantry, located in Kilcawley Center, exists to help those students struggling with food insecurities. It is free to students in need, and provides a variety of goods, from toiletries and diapers, to canned foods and water.

  • Housing Resources

    Campus Pads

    Campus Pads is a website dedicated to helping students find their fit when it comes to housing near campus. Select "Youngstown State University" from the campuses option and review houses and apartments in the area using filters that meet your specific housing needs.

    Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley

    The Rescue Mission exists in Youngstown, Ohio to help anyone who needs food, shelter, safety and a second chance. The people served in the emergency shelter come from all walks of life and all economic backgrounds. The Mission houses, feeds, counsels and educates hundreds each year through residential programs, enabling them to get back on their feet and become productive again. We help people to improve their lives and ultimately, the community. Short-term emergency overnight shelter is available for singles, married couples, and full families.

  • Transportation Services

    Greyhound Lines, Inc.

    Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving 2400 destinations across North America with a modern, environmentally friendly fleet. It has become an American icon, providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable travel to nearly 16 million passengers each year in the United States and Canada.

    Independent Radio Taxi, Inc.

    Independent Radio Taxi Inc. is a local taxi service in headquartered in downtown Youngstown.

    • Location: 308 ½ West Federal Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44503
    • Phone: 330-746-8844

    Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA)

    WRTA is the Western Reserve Transit Authority, which provides bus services in Mahoning County. WRTA has been created by the City of Youngstown and the Mahoning County Commissioners as a countywide public transit authority. WRTA Fixed Routes operate between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm. Scheduled curb-to-curb late night service is available between 9:15 pm and midnight Monday through Friday in Mahoning County. WRTA Countywide service is available Monday through Saturday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm in Mahoning County and Monday through Friday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm in Trumbull County.

    YSU Shuttle Service

    Parking Services at Youngstown State University sponsors a campus-wide shuttle service available for free for students, faculty, and staff.