Council Action Sends Funding Support to Seniors
COLUMBUS-OH] One of the final actions taken during the March 16,
2020, Council meeting sent $12,000 in relief funding to local service
organizations supporting Columbus’ seniors. Councilmember Mitchell J. Brown
sponsored ordinance 0738-2020 to expedite the funds.
"There is tremendous work being offered by our the social
services agencies across our community," said Councilmember Brown.
"Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County and the Greater Columbus
Network of Villages have strategies to provide supplemental support to older
adults in Columbus."
The funding will assist older adults with groceries, water, pet
supplies and sanitary products. It will also create a dedicated phone line for
volunteers to speak to residents who feel
isolated. The Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center (CRC)
administers the citywide program.
Beginning today, March 19, 2020, the following services will be
available:
Necessity Boxes
Older adults in greater Columbus in need of food and supplies
can call the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center at 614-268-3539.
Delivery is available twice a week, and pick-up is available Monday-Friday,
9am-5pm at CRC.
- Requesting
Boxes
- Volunteer
Protocols
- Boxes
will include a rotation of items as availability allows. Potential items
include:
Friendly Phone Line
The Friendly Phone Line, 614-993-3614 is available to older adults
in greater Columbus who are looking for friendly conversation and social
connection.
The Friendly Phone Line is intended to combat loneliness during
this unprecedented time of social distancing. These calls are NOT intended to be a
space to provide counseling, case management, or health information/recommendations.
- Phone
number set up through Grasshopper
"Now more than ever, it is important that we support the
most vulnerable in our community," said Brown. "I encourage all
residents to contact older family members and friends to express support during
this period of isolation."
Christine Happel, Director of The Greater Columbus Network of
Villages, commented, "We are working hard to provide non-duplicative
services with broad availability to swiftly meet the ever-changing needs in the
community."
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