City of Columbus Announces Nearly $9 Million in Support for Central Ohio Shelters
The
City of Columbus today announced $8.8 million in American Rescue Plan funding
for programs that provide immediate and long-term support for central Ohioans
experiencing homelessness. Funds will support the local shelter system through
improved pay for front-line workers, additional staff, onsite mental health
resources, and improved facility conditions and capacity.
Low-income
individuals have experienced protracted negative economic effects as a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic, with employment among this group falling 25.6% since
last year. One in 10 Ohio tenants are now concerned they will not be able to
pay next month’s rent. From July 2020 through June 2021, more than 6,600
individuals were served in Franklin County shelters, including nearly 1,200 children.
“When
it comes to our most vulnerable residents, this pandemic has impacted much more
than their physical health. It has had a devastating impact on their ability to
earn an income, find comfort and stability in a home, and achieve mental and
emotional well-being,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “By committing these
dollars to the central Ohio shelter system, we are providing vital resources
and proven solutions to further expand our continued support for the Columbus
community.”
“Investing
in shelter space for our residents is paramount to ensuring we have a strong
safety net for folks who’ve fallen on hard times,” said Council President
Shannon Hardin. “Furthermore, hiring new mental health specialists at shelters
is a huge step to getting folks the care and intervention they need during a
time of crisis. This new effort will help catch issues before they escalate,
reduce fire and police runs, and allow safety forces to focus on violent
crime.”
Funding
announced today includes:
$1.87 million in surge
funding for emergency shelters
The
City of Columbus will provide $1.87 million in surge funding to help shelters
provide pay increases and signing and retention bonuses, accommodate additional
staff and expand cleaning services at the Lutheran Social Services Faith
Mission, Maryhaven Engagement Center, Southeast Men’s Shelter, YWCA Family
Center and YMCA Van Buren Center.
$4.9 million for
mental health interventionists
Local
shelters and supportive housing programs have experienced an increase in drug
and alcohol use, violence, suicide attempts and death. To better support
individuals in crisis and reduce violence and calls for police and EMS runs, the
city will fund a proposal by Community Shelter Board (CSB) to train and embed
mental health specialists to provide onsite crisis-intervention services.
Together, Columbus State Community College, Netcare Access and CSB will create
a workforce development program to train specialists who, as part of their
participation, must commit to at least 12 months of service.
$2 million to
relocate men currently residing at the Downtown Columbus YMCA
Built
in 1924, the Downtown Y at 40 West Long Street is home to 350 men, 94% of whom
have physical or mental disabilities. Necessary maintenance and renovations at
the facility could cost as much as $50-60 million, exceeding available
resources. The city will provide $2 million to temporarily relocate the men in
intermediate housing to ensure they continue to receive YMCA services. The city
and Franklin County have already funded a $265,000 contract with Rosetta Brown
consulting to identify permanent supportive housing options.