City Leaders Announce $19 million to Support Human Service Efforts Throughout Columbus
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today joined Columbus City Council
President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Shayla D. Favor to announce $19
million for local human services organizations working to address homelessness,
infant vitality and workforce preparedness, among other critical social needs.
“This funding recognizes that housing, health and well-being, and job
readiness are central to quality of life and upward mobility,” said Mayor
Ginther. “By supporting these organizations and taking into full account the
disparate impacts of COVID-19, we are one step closer to ensuring that every
resident is stably housed and within reach of the resources they need to
achieve their full potential.”
Of the $19 million that was announced, $4.4 million will be
directed to 40 human services organizations that were originally selected in
2019 as part of a competitive two-year funding cycle. These organizations then received
continuation funding in 2021 to address ongoing hardships resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic. This latest allocation represents the fourth and final year
of continuation funding. Additional allocations include $5.4 million in annual
funding for the Community Shelter Board, also from the city’s general fund, and
$4.5 million in surge funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for
other local shelter services. Columbus City Council will consider the
legislation authorizing these funds at its regular meeting on Monday, April 4.
“Council and the city are continuing to invest in critical human
service and housing infrastructure to fight poverty in Columbus,” said Council
President Hardin. “Shelters are finding it increasingly difficult to help our
neighbors secure new housing due to ever-increasing demand for an inadequate
number of good-quality houses and apartments. Council legislating this
financial infusion is critical to help those shelters manage longer stays and
help residents find their next place to live.”
“Columbus is facing a housing and homelessness crisis which has been
underscored by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to safe, affordable
housing is a leading determinant of income, wealth, health and overall quality
of life. This funding is going to have an incalculable impact on the city and
help support our partners in a continued effort to reach and protect the most
vulnerable among us,” said Councilmember Favor. “Organizations such as
Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio Inc. and YWCA have taken extra steps to
help families get back on their feet by preventing evictions and providing
necessary health care at no cost. We are being intentional with our funding and
support, and are supporting communities who need it most. While this is a
tremendous step in the right direction, we must continue to distribute funding
to organizations on the ground.”
Funding packages
include:
- 4-Year Emergency Human Service Continuation Funding (to more than 40
organizations): $4,364,907
- Annual Community Shelter Board Funding: $5,389,650
- Shelter Services Funding: $4,499,940
- YWCA: $1,711,600
- YMCA: $1,070,503
- Southeast: $370,503
- Maryhaven: $90,611
- Faith Mission: $1,256,723
City leaders also
announced a new competitive three-year funding process utilizing $5 million in
ARPA dollars. Allocation decisions will prioritize organizations focused on
infant mortality, homelessness and housing instability among immigrant and
refugee populations. Applications will be accepted beginning in April 2022,
with a City Council vote and grant distribution expected later this year.