Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into grant agreements in an amount totaling up to $500,000.00 with the Young Women’s Christian Association, Young Men’s Christian Association, Star House, Maryhaven, Inc., Sanctuary Collective, Faith Mission, Inc., and Southeast Inc., in order to assist in the repair of an emergency shelter serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These grant agreements will include advancement of funds per a pre-determined schedule.
The YWCA Columbus Family Shelter is a safe haven for families experiencing homelessness. It provides them with a secure place to sleep, three healthy meals a day, and support. With their basic needs met, parents can focus on making progress toward a better future. Most families that the shelter serves are working poor and cannot afford high housing costs. Many are single mothers raising their children on their own.
The Family Center offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, transportation services, housing-search resources, and an employment resource center. For parents, there is also the five-star Step-Up to Quality, rated Safe & Sound, child care program. This program helps parents focus on achieving their employment and housing goals.
The projects funded by the city will enhance interior and exterior security, improve the guest experience in the lavatories, and enhance food service. Approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting November 1, 2024.
The Young Men’s Christian Association of Central Ohio operates the Van Buren Shelter that houses families, women, and men experiencing homelessness and provides case management, employment resources, workshops, on-site medical providers, educational linkage, meals services, and housing search assistance. The City funding will upgrade safety and security around the interior and exterior of the pro...
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