Explanation
Columbus is experiencing high rates of housing instability and homelessness. Housing instability is particularly challenging and impactful for youth aged 14 to 24, who are at high risk for victimization and experience substantial barriers to employment, health care, education, and more. Star House's drop-in center is the only place in Central Ohio where 14 to 24 year olds experiencing homelessness, and their children, can gain immediate access to safety and essentials like food, clothing, hygiene items, shower and laundry facilities, and other supports. Star House also offers on-site therapy and case management to support youth and connect them with opportunities like employment, education, health care, housing, and legal aid. In 2025, among youth who visited the drop-in center for 90 days or more: 71% secured critical IDs, 64% obtained jobs, 80% received health care, 80% participated in case management, and 56% obtained housing amidst the nationwide affordable housing crisis. Faced with unimaginable challenges but not defined by their circumstances, youth exit Star House’s programs as leaders, artists, advocates and contributing Columbus neighbors
House anticipates serving over 1,500 youth in the coming year, while also experiencing a drop in funding. This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Star House for their drop in center in an amount up to $50,025.00 and authorizes the appropriation of $47,525 from the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund. ($50,025.00). This ordinance allows for the purchase of food and beverage as part of this agreement. Council deems the distribution of food and non-alcoholic beverages to serve a public purpose in that it supports undeserved and vulnerable youth and encourages participation in Star House programming.
Emergency action is required to ensure the program can be effectively implemented without constraints to address ongoing housing need in Columbus.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for t...
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