The City of Columbus is committing $19 million to human service organizations across the area. The millions of dollars announced Thursday will be used to address homelessness, infant vitality and more socioeconomic needs.
Councilmember Shayla Favor chairs the Housing, Health and Human Services and Criminal Justice and Judiciary Committees.
"Access to safe affordable housing is a leading detriment of income, wealth, health and overall quality of life," Favor said.
The Annual Community Shelter Board will receive $5.3 million. Among the agencies awarded, The YWCA, YMCA, Maryhaven and Faith Mission Shelters will share $4.5 million. Another $4.3 mill will be shared with 40 human service organizations.
At a press conference, YWCA president Christie Angel said housing is a crisis in Columbus. The Community Shelter Board reports the average stay in shelters was 22 days. According to Angel, that’s now up to 80 days.
“80 days in shelter is much too long," Angel said. "Shelter is traumatic. No matter how nice and comfortable and well-intentioned we do it here, it still is challenging.”
The YWCA has made efforts to help families avoid evictions and offered free health care. Money will come from the general fund and will be authorized at Monday’s city council meeting.
