The city of Columbus is giving an additional $9.4 million to a local nonprofit to combat what it calls a growing homelessness and housing crisis after a count of the homeless population showed a drastic increase last year.
The city announced Wednesday the additional American Rescue Plan Act funds would go to the Community Shelter Board, increasing its total commitment to the organization to $14.9 million this year.
The Community Shelter Board is a local nonprofit that works to prevent homelessness and provide shelter and other support to those living without permanent housing in Columbus and Franklin County.
According to a press release from the city, a 2023 point-in-time count of Columbus' homeless population showed the number increased to an all time high by 22% to 2,337 people. Results from the January 2024 point-in-time count have not yet been released.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said the shelter system is stretched to its breaking point and these funds will help stabilize it.
"And these dollars, even today, will not solve the issue, but it will right size a ship that has had some issues. The system, it has been under the weight of growing stress, growing numbers of folks who are unhoused," Hardin said.
Columbus City Councilmember Melissa Green said CSB's new leadership with CEO Shannon Isom will help steward in a better system.
"Isom has brought so much energy and optimism and fresh ideas into the work that they're doing. And I could not be more excited or confident in her ability for us to be able to modernize what, you know, has has been the same system for many years," Green said.
The nonprofit is working with a $55 million budget this year, with about $16 million coming from Columbus and the rest coming from Franklin County and other government sources and organizations, according to the group's current fiscal year financial summary.
Hardin said Columbus' homeless population is only expected to grow more and could double by 2028. He called on other communities in the area to also contribute to the nonprofit, because the ARPA funds that Columbus previously used are running out.
"We have a shelter system that is being stretched to its breaking point. And we have to support the folks who are supporting our residents who are most in need. And so we think that this is the city stepping up," Hardin said.
Hardin and Green both said the city is also working to address a growing housing crisis and referenced zoning reform the city is doing to try and encourage more housing to be built.
