How many have been served at the local resource center?

CHILLICOTHE — Ross County Community Action opened the doors to its new homeless shelter and resource center in December of last year. During the opening, many community members noted how needed the facility was, almost six months after the opening let's take a look at how often this resource has been used.

Take a look back: New homeless shelter and resource center opens in Chillicothe

Executive Director Julie Bolen said that having a permanent spot has been "extremely helpful" for both the organization and the people they serve. This location has allowed them to move some offices of employees from the community action office closer to those in need. They are also able to make more changes to the space than ever before including the installation of more lockers, a play area for children and harm reduction vending machines from the Hope Partnership.

In six months the shelter and resource center has served over 370 individuals, 43 of which were children, on their 80 cots. On multiple nights the shelter has been at capacity and had to turn people away and put them on a waitlist. Of those served 54 individuals have been transitioned into permanent housing and many more have been connected to various resources in the area to help them receive treatment, find jobs and more.

Bolen said connections and partnerships with local resource and volunteer groups, who help serve dinner every night, have helped the center greatly. While it has been open the shelter has served more people than they originally imagined. She said it is "bittersweet" to have high numbers as it makes her sad there are so many people in need but glad that the center is here to help.

Currently, Community Action is holding a Sponsor a Cot fundraiser to help raise money to keep the shelter operating at its current capacity and hours. The goal is to raise $360,000 which will help keep the shelter open to 80 people per night for a whole year. Sponsorships are available in levels ranging from supporting a family of five for a year or sponsoring a cot for just one night. Those interested can donate online.

"The goal is to sustain operations and capacity," said Bolen.