Department of Development awards $6 million to help combat homelessness across Ohio

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Development on Oct. 3 announced $6 million in grant awards to help three nonprofit organizations, including one serving Perry County, support more than 500 individuals and families experiencing homelessness in their communities.

Funding comes from the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Non-Congregate Shelter program, which provides a safe and private living environment for people experiencing homelessness by supporting the creation and expansion of non-congregate shelters across Ohio.

“This is an important step in addressing homelessness across Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “By supporting the creation of these non-congregate shelters, we’re providing more than just beds. We’re offering a safe, private, and supportive environment where Ohioans can find stability and begin their journey to permanent housing. We must continue to invest in solutions like this to ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to thrive.”

These new units will provide much-needed support for individuals and families who are looking for an alternative to traditional shelter settings. Non-congregate shelters offer separate sleeping spaces and bathroom facilities, ensuring increased privacy for residents.

The funding will be distributed to the following nonprofit agencies:

• Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Partnership (HAPCAP) will receive $2 million to create a 20-unit, 38-bed facility serving single adults and households with children in Meigs, Gallia, Vinton, Jackson, Hocking, Athens, and Perry counties. The program expects to serve 80 families and 152 individuals per year during the life of the project.

• The Community Shelter Board (Franklin County) will receive $2 million to acquire a 42-unit, 56-bed facility serving single men, women, and youth under the age of 25. The program expects to serve 180 families and 200 individuals per year during the life of the project.

• Emerald Development and Economic Network (EDEN) (Cuyahoga County) will receive $2 million to rehabilitate a 62-unit facility, with 14 non-congregate units and 14 beds serving single women and youth. The program expects to serve 50 families and 220 individuals per year during the life of the project.

In addition to creating safe, temporary shelter options, all three grantees will leverage a total of approximately $63.3 million over the next 10 years through additional funding sources.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Submitted by the Ohio Department of Development