YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Several local agencies and organizations in the Mahoning Valley area are among those across the state to share $20.5 million in grants to help Ohioans facing housing instability and homelessness find temporary, emergency shelter and permanent housing.
The Ohio Department of Development announced the grants Thursday.
“Homelessness is a challenge that can only be overcome when we come together,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release. “This funding not only provides shelter to Ohioans facing difficult times, it gives them hope for a better future and the opportunity for a fresh start.”
Catholic Charities Regional Agency in Mahoning County will receive a $300,000 grant to provide rapid rehousing assistance to eligible recipients in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. The program expects to assist 154 households during a two-year period.
The Greater Warren Youngstown Urban League Inc. will receive a $203,000 grant to operate a 25-bed emergency shelter serving homeless single men, single women and households with children. Funding will support grant administration, data collection, evaluation and shelter operations, and the organization will provide housing search and placement, housing-focused case management and referral to resources. The program expects to serve 535 people during a two-year period, with 50% of people projected to exit to a permanent destination after an average stay of 40 days.
Community Action Agency of Columbiana County Inc. will receive an $836,000 grant to provide rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance to eligible recipients in Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties. Subrecipient agencies include The Columbiana County Counseling Center, Jefferson County CAC and Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas. The program expects to assist 140 households with rapid rehousing and 95 households with homelessness prevention during a two-year period.
Coleman Professional Services Inc. in Portage County will receive a $1.89 million grant to provide rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention assistance to eligible recipients in Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage and Trumbull counties. Subrecipient agencies include Catholic Charities, Coleman Health Services, Community Action Agency, Emmanuel Community Center, Family & Community Services, Lifeline Inc. and WomenSafe. The program expects to assist 350 households with rapid rehousing and 61 households with homelessness prevention during a two-year period.
“Many people have a perception about what homelessness is, but the truth of the matter is, it comes in many different forms and circumstances,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said. “When we can address the root causes of homelessness, it helps many children and families get back on track and lead hopeful, successful lives.”
The grants are being awarded through the Homeless Crisis Response program to assist 47 nonprofit and local government agencies across the state with homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and emergency shelter services. The funds will assist 34 agencies operating emergency shelters and support 13 housing stability programs to benefit 64,676 Ohioans.
The Homeless Crisis Response Program has two components: Emergency Shelter Operations and Housing Stability. The Emergency Shelter component provides for shelter operations, administration and data evaluation in emergency shelters, while the Housing Stability component includes homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, administration and data evaluation.
“One of our greatest strengths lies in the partnerships we build with local leaders to address the most pressing challenges facing our communities,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These funds ensure our partners have the resources they need to provide shelter, support and stability to thousands of Ohioans each year.”
Each of Ohio’s 88 counties is located within one of 25 homeless planning regions throughout the state. Grants are awarded yearly, with approximately half of the regions receiving funding every other year for a two-year period.
More information is available HERE.