Our outreach specialists connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter, permanent housing, and other assistance. Each year, they help hundreds of people downtown access services and move off the streets. Call or text us at (614) 228-5718 if you see someone needing assistance. Our specialists engage people on the street and in our office throughout the week.
How We Help. Our team connects people to a variety of services:
- Find temporary or permanent supportive housing.
- Help clients with criminal records find work.
- Connect clients with physical or mental disabilities with services.
- Link veterans to eligible services.
- Obtain copies of birth certificates and identification cards for clients.
- Assist with transportation, utilities, access to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, and small household items.
Our Results. Each year, Bill, Ryan and Jessica provide more than thousands of hours of homeless outreach and assist hundreds of clients get connected to services or find permanent housing or emergency shelter.
History of the Program. The Capital Crossroads SID began funding outreach services in 2003. At first, it shared costs with The Columbus Foundation. After two years, they began to fully fund the program. Similarly, Discovery SID understood the value of outreach and included it in their initial plan for service in 2006. Together, the SIDs now fund three full-time outreach specialists to serve clients downtown.