As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, concern grows for downtown’s vulnerable, unhoused population.

For the last 20 years, the special improvement districts have provided care and support for thousands of people experiencing homelessness in downtown.

The SID’s Outreach Team provides a wide range of services to help these individuals to get the help they need and move off the streets. The Outreach Team meets with clients in the office and out on the street. Services include:

• • Find temporary or permanent supportive housing.
  • Connect clients with physical or mental disabilities with services.
  • Link veterans to eligible services.
  • Obtain copies of birth certificates and identification cards.
  • Help clients with criminal records find work.
  • Assist with transportation, utilities, access to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, and small household items.

If you see someone that needs help, call the SID Hotline at 614-228-5718.

How You Can Help

Support our homeless outreach efforts, you can donate to the SID online or order items from our Amazon Wishlist. 

You can also support other agencies that serve downtown:

• Columbus Coalition of the Homeless
• Faith Mission
• Friends of the Homeless
• Lawrence Haven at Holy Cross Catholic Church operated by St. Vincent DePaul Society
• Kaleidoscope Youth Center
• Huckleberry House
• Starr House
• YMCA Van Buren Shelter

By supporting these organizations, you support essential services that assist people in need.

You can also share this Caring Connections Handout that has a list of resources downtown that offer assistance for people experiencing homelessness.