
Leaders from Columbus’ homeless shelters warn that without significant improvements in funds beyond Mayor Andrew J. Ginther’s proposed 2025 budget, they may be forced to reduce capacity and close critical beds.
Shannon Isom, president and CEO of the Community Shelter Board, highlighted the urgent financial need during a Columbus City Council Housing, Homelessness, and Building Committee hearing on Tuesday night. Her appeal builds on previous requests made to the Franklin County Commissioners in December, emphasizing the growing homelessness crisis and the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds that shelters have heavily relied on.
The mayor’s current budget allocates around $5.4 million for shelters and homelessness services. However, Isom stated that at least $13.6 million is required to sustain current operations, with an additional $18.7 million needed to improve services and better meet the community’s needs. Altogether, local shelters are requesting over $40 million in combined contributions from the city, county, and private businesses.
With Columbus City Council facing one of its tightest budgets in over a decade, members have less than three weeks to finalize the 2025 general fund budget before voting on February 10.
City Council’s Commitment to Supporting Columbus Homeless Shelters Amid Winter Crisis
City Council President Shannon Hardin, who chairs the housing committee, expressed the council’s commitment to supporting shelters and maintaining Central Ohio’s current bed capacity. Hardin noted the urgency of the discussion, pointing to the harsh winter conditions as a reminder of the life-saving role shelters play.
“I think we would be missing the moment not to focus on how cold it is outside today and we’re having this hearing talking about the dignity and life-saving work the shelter system is providing right now keeping people housed,” he stated.
YWCA Columbus Faces Funding Shortfalls, Threatening Family Shelters
Elizabeth Brown, CEO of YWCA Columbus, which manages emergency shelters for homeless families, shared a grim projection during the hearing. On Tuesday, the shelter housed 55 families, accounting for 179 people. Without replacement funding from local governments to offset the loss of federal pandemic aid, Brown warned that the shelter’s budget could be slashed in half, limiting its capacity.
“We are at risk of not being able to serve the need in the community,” Brown said. “There’s no way we could operate the beds we do today without additional support.”
As Columbus faces increasing demand for homeless services, local leaders are left grappling with the financial strain of sustaining essential shelter operations in the years to come.
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