Saturday, March 14, 2026
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Woman Found Dead, Man Critically Injured in Southwest Columbus Mobile Home

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Columbus police are investigating after a woman was found dead and a man critically injured inside a mobile home on Dyer Road in southwest Columbus Monday morning.

Woman Found Dead, Man Critically Injured in Southwest Columbus Mobile Home
Woman Found Dead, Man Critically Injured in Southwest Columbus Mobile Home

Woman Found Dead, Man Critically Injured in Southwest Columbus Mobile Home

A woman was found dead and a man was seriously injured inside a mobile home in southwest Columbus on Monday morning, according to police.

Officers with the Columbus Division of Police were dispatched around 9 a.m. to the 1600 block of Dyer Road on an unknown complaint, said Sgt. James Fuqua.

When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive woman and an injured man inside the residence. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Fuqua said investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened. He described the scene as severe and said detectives are considering the possibility of a domestic-related assault. The relationship between the two individuals has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities have not released the names of those involved.

Detectives remained at the scene for several hours collecting evidence while neighbors waited outside police tape.

Chris Steinhour, who lives nearby, said he was at work overnight and did not see or hear anything unusual.

โ€œI got a message that said I wasnโ€™t going to be able to get into my house because they had it all blocked off,โ€ Steinhour said, adding that the neighborhood is typically quiet.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Camp-Donovan at (614) 645-2557, the Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).

โ€œWe donโ€™t want anybody to lose their life in the city of Columbus,โ€ Fuqua said. โ€œUnfortunately, something tragic has happened, and a family has lost a loved one.โ€

The investigation remains ongoing.


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Mexican Cartel Leader โ€œEl Menchoโ€ Killed in Jalisco Military Operation

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Mexican drug lord Nemesio โ€œEl Menchoโ€ Oseguera Cervantes was killed during a military operation in Jalisco. The raid triggered highway blockades, flight disruptions, and unrest across multiple states.

Mexican Cartel Leader โ€œEl Menchoโ€ Killed in Jalisco Military Operation
Mexican Cartel Leader โ€œEl Menchoโ€ Killed in Jalisco Military Operation

Mexican Cartel Leader โ€œEl Menchoโ€ Killed in Jalisco Military Operation

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as โ€œEl Mencho,โ€ was killed Sunday during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, Mexican officials announced.

Mexicoโ€™s defense ministry said a shootout in Tapalpa left Oseguera seriously injured. He later died while being transported by air to Mexico City. Six additional cartel members were killed, and two were arrested during the operation. Members of the Mexican military were reported injured.

Authorities said several weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of targeting aircraft and armored units. Officials added that U.S. authorities provided supporting intelligence as part of bilateral cooperation.

Leader of Powerful Cartel

Oseguera, a former police officer, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, often referred to as CJNG. The cartel, based in Jalisco, home to the major city of Guadalajara grew rapidly into one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.

The group rivaled the Sinaloa Cartel, formerly led by imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin Guzman, also known as โ€œEl Chapo,โ€ who is serving a life sentence in the United States.

Mexican officials described Osegueraโ€™s death as a significant development in the countryโ€™s long-running fight against drug trafficking organizations accused of smuggling cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S.

Violence and Travel Disruptions

Following the announcement, unrest broke out across several states. Reports indicated vehicles were set on fire and highways were blocked by armed individuals. Mexicoโ€™s security cabinet reported 21 active highway blockades in Jalisco alone as of Sunday afternoon, along with damage to multiple government bank branches.

Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara experienced cancellations and diversions. Major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, were affected.

Sporting events were also postponed, including Liga MX matches and a Liga MX Femenil game between Chivas and Club Amรฉrica.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said authorities were coordinating across states to restore order, adding that the government works daily for โ€œpeace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.โ€

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain at home until the situation stabilizes. The U.S. Embassy advised American citizens in affected areas to shelter in place.

U.S. Intelligence Support

Mexicoโ€™s defense ministry confirmed that U.S. officials provided complementary intelligence information for the operation.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the killing as a significant development but expressed concern about the violence that followed.


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Central Ohio Gas Prices Jump, Nearing $3 Per Gallon

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Gas prices in central Ohio rose 15 cents this week, averaging $2.92 per gallon in Columbus, according to GasBuddy, as refinery maintenance and seasonal supply shifts impact costs.

Central Ohio Gas Prices Jump, Nearing $3 Per Gallon
Central Ohio Gas Prices Nearing $3 Per Gallon

Central Ohio Gas Prices Jump, Nearing $3 Per Gallon

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” Drivers across central Ohio are seeing higher prices at the pump this week, with several factors contributing to the increase.

According to a new survey from GasBuddy, gas prices at nearly 500 stations in and around Columbus rose by 15.1 cents per gallon over the past week. The average price now stands at $2.92 per gallon.

That figure is slightly higher than four weeks ago and about 8.6 cents more than this time last year.

Prices vary across the region. The lowest price recorded Sunday in the Columbus area was $2.54 per gallon, while the highest reached $3.03 โ€” a 49-cent difference depending on location.

Statewide, the average price of gas increased 7.8 cents to $2.84 per gallon.

Nationally, prices also ticked up, though more modestly. The U.S. average rose 1.2 cents to $2.88 per gallon. Diesel prices climbed 6.2 cents to $3.68 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said Ohio is among several โ€œprice cyclingโ€ states where gas prices fluctuate more noticeably.

โ€œAverage gasoline prices continue to drift higher as crude oil trades near its highest level since last summer,โ€ De Haan said. He pointed to geopolitical tensions, refinery outages, and seasonal supply tightening as contributing factors.

De Haan added that planned refinery maintenance is expected to increase in the coming weeks, which could further tighten supply. As winter transitions to spring, he said, the national average may approach the $3-per-gallon mark again.

For Ohio drivers, that means prices could continue trending upward in the weeks ahead.


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Tricia McLaughlin to Leave Department of Homeland Security

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Ohio native and DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin will step down this week amid ongoing controversy surrounding immigration enforcement and recent ICE-related shootings.

Tricia McLaughlin to Leave Department of Homeland Security
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirm, Tricia McLaughlin will step down from her communications role this week.

Tricia McLaughlin to Leave Department of Homeland Security

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” Ohio native Tricia McLaughlin will leave her position at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week, the agency confirmed.

McLaughlinโ€™s departure comes during a turbulent period for DHS, which has faced intense scrutiny over immigration enforcement policies and recent officer-involved shootings in Minnesota. The agency has also been navigating funding uncertainty as Congress debates immigration-related restrictions.

DHS did not provide details about McLaughlinโ€™s exact departure date, her reason for stepping down, or her next professional move. However, the agency released a statement from McLaughlin expressing gratitude for her time in the role.

โ€œI am enormously grateful to President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the American people for the honor and privilege to serve this great nation,โ€ McLaughlin said. โ€œI am immensely proud of the team we built and the historic accomplishments achieved by this Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.โ€

McLaughlin, who describes herself as a โ€œGrateful Ohioanโ€ from Montgomery near Cincinnati, previously served as communications director for Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. She also worked as a senior advisor for businessman Vivek Ramaswamy during his 2024 presidential campaign.

As DHS assistant secretary and spokeswoman, McLaughlin became one of the agencyโ€™s most visible public defenders. She faced backlash following her comments about two Minnesota incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

In one case, McLaughlin said Renee Good attempted to use a โ€œdeadly weaponโ€ against an ICE agent before she was shot and killed. Video footage of the incident sparked differing interpretations regarding whether Good posed an immediate threat.

McLaughlin also referred to Alex Pretti as a โ€œdomestic terroristโ€ following his death in a separate ICE-related shooting. Video from that incident raised questions about initial claims that Pretti had threatened agents with a firearm. Both ICE officers involved in Prettiโ€™s death have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation results.

The incidents drew bipartisan criticism. Recent national polls from organizations including PBS/NPR, Reuters, and the Associated Press-NORC suggest many Americans believe immigration enforcement actions have gone too far.

Despite the controversy, McLaughlin received praise from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who commended her work and public service.

โ€œShe has been a strong and fearless voice on behalf of President Trump and federal law enforcement,โ€ Leavitt said in a statement wishing her well.

DHS announced that Lauren Bis, currently deputy assistant secretary for media relations, will assume McLaughlinโ€™s role. Political commentator Katie Zacharia will serve as DHS spokeswoman, filling Bisโ€™ current position.


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Tax Deductions on Church Donations? Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing State Tax Deductions for Church Donations

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Ohio House Bill 444, known as the Tithing Protection Act, would allow taxpayers to deduct church donations on their state income taxes, aligning Ohio policy with federal law.

Tax Deductions on Church Donations? Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing State Tax Deductions for Church Donations
Tax Deductions on Church Donations? Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing State Tax Deductions for Church Donations

Tax Deductions on Church Donations? Ohio Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing State Tax Deductions for Church Donations

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” Ohio lawmakers are backing new legislation that would allow residents to deduct church donations from their state income taxes, arguing the change would align Ohio tax policy with federal law and strengthen faith-based services statewide.

House Bill 444, introduced by Reps. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) and Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), received its first hearing before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 11. The proposal is known as the โ€œTithing Protection Act.โ€

If approved, the measure would allow Ohio taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal returns to also deduct qualifying tithes and donations to churches when calculating their Ohio taxable income.

In sponsor testimony, Williams said churches and religious institutions play a vital role in supporting communities. He pointed to services such as food distribution, addiction recovery programs, homeless outreach, and youth mentorship initiatives.

โ€œH.B. 444 seeks to ensure that Ohio taxpayers who itemize deductions federally can also deduct church donations at the state level,โ€ Williams told committee members.

Supporters argue the bill would create consistency between federal and state tax systems, making Ohioโ€™s tax code more predictable. Williams added that encouraging charitable giving would direct more resources to local faith leaders who understand the specific needs of their communities.

Williams also noted a nationwide decline in religious giving, saying fewer Americans are contributing financially to churches compared to previous decades.

Jarrells emphasized the community role churches play beyond worship services. He described them as places where families receive meals, groceries, counseling, and support during challenging times.

โ€œThis legislation recognizes the role these institutions continue to play in the life of our state,โ€ Jarrells said. โ€œIt speaks to respect โ€” respect for faith, service, and the generations of Ohioans who rely on their churches for care and community.โ€

H.B. 444 now awaits further review and potential action by the House Ways and Means Committee.


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Governor DeWine Honors Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu During Ohio Black History Month 2026

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Global mental health advocate Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu was recognized by Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine at the Ohio Governorโ€™s Residence during Black History Month 2026.

Governor DeWine Honors Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu During Ohio Black History Month 2026
Governor DeWine Honors Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu During Ohio Black History Month 2026

Governor DeWine Honors Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu During Ohio Black History Month 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” International award-winning mental health advocate Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu was recently honored at the Ohio Governorโ€™s Residence as part of Black History Month 2026 celebrations.

Dr. Ahmadu was hosted by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine in recognition of his sustained contributions to community mental health, youth empowerment, suicide prevention efforts, and trauma-informed advocacy both in Ohio and internationally.

The acknowledgment highlights years of service that have impacted children, families, and underserved communities through school-based mental health initiatives, public health partnerships, and global advocacy platforms.

In a phone interview, Dr. Ahmadu described the invitation as both humbling and meaningful.

โ€œI give all glory to God for this recognition,โ€ he said. โ€œReceiving an official invitation from the Governor of Ohio affirms that service rooted in compassion and faith still matters. I am grateful to use my abilities to empower young people to cope with mental health challenges and inspire hope.โ€

Dr. Ahmadu said the recognition strengthens his commitment to continue expanding his work across Ohio communities.

โ€œThis honor represents responsibility and renewed commitment,โ€ he added. โ€œThe work continues โ€” building resilience, restoring dignity, and inspiring the next generation.โ€

The DeWine administration has described Black History Month as a time to celebrate excellence and community leadership that strengthens Ohio. Dr. Ahmaduโ€™s work aligns with that vision through prevention-focused mental health education, early intervention, and culturally responsive, faith-centered engagement.

Though Nigerian-born, Dr. Ahmadu has been active across Ohio through collaborations with schools, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, public health leaders, and government agencies. His initiatives include civic education outreach and programs aimed at addressing mental health challenges among youth.

โ€œFaith teaches us to serve, heal, and uplift others,โ€ he said. โ€œI am thankful that my professional experience and faith can work together to create positive change.โ€


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Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on State Route 3 in Northeast Columbus

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A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Toyota Camry on State Route 3 in northeast Columbus early Saturday morning. The Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Office is investigating.

Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on State Route 3 in Northeast Columbus
Authorities investigate a fatal pedestrian crash along State Route 3 in northeast Columbus early Saturday morning.

Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on State Route 3 in Northeast Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” A pedestrian died early Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle in northeast Columbus, according to the Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Office.

Deputies said the crash occurred just before 5:40 a.m. on State Route 3, south of Allwine Road. A taupe Toyota Camry was traveling southbound when it hit a pedestrian who was also walking south in the middle of the roadway.

Emergency crews responded quickly, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at approximately 5:45 a.m.

Authorities said the driver was not injured. The motorist initially left the scene, believing they had struck a deer, but returned shortly afterward.

Deputies from the Franklin County Sheriffโ€™s Office, along with first responders from Mifflin Township Fire and EMS, were dispatched to the scene.

The crash remains under investigation. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriffโ€™s Office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.


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House Bill 693: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bill to Protect Parents Over Gender Identity Disputes

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Ohio Republican lawmakers introduce House Bill 693, aiming to prevent child services from investigating parents solely for not affirming a childโ€™s gender identity, sparking debate over child welfare and parental rights.

House Bill 693: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bill to Protect Parents Over Gender Identity Disputes
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bill to Protect Parents Over Gender Identity Disputes

House Bill 693: Ohio Lawmakers Propose Bill to Protect Parents Over Gender Identity Disputes

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” Two Republican state lawmakers have introduced legislation designed to prevent child protective services from investigating parents solely for refusing to affirm a childโ€™s preferred gender identity.

State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) proposed House Bill 693, called the Affirming Families First Act. The lawmakers said the bill responds to concerns that some children services agencies may have challenged parental rights based on how parents address their childโ€™s gender identity.

โ€œThis legislation protects families from government overreach,โ€ Williams said. โ€œAffirming biological sex is not abuse, neglect, or contrary to a childโ€™s best interest. Parents have a constitutional right to raise their children consistent with biological reality, and we will continue to protect that right.โ€

Click and Williams cited media reports suggesting that Cuyahoga Countyโ€™s Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) had asked about gender identity when screening for abuse. Click said legislation is necessary to clarify limits, even though he had not directly contacted the agency.

Scott Britton, assistant director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio, said DCFS followed federal grant guidelines that have since expired. He added that while parents have constitutional rights, caseworkers must present evidence in court to challenge parental fitness.

โ€œThe picture painted of our system is one I didnโ€™t recognize,โ€ Britton said. โ€œWe are not actively seeking children to remove from homes without clear evidence of abuse or neglect.โ€ He noted, however, that LGBT youth remain overrepresented in the child welfare system, often because of conflict or abuse at home.

Both Click and Williams emphasized that H.B. 693 would not protect parents engaging in abusive or neglectful behavior. โ€œAbuse is abuse,โ€ Click said.

Family law expert Jennifer Goldson raised concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion. โ€œIt tells judges what constitutes abuse rather than allowing them to make decisions based on evidence,โ€ Goldson said, noting the legislation prioritizes parental rights over child welfare in certain cases.

Democratic leaders criticized the bill. House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn called it a distraction from supporting vulnerable youth, while Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio described the legislation as a โ€œsolution looking for a problemโ€ targeting transgender individuals.


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Governor Mike DeWine defends Les Wexner – Says Les Wexner Name Should Remain on OSU Buildings

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Governor Mike DeWine defends Les Wexner - Says Les Wexner Name Should Remain on OSU Buildings
Governor Mike DeWine defends Les Wexner – Says Les Wexner Name Should Remain on OSU Buildings

Governor Mike DeWine defends Les Wexner – Says Les Wexner Name Should Remain on OSU Buildings

COLUMBUS, Ohio โ€” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said Ohio State University should not remove businessman Les Wexnerโ€™s name from campus buildings, stating there is no evidence that Wexner was involved in sexual misconduct with associate Jeffrey Epstein.

DeWine made the remarks Thursday during Politicoโ€™s 2026 Governors Summit, held as part of the National Governors Associationโ€™s Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. His comments come ahead of the opening of a new building at the OSU Wexner Medical Center.

โ€œThere is no evidence that I am aware of that he has done anything wrong,โ€ DeWine said in response to a question about Wexnerโ€™s name on university buildings.

The new 26-story inpatient tower at the Wexner Medical Center is expected to welcome patients on Sunday. Featuring 24 operating rooms and 820 private rooms, the $1 billion facility is among the most advanced in the hospital system.

Wexner, who previously donated $100 million to OSU in 2011, has had his name on the medical center for 16 years. He also chairs the centerโ€™s board. His name appears on the Wexner Center for the Arts, a campus hub for contemporary arts and culture.

The Columbus-based entrepreneur founded L Brands Inc., which once owned major retail chains including Victoriaโ€™s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and The Limited. Wexner is now retired and serves as chairman emeritus of the company.

Wexnerโ€™s connection to Epstein dates back to the mid-1980s, when the financier became Wexnerโ€™s personal financial advisor and held power of attorney. Wexner has said he severed ties after learning Epstein misappropriated funds. Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008 and died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

In a recent written statement to the House Committee on Oversight and Government, Wexner said, โ€œHe was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.โ€

DeWine noted that, without evidence linking Wexner to any criminal acts, removing his name would be inappropriate. He acknowledged Wexnerโ€™s contributions to the community and the medical center, adding, โ€œBarring some new information of something illegal, I donโ€™t see a problem.โ€

However, not everyone agrees. OSUโ€™s nurse union has called for Wexnerโ€™s name to be removed.


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New Ohio Rehousing Program Moves Dozens from Homelessness into Permanent Apartments

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A winter rehousing initiative in Ohio is helping more than 40 individuals transition from homelessness into permanent supportive housing, offering stability and renewed hope.

New Ohio Rehousing Program Moves Dozens from Homelessness into Permanent Apartments
New Ohio Rehousing Program Moves Dozens from Homelessness into Permanent Apartments

New Ohio Rehousing Program Moves Dozens from Homelessness into Permanent Apartments

After years of living without stable shelter, dozens of Ohio residents are now stepping into apartments they can finally call home, thanks to a winter rehousing initiative supported by the Community Shelter Board.

Inside the Les Wexner Deposition: What He Told Congress About Epstein

For May Robbins and her husband, the journey to stability was long and uncertain. The couple spent nearly five years living in their car, enduring harsh weather and daily uncertainty.

โ€œTo be honest, I didnโ€™t think we would make it through the winter,โ€ Robbins said. โ€œWe didnโ€™t have heat or anything. If it wasnโ€™t for the hotel, my husband probably wouldnโ€™t have survived.โ€

Just before winter temperatures dropped to dangerous levels, the couple was selected for a rehousing program funded by the Community Shelter Board and managed by the nonprofit Make-A-Day. Participants are temporarily placed in hotels while waiting for permanent housing placements.

For Robbins, the long wait finally ended on move-in day.

โ€œWe honestly never thought we would get there,โ€ she said. โ€œIt was exciting. It felt great.โ€

She signed her lease and received the keys to her new apartment โ€” a moment that marked a significant turning point in her life.

The coupleโ€™s new home is part of a permanent supportive housing model. This approach provides affordable, community-based rental housing for individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness and may need additional mental or physical health support. Unlike traditional shelters, permanent supportive housing offers residents stability while connecting them to essential services.

โ€œWe ensure they have everything they need to succeed when they transition to a more independent setting,โ€ said Christy Hayes, executive director of Make-A-Day. โ€œThey are moving into independent apartments as renters, with the support necessary to maintain that stability.โ€

Through the program, residents have access to a team that helps with case management, community integration, and other supportive services designed to prevent future homelessness.

This winter season alone, the organization expects to place more than 40 individuals into permanent housing, offering a fresh start to people who once faced extreme housing insecurity.

โ€œI am just glad we finally have a place to call home,โ€ Robbins said. โ€œItโ€™s a wonderful feeling knowing there are people out there who truly care.โ€

Currently, the program operates only during the winter months, with funding scheduled to end in March. Both the Community Shelter Board and Make-A-Day are seeking additional funding to expand the initiative year-round, aiming to provide continuous support to individuals experiencing homelessness across Ohio.


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