Over the past two years, leaders of Franklin County’s seven emergency shelter providers have been meeting to identify dedicated funding for the emergency shelter system. We are inviting the public to learn about the shelter system and the consequences of not sustainably funding emergency shelters.
Some statistics:
- Together the Shelter Providers Network operates emergency shelters with nearly 1,400 beds and nearly 300 overflow beds in case of cold weather or crisis.
- Last year, the Shelter Providers Network served 9,500 people with homelessness and domestic violence intervention services.
- Homelessness increased in Franklin County by 24% between 2022 and 2024.
- Unsheltered homelessness is expected to increase by 68% between 2024 and 2028.
- From 2018 to 2021, the Shelter Providers Network has self-funded an average of $11.5M in expenses per year.
- COVID one-time funding stabilized the shelter system for the last three years, but that funding will end in June 2025.
- The total cost of keeping our shelters open in 2025 will be approximately $31 million. The total gap in local revenue required for sustainability is $24 million, $15 million of which has no identified source.
What will happen if we do not find a sustainable way to fund the emergency shelter system? Within six months, hundreds of shelter beds will close, families with children and domestic violence victims in harm’s way will not be guaranteed a bed, and existing expertise will be lost. These realities mean worse ratings on HUD’s measurement, which equates to less HUD funding for other interventions like rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing.
Below is a shortened version of our case for support that paints a picture of the situation. As you will see, covering the gap that inadequate and stagnant funding has produced for many years is no longer an option for the Shelter Providers Network. We simply cannot continue to provide excellent and life-transforming services at our current rate within the present funding structure.
As we work to share our options with elected officials, we ask for your help in increasing awareness of the growing issue of homelessness and the ongoing support needed for the Columbus shelter system. And, when the time is right, we will reach out as we embark on our advocacy phase, where the message will be shared more broadly within our community. Stay tuned for more information as we have it.
View the Pathway to Frontline Sustainability Case for Support here.