Homeless Shelters in Ohio

In Ohio, an increasing number of people face homelessness, making it a serious issue. Chronic homelessness ranks among the top 10 states facing the issue. Currently, at least10,655 people are homeless, 1.84% of the state’s total population. A further 14.60% of the homeless population remains unsheltered.
These figures are concerning because of their upward trajectory. Every day individuals try hard to get off the street, but very few, if any, succeed.
This article explores the issue and provides a way for homeless people to find relief.

What Is Cause of Homelessness in Ohio

There are multiple reasons why people end up homeless, even if they have tried to get their lives back on track.
Individuals are caught in a cycle of homelessness that seems inescapable due to the following factors:

1. Poverty: Recently, the country has experienced a period of economic instability which has caused many people to fall into the poverty cycle where they have no safety net. Once individuals enter this cycle, getting resources becomes difficult to turn their lives around.
2. Disability: Disability or an injury that prevents an individual from working a specific job is another key cause of chronic homelessness.
3. Substance addiction: Once an individual has an addiction to alcohol or hard drugs, they become so helpless that all their earned money is spent on these drugs. Such prolonged adductions contribute to homelessness.
4. Mental illnesses: Untreated mental illnesses like depression can lead to homelessness, especially for military veterans affected by PTSD.

Government Intervention

The government of Ohio has set up programs to tackle the rising homelessness. However, these interventions have done little to detract from the growing rate of homelessness in the state. Veterans, whole households, and young adults still face the threat of homelessness because of the above-identified issues. In 2014 the Ohio Interagency Council on Homelessness and Affordable housing targeted the creation of 6000 units to help homeless individuals with disabilities.
COHHIO’s recently created a program to help people transition out of homelessness in Ohio. This program coordinates entry into local homeless services.  It helps people move through the system until they are no longer homeless. This approach has standardized access to homeless services and supports the coordination of program referrals.

Homeless Shelters in Ohio

Homeless shelters are critical because they attack the roots of homelessness through various support services and provide food and shelter for homeless people. At least 300 homeless shelters in the state house 10,000 people in Ohio.
If you are homeless, you can access a homeless shelter by calling (216) 674-6700. This will allow for coordinated entry into the system. The service is available between 8 am and 8 pm during the weekdays. For after-hours and weekends, families can call2-1-1 to get program referrals.
However, the number of homeless individuals exceeds the number of homeless shelters, which is why the collaborative entry system is crucial in solving homelessness.

Other Governmental Provisions

The Ohio government has additional provisions to tackle the homeless situation in the state.

1. Housing First model- This provision offers access to houses to individuals experiencing minimum income threshold and mental health treatment.
2. Alcohol and drug abuse services- There are plenty of programs available for homeless individuals struggling with addictions, which is crucial in tackling homelessness.
3. Home relief grant- The home relief grant helps individuals at risk of homelessness to apply for housing assistance.