Raising Funds to Transform Lives
Help men, women and children exit emergency shelter and return to safe and stable housing by making your gift today.
The YMCA of Central Ohio envisions a future of strong communities where all people reach their full potential. We know when individuals fulfill their basic needs, they can achieve bigger goals, allowing them to thrive in all aspects of their lives. That’s why our Give Hope campaign is essential.
Our communities have seen dramatic rises in unemployment and homelessness, as well as a shortage of affordable housing, leaving our neighbors and their families vulnerable. The YMCA of Central Ohio and our community partners are dedicated to giving hope back to our clients, and we need your help!
Give Hope raises funds to transform the lives of men, women and children facing homelessness through immediate access to critical support services to exit emergency shelter and return to stable housing. Families in emergency shelter receive support on their pathway back into stable housing. This includes developing housing stabilization plans, finding appropriate housing and getting linked to community resources, such as employment, healthcare, job training and budgeting resources. Short-term financial assistance covers the costs of rent, security deposit and utilities. Without this specialized assistance, these men, women and children would likely continue to be homeless.
Current Need in Ohio
- Columbus is the 14th largest and among the fastest growing cities in the United States.
- Columbus’ rapid population growth has led to reduced access to affordable housing and a 38% increase in housing rents since 2018.
- Today, there are only 26 affordable rental units available for every 100 extremely low-income renters in Columbus - significantly worse than the national average of 34 affordable rental units per every 100 families.
- A report found that in 2022, 70% of Ohio’s lowest income renters were considered “severely housing cost burdened” - the highest percentage since 2016.
Transformational Change Through the YMCA
In 2023, the YMCA of Central Ohio helped 1,800 individuals maintain or obtain stable housing. More than 5,900 individuals, 1,298 of them children, were provided with a safe place and warm meal at the YMCA Van Buren Center.
In 2023, the YMCA of Central Ohio rapid re-housing programs served 986 households with a 58% success rate in obtaining stable housing.
The YMCA Van Buren Center is the largest provider of emergency shelter services throughout Central Ohio, serving more than 45,000 individuals since 2014.
Please join us in transforming lives and giving hope back to men, women and children facing homelessness by making your gift today.