COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Community Housing Network is planning on building 50 one-bedroom apartments in east Columbus.
“It's for individuals who have been homeless, or have a disability,” said Ryan Cassell, chief development officer with the organization.
Cassell said the housing is for people are low income and need the help the most.
The community shelter board will take referrals for the units, then determine who is most appropriate for the building.
“We identify the people that are hardest to serve on the homelessness county and find housing that supports those people to stop being homeless,” said Cassell.
But the housing unit is more than just a roof over people's head. It’s a place they can get social services.
“We work with them, build a relationship, find out what it is that helped lead them to homelessness. Then we find supportive services to wrap around that individual so they can remain stably housed,” said Cassell.
Those social services can look different for every tenant.
“It can be education, employment, but also getting them linked to benefits they may be eligible for. It can be making sure they are connected to health services they may need,” he said.
Cassell said the goal is to end homelessness for those who move into the apartment. He said that’s possible by providing the permanent housing and support.
The Community Housing Network hopes to break ground on the project in 2025, and complete construction by 2026.
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