FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — The circumstances that lead to individuals becoming homeless are different for everyone.
“I had lost my mom, house, cats, everything,” said Joey Dawn, who experienced homelessness.
For Dawn, it started in 2017.
“The depression got so bad and I couldn’t stay on meds,” he said.
He fell into a feeling of depression.
“It’s been the loss, the grief. It’s been a lot all at once. I’ve been struggling with all of that, on top of that my mental health,” said Dawn.
Those feelings made everything else in Dawn’s life more difficult. He found himself in a homeless shelter and thanks to the Community Housing Network, he finally landed a more permanent home.
The Community Shelter Board released data showing 2,380 people are homeless in Franklin County, an almost 2% increase from 2023.
“If you have a serious mental illness, it can interrupt your ability to have income, it can also interrupt your ability to maintain relationships,” said Samantha Shuler, CEO of the Community Housing Network.
The Community Housing Network focuses on providing permanent supportive housing for those who have a mental or physical disability. Shuler said poor mental health and homelessness are often correlated.
Right now, they have about 1,500 units that house 2,600 people in Franklin County. But Shuler said the city needs at least 800 more.
“At least another 800 units and that will only grow if this trend of people who we serve keeps growing at a rapid rate,” she said.
As the cost of homes rises, Shuler said homelessness will continue to climb.
“Franklin County is seeing rising housing costs, faster than almost any other community in the country. We know there is huge correlation between affordable housing and homelessness,” said Shuler.
For Dawn, he said his journey has been full of ups and downs. But every day continues to get better.
“Get the courage and you’ll be fine. You’ll find the right person to help,” said Dawn.