CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, a crucial time to look beyond stereotypes and confront the human beings behind the headlines.
The face of homelessness is often not who you think it is! It is the family sleeping in their car after an unexpected job loss or an insurmountable medical bill. It is the young person who has aged out of the foster care system, with nowhere to go. It is victims of domestic violence seeking a safe haven.
Families are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in our area. These are our neighbors, and their stories are reminders that a complex web of factors—from a lack of affordable housing to systemic inequities—can lead to housing instability.
At “Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter”, we believe that everyone deserves the dignity and stability of a safe home. We work tirelessly not just to provide immediate shelter, but to offer comprehensive, client-centered programs and services that address the root causes of housing instability, such as case management, job searches, mental health services, housing navigation assistance, etc.
Awareness is the first step, but action is where change truly grows. This Homelessness Awareness Month, we call on our community to:
- Lead with empathy: Challenge your own perceptions of homelessness.
- Volunteer or donate: “Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter”, relies on the generous support of our community to continue our vital work.
- Advocate for change: Encourage our elected officials to support policies that increase the availability of affordable housing and provide adequate resources for those in need.
Homelessness does not have to be permanent. When we provide individuals and families with the right resources at the right time, we can help them rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness. Together, we can create a future where everyone in Marion, Delaware, Morrow, Union, Delaware, and Crawford Counties have a place to call home.