The State of Ohio Development Services Agency has announced the awarding of $23.8 to support shelters for the homeless and help homeless Ohioans find permanent housing.
A Mansfield non profit is among the 76 local organizations to receive a grant in this initiative.
The goal of the program is to support homeless prevention, emergency shelters and permanent housing initiatives. “We’re helping homeless Ohioans get back on their feet,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.
Grants from the Homeless Crisis Response Program will help 50 nonprofit and local government agencies operate emergency shelters and quickly move individuals from emergency shelters to permanent housing. Approximately 46,374 Ohioans will be assisted through the program. Funding for the programs is from the Ohio Housing Trust Fund and the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program.
Grants from the Supportive Housing Program will help 36 nonprofit agencies transition homeless Ohioans to permanent housing or provide permanent supportive housing to homeless people with disabilities. Approximately 7,100 Ohioans will be assisted through the program. Funding for the program is from the Ohio Housing Trust Fund.
Locally, some $349,800 has been awarded to Mansfield’s Harmony House and its Homeless Crisis Response Program.
Founded in 1990, Harmony House’s website describes the organization and its programming as follows: “We provide our clients with emergency shelter, services and case management, as we support them in their efforts to become self-reliant. On average, Harmony House provides 20,000 nights of lodging and 60,000 meals to over 700 homeless men, women and children every year. Approximately 1/3 of Harmony House residents are disabled, 1/3 are employed and 1/3 are searching for employment.”
