Thousands – and growing

Last year nearly 8,000 individuals experienced homelessness.

Single adults and families with children

Last year, the emergency shelter system served 3,445 men,
1,144 women and 876 families.

Poverty increases demand

Nearly 40% of renters are “housing cost burdened,” paying one-third or more of their income for housing costs. Many people served by emergency shelters lack sufficient income to rent a typical apartment in Columbus. Families entering shelter earned an average income of only $480 a month, with the average apartment in Columbus renting at $780 a month.

Many homeless veterans

10% of those served by emergency shelters and street outreach have served their country in the armed forces. The greatest number of homeless veterans are single men.

Children caught in the safety net

The number of children experiencing homelessness in our community grew from 1,400 to 1,700 over the last year. Two-thirds of them were 7 years old or younger, and families tended to be headed by a young, single parent.

You can make a difference.

Help people out of crisis and into safety and security. Donate the amount of one day’s rent or mortgage payment to One Day to End Homelessness.

*Based on 2010 data.