OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Open Shelter is an Advocacy Center & Day Services Shelter for homeless and marginally-housed people in Central Ohio. We provide crucial needs directly to those in crisis. Coordinated, supportive services are also provided, directly or by referral.
Thank you to our new friends at Back to Hope Foundation for creating this video, which reflects the care and compassion YOU support each day here at The Open Shelter.
It is only thanks to YOU that we can continue “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.
See more about Back To Hope at www.backtohopefoundation.net
LATEST NEWS
The Open Shelter & YOU assisted 840 homeless and marginally-housed persons in January 2026; 302 of whom were “living on the streets”.
4,289 sack lunches and 5,530 ‘to-go’ meals were provided. 27 men and women participated in our “Payeeship” program, which helps homeless and recently homeless persons who need third-party money management.
84 instances of outdoor item assistance were provided in addition to 368 instances of clothing assistance.
We also provided 172 hygiene kits & 73 diapers. 36 bus passes were passed out.
We also helped guests with acquiring State IDs, Drivers Licenses, and Birth Certificates.
There is also access to phones, copiers, faxes, and computers in addition to providing a mailing address.
This is only possible because of YOUR support.
YOU keep The Open Shelter OPEN!
We look forward to your continuing support this year.
Thank You.
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers can help in a number of different ways.
Preparing and serving food.
We can always use food groups to serve a hot meal in the mornings and also need volunteers. Taking in and sorting donations. Organizing and sorting our Material Assistance Room. Cleaning and sprucing up our agency. Clerical and office duties.
We are willing to work with YOU and YOUR GROUP in regards to donation & pledge drives. Need more info? Want to help? Please give us a call at 614-222-2885 or email us at tosi@theopenshelter.org.
The Open Shelter, Inc.
1037 Parsons Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43206
614-222-2885
tosi@theopenshelter.org
