LATEST NEWS

THE OPEN SHELTER, INC. Joins NASCAR Day Giveathon A nationwide 37-hour online giving campaign begins May 14 at 8 AM ET at NASCARdaygiveathon.org Columbus, Ohio (April 22, 2024) – The Open Shelter, Inc. is joining NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation for the second-annual NASCAR Day Giveathon, an online giving campaign to raise $650,000 in charitable funds for local charities across… Read more: Proud To Be Part Of The 2024 NASCAR Day GiveAThon!

We want to thank everyone who not only matched a $5000 gift that was up for grabs but SLAM DUNKED that goal and pushed it to a total of $8097.00!!! A very special thanks to our new friends Jeff, Jason, Chris, Pat, and Amy from Eldorado Scioto Downs powered by Caesars Entertainment who came through at the buzzer with… Read more: THANK YOU FOR MAKING MATCH MADNESS A SLAM DUNK!

Anthony is a guest we have assisted for a long time. He also has a history with us since our time on State St. But no matter his struggles, we have been there for him. And he has been there for us, providing a pizza party for those we serve, which he will share with… Read more: Assisting Anthony

Anne is a long-time supporter of The Open Shelter who also volunteers for us and those we serve faithfully. Anne shared with us a little bit about herself and what The Open Shelter means to her. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF “I am from the east side of Columbus. I grew up in south… Read more: Asking Anne

Glen Matson was recently hired as our Day Services Assistant. He works hand in hand with our Deputy Director of Day Services, Solomon Dean, to make sure our guests, homeless and marginally housed men, women, and children, feel safe, secure, and helped each day. We sat down with Glen to learn a little bit more… Read more: Get To Know Glen

Miss Sadie has had to overcome many struggles in her life. She has lived a full life and The Open Shelter has been there along the way. She sat down to share about herself and how The Open Shelter has assisted her. “I am from Mississippi. I have been in Columbus for over 30 years.… Read more: Miss Sadie Shares

The Open Shelter was able to provide a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2023 to nearly 50 families, over 225 children, and hundreds of men and women, thanks to the caring, thoughtful, and loving efforts of so many. Toys, games, hygiene kits, care packages, clothing, food baskets, and delicious meals were provided to our homeless… Read more: WHAT A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON THANKS TO YOU!

The Open Shelter and those we serve THANK YOU for a Great Giving Tuesday!!! Your support and donations raised over $6500 for our mission of “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”. This is the most The Open Shelter has ever raised for Giving Tuesday. YOUR support makes sure that we are able to provide CRUCIAL NEEDS for homeless and… Read more: THANK YOU FOR A GREAT GIVING TUESDAY!

On December 6th, 1983 The Open Shelter was born thanks to the efforts of Kent Beittel. It was the first 24-hour emergency walk-in shelter in Ohio. Kent was described in many ways; “fierce advocate for the homeless”, “relentless and stubborn champion for social justice”, “maverick”, “Don Quixote of the city’s homeless” and unfortunately, in other… Read more: 40 YEARS OF SERVICE THANKS TO YOUR GIVING!

Kathy Jackson has been a generous and loyal supporter of The Open Shelter and those we serve for many, many years. Whether it is helping us for a special Holiday Event, urgent need, or just being there for our guests; Kathy has always come through for our mission of “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.… Read more: Supporter Spotlight: Kathy Jackson