DAY SHELTER & ADVOCACY CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS & MARGINALLY HOUSED
1037 Parsons Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43206
Scheduled Appointment Hours:
10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Staff is available for scheduled appointments for payeeship negotiations, case management interventions, donation drop-offs, etc.
Hours:
10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Open to everyone
Do you need help getting your State ID and/or birth certificate?
Yes, we offer this high-quality, free service but we are not a fast service so BE PREPARED TO WAIT!
We take WALK-INS ONLY on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10am to 12pm (HARD STOP @ NOON NO MATTER WHAT) to…
- RECEIVE A VOUCHER for an ID/DL/Temps/CDL and/or
- PLACE AN ORDER for an Ohio and/or Out-of-State birth certificate(s).
Thanks to our partnership with Voteriders, The Open Shelter is able to offer FREE ID/DL vouchers and assistance ordering peoples’ BC up to twice a lifetime per guest.
For guests who cannot come in-person to The Open Shelter during our walk-in hours, they should instead reach out to VoteRiders directly by calling (866)432-8683 to leave a VM or by e-mailing Helpline@VoteRiders.org and wait for a volunteer to respond within 48 hours to remotely assist with whatever is needed.
*FOR CASE MANAGERS: If you are interested in ordering/picking up on behalf of your client(s), please e-mail tosi@theopenshelter.org so we may connect about how the process works.
Sack Lunches (as available):
Lunches are offered starting at 10 AM
Do you need a Legal Mailing Address?
With staff permission, our address (1037 Parsons Ave., Columbus OH 43206) may be used as a Legal Mailing Address.
Do you need to make a local telephone call or send a fax?
Local telephone calls and faxes may be made during open hours, with staff assistance.
Personal Hygiene Bags (as available):
Personal Hygiene Bags are offered on the 1st Wednesday of even numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December).
On-Site Specialists:
Schedule an appointment with one of our On-Site Specialists when available.
For new persons living “on the streets:”
An introduction to all services and orientation will be given on the first visit.
For persons living “on the streets,” “camping,” in cars or “abandoned” buildings:
• Clothing (as available) is offered on Tuesday.
• “To-go” Meals (as available) are offered on Tuesday or Thursday.
• “Camper’s Closet” for survival supplies (as available) are offered when meeting with our Day Services Director.
• Health issues, such as wet clothes, will be addressed when presented.
For persons utilizing our Social Security Payeeship Program:
• Initial interview (by appointment with Deputy Director of Day Services).
• Budget and process negotiation interview (by appointment).
• 2 business day turn-around for special requests not in budget plan.
• Access to all services for guests on person’s first “Check Day” for the week.
• Appointments with payee
For new persons from shelter or treatment programs:
An introduction to all services and orientation will be given on the first visit.
For persons in shelters or treatment programs:
• A referral from that agency to The Open Shelter is required, specifying assistance requested (Except for sack lunches).
• Clothing (as available) is offered.
• Advocacy with case managers, program staff, property managers (by appointment).
For persons in independent housing or supportive housing:
• A referral from supportive housing program to The Open Shelter is required, specifying assistance requested (Except for sack lunches).
• Clothing (as available) is offered on the 1st or 2nd Monday of each month.
• “To go” meals are offered on the last full week of the month, Tuesday or Thursday.
• Advocacy with landlords & property managers (by appointment).