The Open Shelter

SERVICES

DAY SHELTER & ADVOCACY CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS & MARGINALLY HOUSED

1037 Parsons Ave.  Columbus, Ohio  43206

Scheduled Appointment Hours:
9 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday

Staff is available for scheduled appointments for housing applications, social security applications/appeals, payeeship negotiations, case management interventions, donation drop-offs, etc.

Hours:
10 AM – 2 PM, Monday – Friday
Open to everyone

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).

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 for help with Social Security, Housing, Healthcare, etc. 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.
• Assistance in securing Shelter/Housing/Treatment (by appointment).
• 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).

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