STAFF/CONTACT US

Sheli Mathias – Director
Graduate of Capital University (B. S.)
& University of Dayton (M. S.).

Was an educator in the Reynoldsburg School District for 8 years. Spent a few years between teaching and The Open Shelter as a stay-at-home mother. Began volunteering for The Open Shelter in 2014 and was hired in November 2015.

Oversees our money management program, which assists approximately 40 homeless and marginally housed men and women with money management. Supervises and oversees the daily operations of the agency. Interacts with officers of the Board, volunteers, service providers, media and the public.

Solomon Dean – Deputy Director of Day Services

US Army Veteran. Has worked for The Open Shelter since 1998. Background in group home work. From Trenton, New Jersey. Has received numerous awards, including from the Columbus Coalition for The Homeless.

Is well respected and trusted by those we serve. Is considered the “backbone of the agency”. Works hands on with guests to make sure they get the clothing, food, hygiene items and resources they need to survive.

Sarah Hatchard – Director Of Guest Services

Was hired by The Open Shelter in November 2018. Graduate of Otterbein University with a B. A. in public relations and a minor in sociology. Previous work experience with Star House, Lutheran Social Services & The Ohio Association of Foodbanks.

Works with guests in making sure they receive resources they need to survive and thrive. Is very successful in building up a rapport with those we serve. Sarah is very passionate about Social Enterprise.

Glen Matson – Day Services Assistant

Native of Dayton, Ohio. Works with Deputy Director of Day Services, Solomon Dean, to make sure guests are served properly and things run smoothly day-to-day.

Has worked in restaurant, cleaning, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Started out as a volunteer for The Open Shelter and was hired in January 2024.

Jerome Jackson – Donations Liaison

Jerome is a member of our Payeeship Program. Jerome has volunteered with us for many years. He helps with taking in, sorting and organizing donations.

Jerome also helps make sure The Open Shelter runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. We are very grateful for Jerome’s help.

Alli Smith – Fiduciary Agent

Alli was hired in November 2023. She helps with our Payeeship Program, reconciling, and financials. She has a background in Business & Accounting. She worked in the Corporate Offices of Chase for 8 years.

Alli’s grandparents were Kent & Mary Beittel; Original Directors of The Open Shelter. She has helped at The Open Shelter since she was able to walk. Alli is a mother to two children, Aubrey & Macy, and wife to Dustin. She loves spending time with her family, doing crafts, and taking drives and trips.

Harry Yeprem Jr. – Resource Development Coordinator

Has worked for The Open Shelter since 1999. Lifelong Columbus, Ohio resident.  Graduate of Columbus South High School. Is responsible for fundraising for the agency, including composition and mailing of a quarterly newsletter. Handles social media, website and email contacts for the agency.

Handles mail and banking for guests and donors. Works with youth groups, businesses, churches, families and individuals as far as support.