Columbus city leaders announce $19 million investment to help human services efforts
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus city leaders announced a $19 million investment set to help local human service organizations and their efforts; efforts that make stable housing possible for more residents, assisting with homeless shelters, infant vitality, and workforce preparedness.
Housing struggles continue in Columbus and Mayor Andrew Ginther believes the housing struggles could run for 10 to 15 years. But, in order to relieve that struggle, the city needed to help with funds.
Ginther said he is happy the city can lend that help.
"Because we're able to invest right now into our neighbors. Who have been facing unprecedented challenges during this pandemic," he said.
Roughly $4.4 million will go directly to 40 human services organizations. $5.4 million will go to the annual funding for the Community Shelter Board and $4.5 million will assist in the surge funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Joining Ginther in these efforts, is Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin who stresses now is the time to help neighbors throughout Central Ohio.
"Too many of us are struggling in real ways right now and we believe that this 20 million dollar investment will help give that little bump-up to help get them back in our system and into our economy," Hardin said.
Both Ginter and Hardin told us the housing issue began before the pandemic. Mayor Ginther said the housing "problem has now escalated to a crisis" because of the pandemic. That crisis could become a bigger issue as Central Ohio continues to grow.
"And our community continues to grow. With Intel and Hyperion and the Rumpke expansion. Our community is going to continue to grow, and we're going to continue to create jobs. Now we need to invest in the housing units to house those workers, so we can continue to grow our economy," Ginther said.
Columbus City Council will consider the legislation authorizing these funds at its regular meeting on Monday, April 4.
