Community Shelter Board

For 40 years, CSB has worked alongside partners, supporters, and community members to help families and individuals find stable housing and move beyond homelessness.

As part of our 40th anniversary celebration, we're sharing a special video that looks back on the vision of our founders and the collective effort that has shaped our work since 1986. Through these stories, you'll see how collaboration has helped create lasting changes across the Central Ohio region.

As we look to the future, we're committed to expanding access to housing, strengthening prevention efforts, and ensuring every neighbor has access to stable housing.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/OdvSqjpNiMg?si=MCjc_0rGT0DFpDZx

When you think about our community, what changes have you seen that have made Central Ohio a stronger place to call home? We'd appreciate hearing your thoughts in the comments.

CSB 40th Anniversary Event Video Were celebrating 40 years of collaborative impact with CSB as we ho...

We are continually inspired by the incredible generosity of our community! Your ongoing support is helping more of our neighbors access housing and critical support services in Franklin County and the Central Ohio region.

As a reminder, you can still amplify your impact. Bath & Body Works is matching all gifts through June 30. Your gift fuels our housing-focused mission and helps us build a stronger community together. Make your matched donation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/F_OfaQ?vid=1qvaup

Homelessness does not happen in isolation, it is often the result of broader pressures in housing affordability, rising costs, stagnant incomes, and limited access to stable housing options.

This latest reporting reinforces what communities across Ohio, including Central Ohio, are experiencing. Our 2026 Point-in-Time Count identified 2,587 people experiencing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County and found a 43% increase in unsheltered homelessness — meaning more people are living outside, in vehicles, and in places not meant for human habitation.

The data reinforces what we know: homelessness is increasingly becoming a housing issue that requires regional solutions.

At CSB, we know the response requires more than shelter alone. It requires sustained investment in affordable housing, prevention, outreach, supportive services, and coordinated partnerships that help people remain stably housed before a crisis occurs.

Read more below ⬇️

Ohio homelessness rate above the national average: report COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released its annual homelessness assessment report, showing homelessness is on the rise across Ohio and is above t…

Many people assume homelessness is primarily the result of individual circumstances, but as Shannon Isom discusses in a recent episode of “So, Let's Talk Columbus”, the issue is often much bigger than that. Rising housing costs, limited affordable housing options, and growing pressure on community resources all play a role.

This conversation with Michael Wilkos of United Way of Central Ohio dives into what's driving homelessness in Central Ohio and what it will take for all of us to be part of the solution.

Take a listen to Part One of the discussion, then come back and share your thoughts. What surprised you most, or what do you think our community should prioritize moving forward?

Listen here: https://youtu.be/-6l71Y4B48M?si=b1UOjP8FczbCaD7h

Stay tuned for Part Two, coming soon.

Episode 8: Beyond the Shelter Door: A Conversation with Shannon Isom (Part 1) In this episode of So, Let’s Talk Columbus, Michael talks with Shan...

CSB in the News: When temperatures rise, so do the risks for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Across Central Ohio, public service agencies are working together to help people stay safe during this stretch of extreme heat and throughout the summer. From access to cooling centers and hydration to outreach and support services, collaboration is making a difference.

Read the story here: https://www.wosu.org/2026-06-10/public-services-help-limit-risk-of-heat-related-illness-for-people-who-are-unsheltered-during-summer

We're grateful to WOSU Public Media for highlighting this important issue and the collective efforts underway to protect our community's most vulnerable residents.

Public services help limit risk of heat-related illness for people who are unsheltered during summer As Ohio's summer season begins, the visibility of those who are unhoused increases. Many people who lack access to heat management conditions in residencies, restaurants or offices opt to use outdoor public spaces.

As we look back on our incredible 40th-anniversary celebration, we want to give a shout-out to our sponsors who made this year’s Under One Roof event possible.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, the Tad & Nancy Jeffery Fund, and our Match Sponsor, Bath & Body Works. We also want to thank our Heading Home Sponsors: OCCH, Nationwide Insurance, Huntington National Bank, and Worthington Enterprises Foundation. Special thanks to our Reception Sponsor, Bread Financial, and our Warm Welcome Sponsor, Orix, as well as all our other dedicated sponsors featured on csb.org/uor.

Your generosity fuels our housing-focused mission. Support our work at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/F_OfaQ?vid=1qup1n

As communities continue to face housing affordability challenges, one thing is clear: lasting change happens when people work together.

A recent NBC4 story shares one man's journey to stability and highlights the power of a coordinated network of agencies, partners, funders, and community supporters. His story is a reminder that no one organization can solve homelessness alone.

Watch the interview: https://bit.ly/4uSlK37

This year marks 40 years of CSB working alongside partners across our community to help people find stability. We're proud of what we've accomplished together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this work.

What role do you think community partnerships play in creating stronger, more stable communities?

A network of support This segment is sponsored by Community Shelter Board This week, the Community Shelter Board is celebrating a big milestone. This year marks 40 years of providing stable housing for teens and adults…

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for an unforgettable evening celebrating 40 years of housing-focused work! We are incredibly grateful for the partners, funders, and friends who stand with us to ensure everyone has an affordable, stable home.

If you did not get a chance to give at last night’s Under One Roof, you can still contribute and make a difference. Bath & Body Works Foundation is generously matching all donations until June 30. Make your gift today and help us continue our mission across Franklin County and the Central Ohio region on our website: https://bit.ly/4o7PoPm

Tonight’s the night! We're excited about this special evening celebrating 40 years of housing-focused work at CSB. This anniversary is more than a milestone; it is a chance to reflect on what is possible when a community of partners comes together with a shared commitment to housing stability in Franklin County and the Central Ohio region.

At this evening’s event, our guests are taking a moment to recharge, reconnect, and reflect on the advances we have made together through collaboration and innovation. We are grateful to everyone who joined us tonight to support this work.

Stay tuned as we share highlights from the event!