OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The Open Shelter is an Advocacy Center & Day Services Shelter for homeless and marginally-housed people in Central Ohio. We provide crucial needs directly to those in crisis. Coordinated, supportive services are also provided, directly or by referral.
YOU MADE MATCH MADNESS 2026 THE BIGGEST EVER!
We would like to extend a HUGE, WONDERFUL THANK YOU to EVERYONE who made Match Madness 2026 the BIGGEST EVER!!!
Nearly 170 donated for a total raised of almost $27,000!!!
This support is vital as we assist an increasing number of homeless and marginally housed men, women, and children each day. YOU make it possible for us to provide crucial needs like food, clothing, and hygiene items and supportive services such as third party money management, and Birth Certificate & State ID assistance.
If you donated during Match Madness, keep your eyes and ears open!
We will be drawing, at random, winners of the great prizes donated by so many wonderful partners!
THANK YOU to Danny Wimmer Presents, Red White & BOOM, Hollywood Casino, Kings Island, Columbus Clippers, CAPA, Original Goodie Shop, Plank’s, The Walrus, HOMAGE, Refectory, Roosters, Bodega, COSI, Cane’s, Moo Moo Car Wash, Graeter’s, Franklin Park Conservatory, Schreiner’s Hardware, Studio 35, Grandview Theater, Olentangy Caverns, Shakers Public House, Donatos, Pins Mechanical Company, Columbus Piave Club, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and Hofbrauhaus Columbus!
We also would like to thank QFM96, Lamar Advertising of Columbus, Ohio and 97.1 The Fan for helping us promote Match Madness 2026!
It was a HUGE ASSIST!
Thank you to our friends at Back to Hope Foundation for creating this video, which reflects the care and compassion YOU support each day here at The Open Shelter.
It is only thanks to YOU that we can continue “Staying Behind With Those Left Behind”.
See more about Back To Hope at www.backtohopefoundation.net
LATEST NEWS
The Open Shelter & YOU have assisted 1,757 homeless and marginally-housed persons so far in 2026 as of April 1st;
554 of whom were “living on the streets”.
14,321 sack lunches and 22,460 ‘to-go’ meals were provided. 27 men and women participated in our “Payeeship” program, which helps homeless and recently homeless persons who need third-party money management.
417 instances of outdoor item assistance were provided in addition to 1,234 instances of clothing assistance.
We also provided 579 hygiene kits & 168 diapers. 98 bus passes were passed out.
We also helped guests with acquiring State IDs, Drivers Licenses, and Birth Certificates.
There is also access to phones, copiers, faxes, and computers in addition to providing a mailing address.
This is only possible because of YOUR support.
YOU keep The Open Shelter OPEN!
We look forward to your continuing support this year.
Thank You.
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers can help in a number of different ways.
Preparing and serving food.
We can always use food groups to serve a hot meal in the mornings and also need volunteers. Taking in and sorting donations. Organizing and sorting our Material Assistance Room. Cleaning and sprucing up our agency. Clerical and office duties.
We are willing to work with YOU and YOUR GROUP in regards to donation & pledge drives. Need more info? Want to help? Please give us a call at 614-222-2885 or email us at tosi@theopenshelter.org.
The Open Shelter, Inc.
1037 Parsons Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43206
614-222-2885
tosi@theopenshelter.org
