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.
WE NEED YOU AT RED WHITE AND BOOM!
Have fun & help us staff beer tents at Red, White & BOOM on July 3rd to raise much-needed funds.
We need volunteers for two shifts….12-6p & 5-11p.
Volunteers have to be 21 years of age or older.
With it being on a Friday night this year and America 250, we think it could be very busy and profitable.
Interested? Have questions? Want to help? Call/text Harry Yeprem at 614-562-2169 or email him at harry@theopenshelter.org. Thanks!!!
Thank you to our friends at the AFC Entertaiment Group 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 2,151 homeless and marginally-housed persons so far in 2026 as of May 1st;
645 of whom were “living on the streets”.
19,448 sack lunches and 31,705 ‘to-go’ meals were provided. 28 men and women participated in our “Payeeship” program, which helps homeless and recently homeless persons who need third-party money management.
530 instances of outdoor item assistance were provided in addition to 1,775 instances of clothing assistance.
We also provided 942 hygiene kits & 216 diapers. 140 bus passes were passed out.
We also helped guests with acquiring hundreds of 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
