City of Springfield, Clark County leaders look to state for help with newfound homelessness crisis

CLARK COUNTY — A group of Springfield and Clark County community leaders are calling on the State of Ohio to help with the growing number of people who need shelter or are homeless because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interfaith Hospitality Network Executive Director Elaina Bradley said the number of people who have turned to her agency for help has skyrocketed.

Pre-pandemic, Interfaith was housing around 55 men, women and children between its two shelters.

But in March, the agency was advised to close due to health concerns with the congregate living set up that Interfaith has utilized.

Even with the shelters closed – more people needed help as the pandemic continued. Interfaith staff and other community leaders worked around the clock to relocate those who were in need of shelter to available hotel rooms.

There are currently about 150 people still using those rooms, including families and children.

But there are still about 220 people – 94 of which are children – which are on a waitlist for shelter as winter quickly approaches.

Interfaith had to enact a waitlist for shelter for the first time in 10 years this summer. Many of those on waitlist are currently living out of their cars or in tents around the city. Interfaith notes that some of those people are experiencing homelessness for the first time.

The issue has been top of mind for organizations like the Clark County Emergency Management Agency, the Clark County Combined Health District, the City of Springfield, Clark County and a group of local clergy members from various denominations.

Collectively, they have reached out to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office for help. A request for information and assistance was submitted on Sunday. The group is looking for the assistance of an expert at the State level to help them plan to handle the surge.

Central Christian Church Pastor Carl Ruby said the response was immediate.

“Within hours of reaching out to the governor, we’re getting calls from cabinet members,” he said.

While community leaders wait for further direction from the state level, planning continues on the transformation of the former U.S. Army Downs Armory site off of West High Street into more housing for the homeless.

The property has been vacant for several years, but the goal is to create a 50-bed shelter for men, women and children that allow for COVID-19 regulations.

However, it’s possible the project will not be completed until the first part of 2021.

Interfaith is immediately asking the community for donations including hygiene products, clothes, socks and underwear – especially for small children.

Donations can be dropped off at the Interfaith office or shipped to Interfaith directly if the items are purchased online.

Cox Media Group