Housing

1.) Star House
1220 Corrugated Way
Columbus, OH 43201
(614) 826-5868

A 24-hour drop-in center for homeless youth, ages 14-24, that provides food, clothing, hygiene items, showers, laundry facilities and assistance with bus passes, employment, housing, and education. Star House also operates Carol Stewart Village (CSV)—a neighborhood for young adults, ages 18-24, with on-site programs and services.

2.) Huckleberry House YOP Shop
2216 Bancroft St.
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 826-3630

Computers and wifi access, connection to community resources, staff help with housing, employment and education needs and referral to additional resources. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm, but if you can’t get there during those times, you can call (614) 826-3630 to leave a message, and staff will find a way to connect with you on your terms.

3.) Tenant Landlord Mediation
67 Jefferson Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 228-7191

These services are provided by Community Mediation Services of Ohio. Some of their staff man the office, while others are available to mediate on-site on the 11th floor of Franklin County Municipal Court.

Support

1.) Aftercare: Please call (614) 229-7000 or (614) 229-7100.

Foster youth between ages 18-21 who are not currently enrolled in Bridges can call the Franklin County Children Services Hotline and ask for their case to please be assigned to Cassie Snyder for aftercare support. This is called a voluntary post-emancipation case. Caseworkers refer to it as PEY: Post-Emancipated Youth.

2.) Bridges
Central Region, c.region@cfhcohio.org
(614) 568-9428

Former foster youth who “age out” of the system between 18-21 years old can apply for extended supports. Youth must meet at least one of the following criteria: a.) Enrolled in college or other post-secondary school b.) Participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment c. Employed at least 80 hours a month d.) Incapable of doing any of the above activities due to a physical or mental health condition

3.) Franklin County Youth Advisory Board

Youth for Change is comprised of foster care youth and young adults in Franklin County. Members participate in making decisions that affect their lives by providing their insights to the administration, Citizens Advisory Committee and Board of Franklin County Children Services. Being part of the group gives them a sense of empowerment and the ability to represent other youth by sharing their perspectives.

4.) Impact Community Action ~ AMP Program
711 Southwood Avenue
Columbus, OH 43207
AMP@impactca.org
(614) 252-2799

Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) is a career and work-readiness program for young adults ages 16-24 that provides opportunities to explore their interests, get hands-on experience, and train for their dream career. Every young adult is matched with an AMP Coach and builds a customized plan for their future, while helping to overcome current challenges. They can help with jobs, short-term certificates, etc. and provide financial incentives for participation.

Education

1.) Columbus State Community College ~ Scholar Network
Contact: Katrina De Los Santos
kdelossantos@cscc.edu
(614) 287-2861

Current or former foster youth who are admitted and enrolled at Columbus State Community College can join the Scholar Network. This program provides ongoing mentorship, peer support, and leadership experience.

2.) Education and Training Voucher Program
oh@statevoucher.org
(440) 253-0467

College students with a foster care history can apply for up to $5,000 a year for qualified school related expenses. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must complete the online application. You must be a current or former foster student who either:

• was in U.S. foster care on your 18th birthday and aged out at that time
• was in foster care, legal custody or guardianship to a kinship caregiver at or after 16
• was adopted from U.S. foster care at age 16 and older
• will have your foster care case closed between the ages of 18 and 21

3.) FAFSA

Former foster care youth should fill out the FAFSA as an “independent student,” in
accordance with the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act. This enables former
foster youth to be eligible for financial aid. You must fit into one of the following categories:

• An orphan, in foster care, or a ward of the court at any time when you were 13 years of age or older
• An emancipated minor or in legal guardianship
• Verified as an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness and self-supporting

4.) Fostering Achievement Network
Contact: Cloe Cooper, Cloe@fosteringachievementnetwork.org

Current or former foster youth who are currently enrolled in The Ohio State University can contact Cloe to join this program. Founded and directed by a former foster youth, FAN provides academic, financial, leadership and mentoring opportunities.

5.) Ohio Reach
One-time emergency funding payment for former foster youth currently enrolled in a
higher ed institution. Requests can assist with housing, school, utilities etc. and can be
submitted online at the link above.

6.) Scholar House 3

Columbus Scholar House for Former Foster Youth is a housing resource for young people ages 18-24 with a
foster care history. Students who are interested in applying can fill out an online interest card. Here is a link to information about the application process.

Employment

1.) Eckerd Connects Workforce Development
100 Jefferson Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-3398, ext. 101

Provides free career training, job and post-secondary education assistance, industry-recognized certification and supportive services for young adults ages 16 and older. The programs are offered year-round at various locations around Columbus. These services are free to those that meet TANF and/or WIOA eligibility guidelines. Please call for eligibility determination.

2.) Job Corps
Contact in Cincinnati: (513) 651-2000
Contact in Cleveland (216) 541-2500
Contact in Dayton: (937) 268-6571

Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. This program provides free housing. The state of Ohio has three JobCorps Centers, which are located in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton.

3.) Short Term Certificate Funds
Columbus State Community College contact: Patrick Bookman, pbookman@cscc.edu (614) 287-5181
Central Ohio Technical College contact: Erin Nash, nash.35@mail.cotc.edu (740) 590-5339

Provides up to $2,000 to assist in getting a short-term certificate, in less than one year. This can help you earn money right away. This certificate can be stackable within a degree you might wish to pursue.

Other Needs

1.) El’lesun
Founded by a former foster youth, El’lesun’s initiatives include Mission Duffel Bag and My Own Home.

2.) Kaleidoscope Youth Center
603 E. Town St.
Columbus OH 43215
(614) 294-5437

Services include rapid rehousing, host homes and supportive co-housing and support for LGBTQ+ youth. They operate a youth drop-in center, and their programs include discussion groups and hands-on cooking activities.

3.) Medicaid until age 26
Medicaid Hotline: 1-800-324-8680

Youth who “age out” of foster care in Ohio are eligible for Medicaid until their 26th birthdays. Before you age out, your caseworker needs to submit a ODM 01958 form and a Medicaid application. After being initially signed up for Medicaid at age 18, former foster youth must stay in touch with Medicaid, so that they don’t lose services between ages 18-26. If for any reason, you get disconnected, please call the hotline.

4.) Ohio Benefit Bank
This online resource can help apply for food and cash assistance, child care assistance, child support, unemployment and other benefits.