State awards $316,000 to help prevent homelessness in Columbiana County

Two organizations in Columbiana County have been awarded more than $316,000 in grants to help prevent homelessness.

The Columbiana County Mental Health Clinic is receiving a $118,700 grant to operate a six-bed emergency shelter serving homeless men, women, and households with children.

The program expects to serve 100 people during the two-year grant period.

Clinic officials expect 70 percent of the people served will find permanent housing after an average stay of 40 days.

The Community Action Agency of Columbiana County will receive a $197,600 grant to operate an 11-bed emergency shelter also serving homeless men, women, and households with children.

The program expects to serve 108 people over two years with the expectation that 58 percent of the people will find permanent housing after an average stay of 55 days.

Both agencies will provide housing search and placement, housing-focused case management, and referral to mainstream resources.

According to the Ohio Department of Development, the funding will support grant administration, data collection and evaluation, and shelter operations.

The funding is included in $15.7 million awarded to 40 nonprofit and local government agencies around the state for homeless prevention.