Star House
Who We Are: Star House is a social service agency that operates Central Ohio's only drop-in center for youth, ages 14-24, who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, along with Finance Fund and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), Star House operates Carol Stewart Village—a neighborhood for young adults, ages 18-24, with on-site programs and services. Since 2006, Star House has used a multi-step, trauma-informed service model proven effective in providing youth experiencing homelessness, ages 14-24, with a chance to thrive.
What We Do: At Star House’s drop-in center, youth experiencing homelessness are provided access to food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, showers and a safe place to be. Beyond basic needs, our clinical team provides therapy and case management, and partner agencies provide on-site and community-based access to stabilizing resources, such as housing, transportation, health care, employment, education, addiction services, legal aid, government benefits, ID cards and more. Our housing village, Carol Stewart Village, offers 62 efficiency apartments and on-site access to transitional jobs, education, health care and social connections through mentorships, peer support and community engagement options.
Why We’re Important: Since 2006, Star House has used a multi-step, trauma-informed service model proven effective in providing homeless youth, ages 14-24, with a chance to thrive. This proven model is built upon the principles of accepting youth experiencing homelessness for who they are, providing as few barriers to entry of the drop-in center as possible and maintaining unconditional positive regard for each youth. Our patient, relational philosophy allows us to serve as a reliable launchpad to stability.
How We Impact the Community: In Columbus, the average young person becomes independent from family at age 24. Most practice adulthood with the safety net of family. However, over the course of a year, more than 3,000 youth in Franklin County, ages 14-24, fall into homelessness. They have no place to call home and have too often been orphaned, ostracized and abused by the adults in their lives. Youth living on the streets are at a higher risk for PTSD, human trafficking and even death. In the midst of this despair, Star House provides safe respite and a chance to thrive.
How You Can Help: There are many ways you can join our mission and support youth experiencing homelessness. For instance, you can make a monetary donation at starhouse.givingfuel.com/donate; donate new and unused items for guests, such as clothes, shoes, hygiene items, backpacks and sleeping bags; and volunteer in our warehouse by receiving, sorting and organizing donated items.
Connect with Star House
1220 Corrugated Way
Columbus, OH 43201
614.826.5868
Donate: starhouse.givingfuel.com/donate
Executive Director: Ann Bischoff
Development Director: Brittany Stricklen-Hillyard
Email: bhillyard@starhouse.us
Board Chair: Natalie Furniss, Senior Vice President, P&C Legal - Nationwide
