STAR HOUSE
Who We Are: Star House exists to partner with teens and young adults as they exit homelessness and thrive in a supportive community— with a vision to offer our evidence-based model to young people in communities throughout Central Ohio and beyond to help prevent chronic homelessness into adulthood. We live by our values: to love unconditionally; do whatever it takes as long as it takes; and create solutions.
What We Do: Since 2006, Star House has used an evidence-based model, effective in providing youth experiencing homelessness, ages 14-24, a chance to thrive. To transition into stability, one needs well-being, a good job, affordable housing, and supportive community. Star House connects youth with all four via the nation's only 24/7/365, immediate-access drop-in center that continuously hosts best-practice research and a 62-unit neighborhood with on-site services. Given the demand for Star House services, we plan to open two additional drop- in centers and one additional village in the next three years.
Why We’re Important: Youth homelessness is a complex, growing issue, affecting four-million US teens and young adults annually, including 3,000-plus in Franklin County. Youth experience homelessness, largely due to disconnection from family, with half having been in foster care, a quarter identifying as LGBTQIA+, others having been kicked out for being pregnant, and still others fleeing abuse. The experience is compounded by insufficient affordable housing. These youths are at high risk of PTSD, suicide, addiction, exploitation, and physical/ mental health challenges. They need the immediate access to safety, basic need resources, housing, medical services, mental health services, workforce connection and supportive community that Star House offers.
How We Impact the Community: In 2023, Star House will serve 1,400 individual youth, up from 531 in 2013. Today, 95% of youth, who reported having issues meeting their basic needs before Star House, said those issues were now easier or a non-existent problem. Among those who access services for 90+ days, three- quarters are connected with housing and jobs; 91% accessed healthcare; 88% chose to participate in therapy/case management, and 80% gained crucial IDs.
How You Can Help: There is a place for everyone to get involved in advancing Star House’s mission and vision— for those who have little time and resources or a lot. Star House needs team members, volunteers, item donations and monetary donations to support our 24/7 services and expansion plans. Details about how to get involved can be found at starhouse.us/employment, starhouse.us/ volunteer and starhouse.us/donate.
Star House
1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201
614.826.5868
Donate: starhouse.us/donate
Executive Director: Ann Bischoff
Email: info@starhouse.us
Board Chair: Phil Baum, Chief Actuary, Grange Insurance
