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WHY WE EXIST

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Our Mission

We exist to do whatever it takes to lift youth out of homelessness and into a community of hope.

Star House exists to come alongside teens and young adults as they exit homelessness and gain stability in a community of hope. Founded in 2006, Star House operates Central Ohio's only 24/7/365 drop-in center, where youth are provided immediate access to food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, showers, and a safe place to be. Beyond basic needs, our clinical team connects youth with therapy, case management, and stabilizing resources, such as housing, transportation, health care, employment, education, addiction services, legal aid, government benefits, ID cards and more. In addition, Star House, along with Finance Fund and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, operates Carol Stewart Village (CSV)— a 62-unit affordable neighborhood for young adults, ages 18-24, with on-site programs and services.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

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Basic Needs at a Safe Place

  • Meals

  • Kitchen

  • Clothing

  • Laundry

  • Hygiene Items

  • Showers

  • Restrooms

  • Mental Health Therapy

Connections to Stabilizing Resources

  • Housing with on-site services for up to 62 youth at Carol Stewart Village. 

  • ID Cards

  • Transportation

  • Legal Aid

  • Housing Assistance

  • Rental and utility assistance through Star House's Housing Flex Fund, sponsored by Anthem

  • Government Benefits (Medicaid, Food Stamps)

  • Case Management

  • Guests' Children Welcome On-site

Health & Wellness

  • Medical Exam Room

  • Counseling

  • STI & HIV Testing

  • Addiction Services

Connectivity & Technology

  • Wifi

  • Computer Lab

  • Mailboxes

  • Phone Booth

Employment & Education

  • Job-seeking Assistance

  • On-site Job Opportunities

  • Workforce Development

  • Employment Networking

  • Education Supports
    (Enrollment, Completion)

  • Dropout Recovery

Enrichment

  • Art Studio

  • Musical Instruments

  • Basketball

  • Yoga

  • ​Gymnasium

  • Gardening

  • Mentorship

WHAT YOUTH EXPERIENCE

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Factors Star House guests say led to their homelessness:

  • Job loss and unemployment

  • Inability to afford rent, even when employed

  • Kicked out by family or friends

  • Violent or abusive relationships

  • Inability to afford other expenses (e.g. utilities, transportation, car repair)

Youth statistics—BEFORE coming to Star House:

  • 59.8% experienced some difficulty getting enough to eat

  • 61.5% experienced some difficulty obtaining clothing

  • 32.5% experienced some difficulty obtaining medical care

  • 57.4% experienced some difficulty meeting their hygiene needs

Of those with issues meeting basic needs prior to coming to Star House:

  • 90.1% find it easier to get enough to eat

  • 89.4% find it easier to obtain clothing 

  • 78.2%  find it easier to obtain medical care

  • 95.9% find it easier to meet their hygiene needs

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