housing security
Complex Problems Require Collaborative Solutions.
At the Athens County Foundation (ACF), we are proud to be part of the Athens County Housing Security Co-Create Group, a coalition of over 60 concerned organizations and individuals working collaboratively to address housing insecurity in our community. Our collective goal is to design and implement solutions to housing insecurity in Athens County by sharing our resources, fundraising, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving. Together, we are working towards long-term, sustainable solutions while addressing immediate gaps and opportunities.
Housing Insecurity in our Community
Housing insecurity has been increasing since the pandemic, due to decades of under-investment in affordable housing, healthcare, and community-based services[1]. In our region, this is exacerbated by an inadequate housing stock and a lack of living wage jobs[2]. This crisis doesn’t just affect those experiencing homelessness; it has serious consequences for the entire community.
We believe the most effective way to end housing insecurity is to ensure access to stable, affordable housing, along with essential wrap-around services like case management, voluntary mental health and substance use treatment, and employment services, all of which support individuals in achieving a better quality of life.
Coalition-wide Initiatives
As part of the coalition, we support several initiatives that are designed to tackle housing insecurity from multiple angles. These include:
Conestoga Hut Project
Learn MoreLed and implemented by The Gathering Place, the Conestoga Hut Project aims to provide temporary micro-shelters to eligible individuals in need of emergency shelter. A Conestoga hut is a micro-shelter that provides a person with roughly sixty square feet of lockable, dry, and safe space to temporarily live while working to improve their life situation and establish permanent housing. A prototype exists at The Gathering Place, 5 North Congress Street. More sites in Athens and Athens County are being identified to expand this project. Learn More
Sunset Shelter Project
Learn MoreThe Sunset Motel on Columbus Road will be renovated into a shelter with private spaces for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. The future shelter is slated to open in 2026 and will provide safe, temporary shelter where professional supportive services will empower people to rebuild their lives with dignity and support. This project is led and coordinated by the Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP).
Emergency Motel Voucher Program
Led by My Sister’s Place (MSP) with support from Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, this project is a pilot initiative streamlining referral process and operations to providing temporary, safe shelter for individuals and families in immediate need of shelter. Leveraging MSP’s established 24/7 hotline and referral network, this program connects those experiencing housing crises with accommodations in participating hotels and motels. Through this trial, the program aims to bridge immediate shelter gaps in the community by utilizing existing resources and networks effectively.
Safe Parking Spaces
Safe space communities are places where people experiencing homelessness can park overnight at a site that provides security plus access to basic services like restrooms and water. Ideally, safe space communities also provide supportive services to help individuals and families transition into permanent housing. We are working with local faith-based organizations to identify and pursue safe parking spaces.
Housing Security Fund
ACF established the Athens County Housing Security Fund, a fund to support key housing initiatives and projects in Athens County. Through an initial investment of $50,000 from the Athens County Foundation, individuals, and key funding partners, the fund was established to support emerging projects from the co-create group.
Supportive Services
A housing first model allows people to address their housing crisis first in order to be stable enough to access supportive services. Supportive services include mental health counseling, addiction recovery services, and support accessing permanent housing, jobs, and health care.
To better help people in need of emergency shelter, we are working to build existing capacity in our community. This can include: case management, transportation, personal hygiene, a resource directory, frontline worker training (police, health care workers, librarians), and more.
Our Role in the Coalition
The Athens County Foundation is committed to building a system where changemakers can maximize their impact on the community through collaborations. Through our role in the Housing Security Co-create Group, ACF acts as a convener, funder, and champion for inclusive, community-driven solutions to housing insecurity.
Convener
Project Co-Create is our commitment to participatory changemaking in Athens County, convening diverse voices to address complex issues collaboratively. The Housing Security Co-Create Group is one impactful outcome of this initiative, focusing on local housing needs. While housing is a key priority now, the Co-Create model is designed to be flexible and evolving, empowering us to address future challenges together.
Funder
ACF established the Athens County Housing Security Fund, a fund to support key housing initiatives and projects in Athens County. Through an initial investment of $50,000 from the Athens County Foundation, individuals, and key funding partners, the fund was established to support emerging projects from the co-create group.
Support Services
Recognizing the challenges faced by local organizations, especially grassroots initiatives, ACF provides a robust support system for changemakers involved in housing security. This includes commissioning a housing security report with OHIO Voinovich School, providing critical administrative and communications support, AND MORE!
How You Can Help
We believe that housing security is a community-wide responsibility. And that solutions are better when they reflect the diverse perspectives of our community. Here’s how you can get involved:
Stay Connected with the Housing Security Co-Create Group
Stay informed. Join the Movement.
Join the many organzations and individuals committed to building a county where Housing Security is not a thing.
Give to the Housing Security Co-Create Fund
*Participation in this initiative is subject to distinct policy and eligibility requirements.
Adapted Privacy Policy
The Housing Security Co-Create Group is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative supported by the Athens County Foundation. This group brings together community members, organizations, and local leaders to co-create sustainable, community-driven solutions to housing challenges across Athens County.
Because collaboration is central to this work, our data privacy practices have been adapted to support effective communication and coordination. When necessary, participant contact information may be shared within the group to help align efforts, coordinate activities, or connect individuals with volunteer opportunities. We are committed to using all shared information responsibly and in support of the group’s mission.
Participation Requirements
You must be 18 or older to sign up for the newsletter or formally join the Housing Co-Create Group.
If you are under 18 and interested in getting involved, please contact the Athens County Foundation at 740-594-6061 or info@athensfoundation.org to explore opportunities designed for youth participation.
In addition, to ensure a safe and respectful environment, all participants are expected to honor the Community Agreements co-created by the group. These agreements promote ethical conduct, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, creating a foundation for inclusive and productive collaboration.
