United Way-led "Homeless Solutions Group" seeks $34,748 from city for six-month strategic study

United Way leaders asked the Columbus City Council to approve up to $34,748 from the city to fund a six-month strategic study by a newly formed "Homeless Solutions Group," which the presenters said will develop an actionable plan to address homelessness.

The group—s organizers, Ben Moser and Pat Frey of United Way, said the effort will be chaired by Kathy Williams (participating by Zoom) and will include business, law enforcement, housing, education and formerly unhoused individuals. The proposal shortens the study timeline from 12 months to 6 months and includes funding for a professional facilitator, advisory panels and initial research.

Why it matters: Presenters argued a compact, locally driven strategic plan would position Columbus to coordinate state and federal funding and to craft measurable goals for supportive housing, shelters and services. Councilors asked whether to delay the ask pending guidance and funding opportunities described in a same-day webinar about new federal homelessness funding streams.

Key details: United Way and partners plan to convene sector advisory panels that include people with lived experience; they named potential panelists from law enforcement, housing and education. The total ask to the city is $34,748 to cover facilitator fees, outreach and incidental costs. United Way leaders said they are already identifying other funders and will align recommendations with state and federal programs as guidance becomes available.

Council response: Councilors generally welcomed a coordinated plan but several said timing matters. Councilor Toya Tucker reported a webinar earlier in the day that described large, rapidly changing federal funding opportunities and urged staff to integrate that guidance. Councilor Charmaine Crabb and others urged coordination with the city auditor and asked that United Way and staff return with a plan for metrics and partner funding. Councilor Byron Hickey asked that the council receive the prior 2010 plan for context; presenters said the older plan remains online but needed updating.

What comes next: Presenters said they will incorporate input from council and advisory panels, pursue other funders and return with interim reports early next year. The council did not vote on the $34,748 appropriation during the meeting; presenters asked for approval to move forward with the study and with the facilitator procurement.