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Council grants $100,000 to Huckleberry House to support teen crisis program and shelter
Summary
Columbus City Council authorized a $100,000 grant to Huckleberry House to support its teen crisis program and shelter; officials described the organization as the only program of its kind in Central Ohio serving young people ages 12–17.
Columbus City Council approved an emergency ordinance authorizing a grant to Huckleberry House Inc. in support of its teen crisis program and shelter.
Councilmember Green presented the ordinance and invited Huckleberry House leadership to speak. Carol Argyro, director of advancement, and Jennifer Sharma, the organization’s new CEO, told council the crisis program operates 24/7 and served more than 400 youth ages 12–17 last year. They described the shelter as a point of immediate safety, counseling and wraparound supports for youth experiencing homelessness or family crisis.
Council discussion linked the funding request to concerns about proposed federal budget changes that could cut housing and supportive-service programs. Members framed the city grant as an important local support to ensure continuity of services while acknowledging the broader federal debate on HUD and housing programs.
The clerk called the roll and the ordinance was approved. The grant will be administered by the city clerk under the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund and the grantee will be expected to report on service use and spending as required by the agreement.
Ending: Huckleberry House will use the funds to support shelter operations, staffing and services; city staff will execute the grant agreement and monitor performance reporting.
