City Mission officials warn Project HOME funding cut threatens low-barrier shelter

Representatives from City Mission of Findlay told the Hancock County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 that the sudden federal termination of Project HOME funding has put the county’s low-barrier shelter at immediate risk. The meeting included a request for emergency community support to sustain the shelter for about three months while staff pursue alternative funding.

Tyler Layton, identified in the transcript as Program Director, City Mission of Findlay and Project Director for Project HOME, said the shelter "was never just a place to sleep" and described the program as an engagement and stabilization point that led many guests into further services. He told the board the shelter houses roughly 15–25 people nightly, that about 5,315 nights of safe lodging were provided under the program, and that close to 60 people entered the ReSTART program from the shelter. He said roughly 80% of the shelter's current funding came from private donations and that the loss of Project HOME jeopardizes the program beyond 2026.

Commissioner and staff discussion focused on whether county funds could be used to support a private nonprofit. Cindy Land said she was "not certain that the county can use public funds for a private nonprofit entity." The board did not adopt any funding allocation at the Jan. 20 meeting but thanked the City Mission representatives and asked staff to consider next steps and legal constraints before committing public funds.

City Mission's representatives requested the county’s help in convening emergency support and exploring short-term bridge funding while they work to secure continued federal or other funding. The board indicated it would follow up, and county staff were asked to clarify what public funding, if any, could be applied to support the shelter.