Office of Homeless Advocacy

"It is unacceptable for anyone in our community to go without food or shelter even for one night."

In 2007, President Michael C. Mentel and Mayor Coleman stood onstage at the Mel Schottenstein Birthday Celebration and pledged to take efforts to a new level in transitioning the homeless from the streets to permanent housing. The primary component of their promise was the creation of a cabinet level position within Mayor Coleman’s administration dedicated to coordinating the City’s response to the challenges of homelessness.

After much deliberation, President Mentel and Mayor Coleman announced that Erika Clark Jones, a long-time public servant and policy advisor to the Mayor, would fill the position of Advocate for the Homeless and Social Services. Director Clark’s title reflects the multi-faceted role she will serve to aide those who live on the land, while also coordinating support services ranging from additional counseling to job training programs. This position is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the nation and is expected to serve as a model for other cities to follow. One of Director Jones’ first responsibilities will be to streamline the protocol for all City employees to follow when they interface with a homeless individual or family. These updated procedures will help ensure that those in need will receive critical assistance as quickly as possible.

The Community Shelter Board estimates between 200 to 300 people are homeless in Columbus.