CMHA recently joined the Columbus Urban League to celebrate the completion of its new Huntington Empowerment Center. The Center sits in the historic King Lincoln District of Columbus and houses the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, My Brother’s Closet (CUL’s social enterprise and suiting boutique for low-income men), and a hands-on learning lab for middle and high school students. CMHA made a significant financial contribution to the Center through our Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from HUD.

On hand for the event were Mayor Ginther & representatives from the City of Columbus, Huntington Bank, and many other partners who contributed to the Columbus Urban League bringing the Center to life. Guest enjoyed live music, building tours, and presentations from the Columbus Urban League about the many uses that this building will have within the community.

Additionally, Columbus Urban League will host the National Urban League’s annual conference this year, entitled: “Save Our Cities: Powering the Digital Revolution.” The event will take place August 1-4 at the Columbus Convention Center and more than 20,000 people are expected. Speakers for this event include Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, founder of the #MeToo movement Tarana Burke, U.S.  Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and former Columbus mayor Michael B. Coleman.

Visit www.CUL.org for more information on the National Urban League Conference and the Huntington Empowerment Center.

On June 1, CMHA staff gathered with residents and community organizations for the HUD Strong Families Initiative day at Thornwood Commons. Thornwood Commons is one of our public housing properties located just east of Cleveland Ave. at the edge of the Milo-Grogan and South Linden neighborhoods.

The mission of the event, which started in 2011, is to strengthen, empower and improve the quality of life for HUD-assisted families. HUD Strong Families provides local resources for health, education, economic empowerment, and transportation. This event provides an ideal opportunity for communities to deliver and connect a wide variety of resources to families.

COTA, Franklin County Job & Family Services, Columbus Area Integrative Family Services, Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health, Primary One, and others were in attendance to give CMHA residents information on supportive services available to them and their families.

While much of the event focused on the services for families, CMHA made sure it wasn’t just about the parents. One organization painted the children’s faces and arms. Princess’s, frog’s, and colorful designs adorned the children and a variety of balloon animals and objects floated about the crowd. Columbus Police Department (CPD) officers mingled with the residents and even shot hoops with some of the kids.

CMHA and Thornwood staff worked together passing out hot dogs and ice cream. DJ Marly McFly supplied the jams and CMHA Vice President of Asset Management and Resident Initiatives Cheryl Thomas started a dance party with residents and service providers in front of the community building. What a great way to kick off the summer!

CMHA is excited to announce we have secured 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for the third phase of our Columbus Scholar House, which will serve youth aging out of foster care. This phase will be located adjacent to the first two phases of Scholar House on 17^th Ave., south of Long Street in the Near East Side.

Youth aging out of foster care are a very vulnerable population within our community and have a high likelihood of experiencing homelessness after leaving foster care. CMHA will provide 30 new, affordable apartments for these young adults. At Scholar House, they will have the opportunity to further their education while living in a safe and stable environment. As part of the development process, CMHA brought together groups of foster alumni to consult on the design and layout of the physical structure.

Scholar House will support individuals aged 18-24 who lack ongoing parental support during the time of transition to adulthood. Residents will be required to maintain full time status at a 2 or 4-year college or university. Along with our partners, CMHA will provide a variety of services specifically designed to provide youth aging out of foster care opportunities for success.

Phase 3 builds off the successes of Columbus Scholar House 1 & 2. These first two phases are geared towards single parents working to attain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and offer the residents wraparound services as well as priority access to on-site childcare.