HAPCAP Receives State Support to Combat Homelessness
Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) announced today it will receive $2 million in state support through the Ohio Department of Development to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Athens County.
Funding comes from the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Non-Congregate Shelter program, which is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The program helps agencies like HAPCAP provide a safe and private living environment for people experiencing homelessness by supporting the creation and expansion of non-congregate shelters across Ohio.
“This is an important step in addressing homelessness across Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “By supporting the creation of these non-congregate shelters, we’re providing more than just beds. We’re offering a safe, private, and supportive environment where Ohioans can find stability and begin their journey to permanent housing. We must continue to invest in solutions like this to ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to thrive.”
In total, three nonprofit organizations will receive a share of $6 million to create 76 units of non-congregate shelter with 108 beds, which will serve more than 500 individuals and families throughout Ohio. These new units will provide much-needed support for individuals and families who are looking for an alternative to traditional shelter settings.
Non-congregate shelters offer separate sleeping spaces and bathroom facilities, ensuring increased privacy for residents.
In addition to creating safe, temporary shelter options, all three grantees will leverage a total of approximately $63.3 million over the next 10 years through additional funding sources.
Today's award will support HAPCAP with the Sunset Shelter Project which emerged from the Athens County Foundation’s Project Co-Create. The Sunset Shelter Project is a collaborative initiative that addresses the needs of our community members experiencing homelessness by providing safe, temporary shelter where individuals are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
"Our work with the Project Co-Create team is driven by the belief that the issues of housing insecurity and homelessness affect the whole community, not just those who need emergency shelter. The Sunset Shelter Project will be built not just for the community but by the community. It represents a critical step in ensuring everyone in Athens has access to basic human necessities," said HAPCAP executive director Kelly Hatas.
HAPCAP encourages individuals to collaborate by sharing questions, comments, concerns, and ideas with the Sunset Shelter Project. To learn more about the project or provide feedback by completing a survey, visit hapcap.org/shelterproject or call 740-767-1061.
HAPCAP mobilizes resources to empower individuals and communities through services that promote self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. Learn more at hapcap.org.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.