3 days ago
Vacant Columbus church finds new purpose as drop-in center for homeless youth
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio church that has sat vacant since the Catholic Diocese of Columbus closed it in 2023 will soon become a new drop-in center for homeless youth.
Star House, a Columbus nonprofit aiding youth who are experiencing homelessness, purchased the former St. Ladislas Church at 277 Reeb Ave. on July 9 for $1.17 million, Franklin County Auditor's Office records show. The church property will be renovated into Star House's second drop-in center, where youth will be provided a safe space with food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities and showers.
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St. Ladislas was among 15 churches marked for closure two years ago when the diocese moved to overhaul the structure of its parishes in response to shifting demographics, a dwindling priesthood, aging infrastructure and budgetary challenges. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the diocese's 2023 announcement in the video player above.
The acquisition comes after Star House launched a $10 million fundraising campaign earlier this year, $7 million of which is being dedicated to the purchase and conversion of the 26,000-square-foot church. The effort recently got a boost from Columbus City Council, which voted on July 21 to grant $1 million to the organization for the new facility.
'Star House will be doing significant renovations to bring new life and purpose to that space, helping to serve the community once again, this time in a new and vital way,' Council President Shannon Hardin said during the meeting. 'This second site will expand their reach, increase capacity and make sure that even more youth in our community can be served.'
Hardin said the contribution is a 'good strategic investment' given the property is across the street from the Reeb Center, home to several organizations that have partnered to serve the area. Together, the center and Star House 'will really have an impact for young people through our city's south side,' said Hardin.
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Boasted as 'central Ohio's only 24/7/365 drop-in center,' Star House was founded in 2006 and operates its first location in Milo Grogan at 1220 Corrugated Way, near the Ohio Expo Center. There, youth also have access to therapy, case management, housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, education, addiction services, legal aid, government benefits, ID cards and more.
The remaining $3 million of Star House's campaign is expected to benefit an infrastructure fund supporting ongoing operations. The organization also helps operate Carol Stewart Village, a former motel at 1567 W Broad St. that was transformed into an apartment complex with 62 studio units for young adults experiencing homelessness.
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