News Summary
At 66, Carolyn Ford has found a sense of stability at Touchstone Field Place, a supportive housing community. After years of homelessness, she’s embraced her new life, celebrating her health and community spirit. Touchstone Field Place offers permanent supportive housing, vital services, and a caring community that fosters healing and growth. With an upcoming expansion, it aims to address the ongoing housing crisis and provide more individuals with the support they need.
News Summary
Carolyn Ford, a 66-year-old woman, has transformed her life after over 20 years of homelessness. Now residing in Touchstone Field Place, she experiences stability, community, and hope. This nonprofit initiative provides permanent supportive housing to those in need, helping residents rebuild their lives while also addressing the growing demand for affordable housing. Ford’s inspiring story highlights the importance of supportive services and community engagement in the fight against homelessness.
Finding a Home Sweet Home: Carolyn Ford’s Journey
It’s a story of resilience, community, and hope as 66-year-old Carolyn Ford demonstrates what it means to find stability in life. After spending over 20 years facing the harsh realities of homelessness, Ford now enjoys the warmth and comfort of her apartment at Touchstone Field Place, a shining example of a model for permanent supportive housing.
A New Beginning
Having moved into Touchstone Field Place two years ago, Ford has blossomed in her new environment. She describes her apartment as “my mansion” and “my sanctuary.” It’s a welcome change from her past experiences of living in shelters, transitional housing, and relying on friends for a place to stay. Securing her very first apartment was made possible thanks to a recommendation from the YMCA of Central Ohio, and now she can finally settle down and call this place home.
A Vision of Community
Touchstone Field Place was created by a nonprofit organization focused on providing permanent housing to those in need. With over 50 units of supportive living, the vision is clear: help people rebuild their lives. This initiative has proven itself effective, as Community Housing Network (CHN) currently supports over 1,800 people across the state, with about 68% of its operating budget coming from federal funding. The aim is to not just provide shelter but to foster long-term stability and community among residents.
Supportive Services for a Brighter Future
The idea behind permanent supportive housing is to offer critical services that can make a huge difference in residents’ lives. Along with affordable housing where individuals pay no more than 30% of their income, supportive services can include case management, counseling, and assistance with transportation. These programs are specifically designed for individuals grappling with issues like homelessness, addiction, or mental illness. Evidence shows that this kind of housing model significantly reduces chronic homelessness and fosters a stable lifestyle for its residents.
A Community Leader Emerges
Ford is not just a resident; she has emerged as a natural leader within the community. Known for her culinary skills, especially during special occasions like Thanksgiving, she thrives on creating a sense of belonging among her neighbors. Engaging in community activities, she even requested a grill to enhance gatherings and attended to a community garden. Furthermore, she takes her role as a volunteer seriously and is informally dubbed the “hall monitor” – promoting cleanliness and respect in her building.
Celebrations and Expansion
In February 2023, Ford celebrated a significant milestone: she’s now two years cancer-free after facing kidney cancer from December 2019. Her inspiring story reflects the strength of spirit as she thrives in a supportive community, proving that with the right environment, healing and flourishing are possible.
A Growing Need for Housing in the Community
As Ford continues to blossom at Touchstone Field Place, there are plans to expand the facility. An additional building with 44 more units is set to open this spring, followed by another 44 units in the fall. The growth in permanent supportive housing has been encouraging; nationally, the number of beds has more than doubled over the past 17 years, showcasing a significant surge in Ohio too.
The Bigger Picture
However, despite progress, the demand for affordable housing in the area remains critical. Reports indicate that just 26 housing units are available for every 100 extremely low-income households, highlighting an ongoing crisis. Ford’s story is a vibrant part of a larger narrative on homelessness and affordable housing in the region, shedding light on the struggle and the hope that comes from initiatives like Touchstone Field Place.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Join the Coldest Night of the Year Walk to Combat Homelessness
Historic Church Transformed into Modern Family Home
Adrian and Tecumseh Recognized for Economic Development Efforts
Additional Resources
- The Columbus Dispatch: One Solution to Homelessness
- 10TV: Columbus Organization Seeks to Address Homelessness
- The Republic: Federal Funding Going to Housing Issues
- The Columbus Dispatch: Community Housing Network CEO Annissa Lambirth Garrett
- ABC6: Community Housing Network Builds Supportive Housing
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Affordable Housing
- Google Scholar: Supportive Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Homelessness
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Join the Coldest Night of the Year Walk to Combat Homelessness
Historic Church Transformed into Modern Family Home
Adrian and Tecumseh Recognized for Economic Development Efforts
Additional Resources
- The Columbus Dispatch: One Solution to Homelessness
- 10TV: Columbus Organization Seeks to Address Homelessness
- The Republic: Federal Funding Going to Housing Issues
- The Columbus Dispatch: Community Housing Network CEO Annissa Lambirth Garrett
- ABC6: Community Housing Network Builds Supportive Housing
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Google Search: Affordable Housing
- Google Scholar: Supportive Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Homelessness
