We Give Love – Stories of Hope from COMPASS

On a chilly winter morning, Ms. Jones, a 52-year-old single mother of three, rang the COMPASS office doorbell. Her voice trembled as she explained that she had received a 30-day notice to vacate the apartment she had called home for over six years. She had fallen behind on rent after missing work due to a serious immune system diagnosis that required multiple hospitalizations and costly medications, leaving her with mounting medical debt and no income. Her utilities were also at risk of disconnection.

Our team immediately conducted a needs assessment to determine the best ways we could help. Ms. Jones qualified for three months of rental assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, and COMPASS funds were used to pay off her overdue utility bills. We also advocated directly with her landlord, who agreed not to proceed with eviction as we processed the support.

Ms. Jones broke into tears of relief and joy. She and her children would not have to endure the cold in darkness, nor would they be out on the street during Ohio’s harsh winter. Today, she is healthy and back at work. This is what giving love looks like.

When COMPASS received a referral from Columbus Public Health—a partner in the City of Columbus Displaced Tenants Services Collaborative (which includes Home for Families, Code Enforcement, and the Tony Wells Foundation), we were called to help relocate tenants from the Landing Apartments at Edgewater. These families were forced to vacate their homes after the City’s Code Enforcement team found the property’s boiler system had failed, leaving residents without heat for over a week.

In just four hours, our staff relocated 20 households into various city hotels. We assessed each family’s needs, coordinated transportation, food, and matched them with appropriate temporary housing. Broad Street Food Pantry volunteers organized food boxes for the families, which were delivered by Columbus Public Health.

For families able to find new apartments, COMPASS stepped in again—covering deposits, first month’s rent, moving costs, storage fees, and provided bus passes. We followed up with each household until they secured permanent or alternative housing.

For more than 40 years, COMPASS has stood as a steadfast pillar in Franklin County, offering hope where it’s often in short supply. We’ve helped thousands avoid eviction and homelessness and remained responsible stewards of both federal and local funds.

Each day brings a new story. We welcome clients from all walks of life—reaching us via walk-ins, phone calls, emails, website inquiries, church referrals, and through community partners. With dignity and compassion, our small but mighty team of three Housing Resource Specialists—DeAnna Hall, Fikirte Sahile, and Renee Minor—serves over 100 individuals each month. When we’re unable to help directly, we connect clients with alternative community resources.

We are deeply thankful for the continued support of BSPC members, families, and friends.

Your generosity fuels our ability to Give Love—despite the many challenges facing our community.

Join us in giving love through donations and spreading the word, your support helps keep families housed and hopeful. ❤

You can make a donation here: https://bspc.org/donate