In March, Star House, among other Central Ohio organizations, such as the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Mount Carmel, Buckeye Ranch and the Homeless Families Foundation, was featured on a 60 Minutes episode that explores how COVID-19 has affected the nation's low-wage workers, particularly those who were struggling in poverty prior to COVID-19. The episode shines a light on youth homelessness in particular and brings national attention to the challenges young people experiencing homelessness are facing in our community during one of the most unequal recessions in modern history.
In the episode, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley sits down with Courtney, a former guest of Star House. Courtney explains that prior to the pandemic, she had a job in a restaurant that she enjoyed and that enabled her to save up for housing. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the expectant mother was left without a job. In the interview, Courtney explains how she relied on Star House, like other youth in the community, for refuge. 60 Minutes visits Star House in the episode and sits down with CEO Ann Bischoff to discuss how COVID-19 has affected Star House and the services we provide. Bischoff explains that guests are now waiting outside of the drop-in center at 10:30, waiting for the center to open: "This is the first time that we've had the line that... Previous to the pandemic, we were open 24/7. And we were the only place in Central Ohio where a young person, around the clock, could have immediate access to safety...Pre-COVID, [we had] a range of partners who offered on-site education, on-site jobs. Typically, we would have 15 hours of medical care. Now [our partners are] coming in, but it's every other week."
Beginning July 2020, we limited access to the facility during the second of three shifts, initially due to COVID-related staff shortages and ultimately due to an unfulfilled $900,000 government grant. Our clinical team provided outreach, case management and therapy during the second shift. However, Star House was fortunate to resume 24/7 operations on July 12, 2021.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the 60 Minutes episode and are especially grateful for the support you continue to offer youth experiencing homelessness in Central Ohio.
Click the image below to watch and read the full segment:
Join us as we provide youth experiencing homelessness with safe respite from the streets and crucial connections to stabilizing resources—donate here today!
Here’s a look at what your investment can do at Star House:
Are you subscribed to our newsletter? If not, sign up for our newsletter here!