NHO: Helping families in the community

Being homeless and in need is a reality throughout the country, and New Housing Ohio is reaching out in Seneca County to address homelessness and the factors that contribute to it. Heather Pollick, regional director of New Housing Ohio, said that homelessness tends to be part of a "trifecta." Generally, she said, being without shelter rarely is a stand-alone problem, but usually is connected to issues of mental health and substance abuse. Homelessness, Pollick said, is a "symptom of other issues." Because of that complexity, Pollick said a "continuum of care" approach is often necessary. Many people experiencing homelessness, she said, also need mental health care and/or help with alcohol or drug use, and providing services in each of those areas can be essential to "good successes." While New Housing Ohio is active in multiple areas of the state, the organization locally offers services through congregational living, multi-family living, and sober living facilities. New Housing Ohio's website states, "We help people get back on their feet if they are homeless; help them recover if they are addicted; and, help them remain stable if they are living with mental illness or developmental disabilities." In addition, the organization often attempts to revitalize or reuse existing buildings in communities, allowing NHO to contribute to economic development and improvement as it assists individuals who comprise the community. In Tiffin, NHO offers The Cottage, a sober living facility, group homes on both Clay and Wentz streets, Morrison House, a transitional shelter for women and children, and affordable housing options. Shelters are also available in Fostoria and Fremont. Each facility has specific income and disability regulations for residents, and the length of time per stay varies by location and individual. Group homes, Pollick said, are for both men and women who have mental health issues. They provide either 24-hour staffing or 8-hour staffing, depending on residents' needs, and can be a short-term or long-term shelter. Sober living housing is "very personalized" with each resident, Pollick said, since the sobriety program offered takes a different path for each person. "What may take one person six months may take another three years," she said. The Cottage offers services only for men. Affordable housing options require a mental health diagnosis or physical disability and are a long-term housing option for residents. Those seeking help at NHO's affordable housing locations must meet the above criteria, be considered low-income, and be "homeless or at risk of losing their nighttime residence within seven days," Pollick said. Currently, however, the two locations in Tiffin are full. Tiffin's Morrison House, which reopened in 2021 after a devastating fire in 2020, offers transitional shelter for women and children. Pollick said that acceptance into Morrison House requires that one person in the household has been diagnosed with a disability. The shelter's mission, according to www.themorrisonhouse.org, is to "provide transitional housing, support, stability, and nurturing" for women and children who are homeless or ask risk of homelessness. Case managers work with residents to achieve a future goal of having and sustaining their own housing upon leaving the house. Generally, Pollick said, residents are connected with an NHO facility through the assistance of a community partner, such as Firelands, the Mental Health Board, or a case manager. "As always, there are more people in need than we currently have services for," she said, but stressed that if someone reaches out to her she will "steer them in the right direction to get aid." Pollick said that community support and involvement is important for organizations like NHO. Monetary donations, donations of specific items, and volunteering are welcome and valued. For more information about NHO's locations, services, and current needs, please contact 567-201-8019.