A non-profit organization on the west side, which provided shelter to over 170 individuals last winter, will not be operating as an overnight warming center this season. This decision has sparked concern among former guests and the organization’s founder, who believe it will leave vulnerable residents at increased risk as temperatures plummet.
MY Project USA, situated on Sullivant Avenue, was selected by the Community Shelter Board to run one of the city’s warming centers last winter. Zerqa Abid, the organization’s founder and executive director, expressed that hosting the center had a profound impact on both families and staff.
“I think it was a blessing for us to have a warming center here,” Abid stated. “Having this big space and seeing the neighbors on the street all the time, we felt really guilty.”
She emphasized that the center offered stability and support, which ultimately assisted some guests in securing permanent housing.
“We were able to host 175 people throughout four months, and they all received the best care,” she explained. “Some of them were able to get their own apartments. One of those families actually is our neighbor right now.”
Tammy Thompson, along with two of her sons, was among the families who benefited from the center’s services last winter.
“When we got here, we had people that really helped us out,” Thompson said. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know where we would be.”
However, she is deeply concerned about those who will be left without shelter this winter.
“There are so many homeless people on the West Side… living in cars, outside, in the alleys,” she lamented. “This is dangerous weather. Somebody can die from hypothermia.”
The non-profit organization had anticipated reopening as an overnight warming center this winter.
“As an organization, I feel extremely sad that we are not able to host neighbors who are outside on the street,” Abid expressed.
The Community Shelter Board explained that the “difficult” decision was not due to a lack of funding but rather the strategic allocation of resources.
“Though a difficult decision, there were other applications as well, and one of the four overnight warming centers opening in January will be for youth 18-24, Ours Brothers Keepers, which we have not historically had in the winter response plan,” the board stated.
The board further elaborated on the selection process for warming centers:
- Warming center selection happens annually based on available partners ready to staff and operate sites safely.
- Building suitability and layout are considered.
- Geographic distribution is a factor.
- Operational readiness is assessed.
Target populations are taken into account.
Some locations may change each year; others return based on ongoing capacity and alignment with community needs.
The board emphasized that its Winter Response Plan “requires a multi-faceted approach.”
“CSB is pacing the funding to ensure readiness for the entire winter and maximizing impact. If additional resources are available, CSB will continue to evaluate any gaps. We will continue the commitment that there are overnight options for everyone seeking safe shelter this winter,” it said.
Steve Skovensky, the board’s Chief System Effectiveness Officer, also noted that centers are opening in phases to utilize resources more efficiently.
“Last year, the greatest utilization was in January and February,” Skovensky stated. “We want to pace and be ready when the weather hits extreme.”
This year, there is one fewer overnight warming center compared to last year’s total. The additional site was added last season in response to extreme weather. The total number of beds that will be available come January 1, 2026, matches last year’s baseline of 160 beds.
Last winter, warming centers in Columbus received $2 million in funding, plus an additional $900,000 approved by the City Council during severe weather, which provided for 40 additional beds.
“If there is additional funding, we will open more sites,” Skovensky added.
Abid explained that warming centers, which offer short-term overnight safety in community-style settings and differ from traditional shelters, fill a critical need, particularly on the West Side.
“It’s not just that they are getting a warm place to stay,” Abid said. “They are getting peace of mind and attention from people who can help them get back on their feet.”
Thompson credits the program for assisting her in finding permanent housing. She hopes that other families in her neighborhood will have access to the same resource this winter.
“We got our keys July 27, and I’m happy to say we’re still at our place,” she said. “It saved us.”
Abid stated that MY Project USA could reopen immediately as a warming center if more funding becomes available.
“100% — if I’m told we are opening tomorrow, we are ready,” she said. “My team is ready for that.”
However, without being selected, she believes the community loses a vital West Side option.
“And it’s just a huge loss for these people,” Abid said. “How can we be at peace knowing our neighbors don’t have access this year?”
