MY Project USA to Open Warming Center in Partnership with Community Shelter Board Hilltop Youth Empowerment Center to Provide Shelter, Meals, and Support Services for Adults During Winter Months Columbus, OH — In collaboration with the Community Shelter Board (CSB), MY Project USA is opening a Warming Center at the Hilltop Youth Empowerment Center to provide critical shelter and services to vulnerable adults during the winter months. This bold step comes as MY Project USA faces a cash flow crisis, requiring the organization to raise $200,000 by the end of this year to sustain its community resource warehouse and food pantry operations through 2025. The Warming Center, designated as one of CSB’s official warming sites, will operate from December 01, 2024, to March 31, 2025, offering safe refuge to 40 adults, including singles, couples, and families with adult children. Guests seeking shelter should contact the Community Shelter Board hotline to be assigned to available warming sites. MY Project USA’s site will exclusively serve singles and married adults. “We know that we are going through a tough time, but at the same time, we also know that there is no other site on the Westside that could provide so many wrap-around services and support to our neighbors in need,” said Zerqa Abid, Founder, President, and Executive Director of MY Project USA. “We believe that our community will come forward to help us get out of this crisis as we take care of the most vulnerable community members this winter.” Support MY Project USA’s Mission Financial Donations MY Project USA must raise $200,000 by the end of this year to sustain its free community resource warehouse and food pantry programs through 2025. These services are crucial for providing groceries, clothing, and other essentials to thousands of families. Donations can be made directly at: https://www.myprojectusa.org/donors In-Kind Donations for the Warming Center To support the Warming Center, MY Project USA is seeking donations of meals and winter clothing items such as hats, gloves, and coats. Volunteer opportunities are also available to assist with meal service and other needs. Sign up to donate items or volunteer at: https://www.myprojectusa.org/volunteer Comprehensive Services for Guests In addition to shelter and meals, guests at the Warming Center will have access to other MY Project USA programs housed at the Hilltop Youth Empowerment Center, including: - Mid-Ohio Market at MY Project USA, providing free groceries for families in need.
- Hilltop Free Clinic, offering essential medical services.
- MY Deah’s Warehouse Services, which can provide clothing and basic necessities. If funded, this program could also offer transitional job opportunities and training for those seeking employment.
Looking to the Future MY Project USA is also advocating for expanded workforce development opportunities for underserved young adults in Columbus. In partnership with Star House, a nonprofit shelter for homeless youth, the organization has proposed the Columbus Youth Success Center, a program designed to train Opportunity Youth—homeless and refugee individuals aged 18–24. While initial funding from the City of Columbus was not approved, MY Project USA is actively pursuing support from the Columbus Foundation and the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). This initiative could significantly enhance the services available to Warming Center guests within this age group. |
