Nonprofit helps central Ohio's homeless deal with mental health

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus area nonprofit is emphasizing its support for those they help who are experiencing mental illness.

Community Housing Network (CHN) has been serving the community for more than 35 years by helping find affordable, permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.

CHN said more than 80% of its residents experience mental illness. Those numbers hit close to home for Carolyn Ford, a woman who was without a home for more than two years.

Ford was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop working.

"I became homeless because I wasn't able to pay my rent. I went to the shelter," she said.

At the shelter, she tried to figure out what came next.

"I thought that nobody cared. I was lost," Ford said. 

She was on the waitlist for a home through CHN, which could provide a place she could afford that included support for her mental and physical health.

One day, she got the call.

"I was happy, I was sad, I was grateful, I cried, I jumped up and down. I was saying thank you," Ford said. 

"It's actually one of my favorite days of the year when we have move-in day because the people we serve have really experienced so many really difficult situations and they're incredibly resilient," CHN CEO Samantha Schuler said. 

Schuler said they put a strong emphasis on mental health support because so many people who are homeless need it.

"If you really want to end the cycle of homelessness for folks, you really need to provide both affordable housing and access to voluntary services," Schuler said. "Generally speaking, if somebody has a mental illness and not a good support system, then their homelessness will be long term unless you can get them some permanent supportive housing."

There are almost 60 residents living where Ford is now. CHN plans to add another 40 units with construction starting this summer.