Transitional Housing in Columbus, OH
Free & low-cost transitional housing programs for people rebuilding their lives in Columbus, OH
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Quick Answer
The Columbus area has approximately 30 transitional housing programs. Many programs are free through HUD, the VA, Ohio state programs, and local nonprofits. Programs that charge typically ask for $255–$850/month or 30% of income. Call 211 for local referrals or the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) if you are fleeing domestic violence.
Columbus, OH Transitional Housing at a Glance
~30
Programs
Free–$850
Monthly Cost
3–24
Months (Typical Stay)
7
Population Types
Transitional Housing Programs in Columbus, OH
7 directory entries. Confirm the exact operator and address, services, costs and admission requirements directly before paying or visiting. A listing does not confirm a vacancy or acceptance.
| Facility | Area | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
245 N. Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 | AreaDowntown / Discovery District | Phone | Detailsemergency shelter for men and women, meals, health center on site, beds assigned via Homeless Hotline 614-274-7000 |
595 Van Buren Drive, Columbus, OH 43223 | AreaFranklinton | Phone | Detailsemergency shelter for women, families, and men, Housing First, serves up to 800 people nightly, access via Homeless Hotline 614-274-7000 |
900 Harvey Court, Columbus, OH 43219 | AreaNortheast Columbus | Phone | Detailsemergency shelter for families, 50 rooms, on-site child care, housing and job search help |
1421 Hamlet St, Columbus, OH 43201 | AreaItalian Village / Weinland Park | Phone | Detailsages 17-24, furnished apartments, 12-18 month stays, crisis line 614-294-5553 |
1220 Corrugated Way, Columbus, OH 43201 | AreaMilo-Grogan (drop-in); village in Franklinton | Phone | Detailshousing village for ages 18-24, 62 efficiency apartments, 24/7 drop-in center for ages 14-24 |
624 Harmon Avenue, Columbus, OH 43223 | AreaSouth Franklinton | Phone | Detailsveterans, homelessness and housing support services |
966 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43205 | AreaNear East Side | Phone | DetailsHousing First rapid rehousing, serves families, veterans, single adults, rent and utility assistance |
An organization may offer several different programs. Ask which program and location the contact handles. “Contact for location” means this directory has no street address; it does not establish that the address is confidential. Use the organization’s own current contact information.
What Is Transitional Housing?
Transitional housing provides temporary housing combined with supportive services to help people move from homelessness or crisis situations to permanent, stable housing. Unlike emergency shelters (which offer short-term beds, often just overnight), transitional housing programs typically last 3 to 24 months and include case management, job training, financial literacy, counseling, and help finding permanent housing.
Transitional housing in Columbusserves a wide range of people: those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, veterans, families with children, youth aging out of foster care, people reentering society after incarceration, and those in addiction recovery. The goal is always the same — providing a stable foundation so residents can get back on their feet and achieve lasting independence.
Unlike halfway houses (which are specifically for people leaving incarceration or in substance abuse recovery), transitional housing serves a broader population and typically has fewer restrictions. There may not be curfews, mandatory meetings, or drug testing — though program-specific rules vary.
Who Can Apply for Transitional Housing in Columbus?
Transitional housing programs in Columbus commonly serve the populations below. Every program sets its own eligibility rules — a program built for one population is not open to all of them. Contact each program about current criteria and openings.
Cost Breakdown
Free programs: Many transitional housing programs in Columbus are completely free, especially those funded by HUD Continuum of Care grants, the VA (for veterans), or Ohio state programs. DV shelters and youth-specific programs are almost always free.
Income-based programs: Some programs ask residents to contribute 30% of their income toward rent once they are employed. If you have no income, you pay nothing. This model helps residents practice budgeting and saving for permanent housing.
Fee-based programs: Some private or nonprofit programs charge a modest monthly fee, typically $255–$850/month. This often includes a room, meals, utilities, and access to supportive services like case management and job training.
How to Find Transitional Housing in Columbus
- 1.
- 2.
Contact Your Local Continuum of Care (CoC)
HUD funds a Continuum of Care in every community, which coordinates access to transitional housing. In Columbus, this is typically managed through a coordinated entry system. Visit HUD Exchange to find your local CoC.
- 3.
Veterans: Contact the VA
Veterans can access transitional housing through the VA's Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program, HUD-VASH vouchers, and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Call the VA homeless veteran helpline at 1-877-424-3838.
- 4.
DV Survivors: Call the National Hotline
If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, confidential). They can connect you with safe transitional housing programs in Columbus for survivors and their children.
- 5.
Contact Local Nonprofits Directly
Many transitional housing programs accept direct applications. See the notable organizations listed below for programs in Columbus. You can also visit a local shelter or community action agency to get connected with transitional housing options.
Transitional Housing Organizations in Columbus
These organizations provide transitional housing or can connect you with programs in the Columbus area. Contact them directly for availability and eligibility requirements.
- •Community Shelter Board
- •YMCA of Central Ohio
- •YWCA Columbus
- •National Church Residences
Ohio Transitional Housing Programs
Ohio funds transitional housing through the Development Services Agency's Homeless Crisis Response Program and Emergency Solutions Grants. The Community Shelter Board manages Columbus's CoC and coordinated entry system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transitional housing in Columbus, OH?
How much does transitional housing cost in Columbus?
How do I apply for transitional housing in Columbus, OH?
How long can I stay in transitional housing in Columbus?
Related Resources
- Second Chance ApartmentsFull housing guide
- Halfway Houses in Columbus, OHFor people leaving incarceration
- Sober Living Homes GuideNational guide
- Jobs & EmploymentCompanies that hire people with records
- SNAP Benefits in OhioFood assistance
- Get Your ID in OhioState ID, birth certificate, SSN
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