In January 2024, concerned community members and over 40 organizations came together with a shared commitment to addressing housing insecurity in Athens County.  By leveraging collective resources, fundraising, and collaborative problem-solving, the Housing Security Co-Create Group is working toward long-term solutions while addressing immediate needs.

Progress and Milestones 

Over the past year, the Housing Security Co-Create Group and its members have made significant strides:

• Securing Grant Funding for a Low-Barrier Shelter
  Led by HAPCAP and supported by numerous organizations in the Co-Create Group, the Sunset Shelter Project was launched to establish a temporary shelter in Athens County. This shelter will provide individuals experiencing housing instability with dignity, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Scheduled to open in 2026, it will be a critical resource for the community.
• Establishing the Housing Security Fund
  Through the collaboration of generous donors and the investment of ACF, the Athens County Housing Security Fund was created to support key housing initiatives and projects. To date, the fund has awarded over $16,000 to direct service providers working to provide winter housing for unhoused individuals in the community.
• Supporting the Emergency Motel Voucher Program
  Led by My Sister’s Place (MSP) .This pilot project is a pilot initiative streamlining the referral process and operations to providing temporary, safe shelter for individuals and families in immediate need. 
• Launching the Emergency Warming Center
  The Gathering Place, in partnership with the City of Athens, established an emergency overnight warming center at the Columbus Road Firehouse. This vital resource provided a warm, safe refuge for individuals, families, and even pets during the harsh winter months.
• Improving Resource Navigation and Reducing Poverty Stigma
  Efforts are ongoing to enhance resource navigation in the community, ensuring that those in need can easily access essential services. Stigma reduction is also a key focus, with education and advocacy initiatives already in motion. One notable example is the Grover Lecture Series featuring Matthew Desmond, which has helped foster important discussions on poverty and housing insecurity.
• Learning from Best Practices
  As the Co-Create Group continues its work, members remain committed to researching and evaluating successful housing interventions in other communities. By learning from proven strategies, we can refine and strengthen our local approach.

These achievements highlight the value of co-creation—pooling resources and making shared decisions to produce lasting, community-driven solutions. As we move into our second year, our commitment remains steadfast: to address the full spectrum of housing security needs in Athens County.

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ACF's Role in Co-Creation

The Athens County Foundation (ACF) plays a vital role in the co-creation effort as a convener, funder, and advocate for inclusive, community-driven solutions. ACF, through Project Co-Create, is committed to building a system where the county’s assets and strengths are harmonized and mobilized to propel progress.

ACF will continue to leverage resources, expand and share connections, foster collaboration, and champion efforts to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and thriving Athens County for all.

Get Involved

There are so many ways for you to get involved:

• Give:  If you’re in a position to give, consider donating to the Athens County Foundation to help advance community-driven solutions through collaboration. To directly support housing security efforts, you can contribute to the Housing Security Fund.
• Support Local Nonprofits: Many nonprofits are doing incredible work to address housing insecurity in Athens County. Whether through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, or volunteer service, your support can make a meaningful impact. Several organizations mentioned in this article could use your help! (Check out our nonprofit directory to find more local nonprofits)
• Advocate: Stand up for policies that promote a thriving, inclusive community. Connect with local advocacy organizations to learn how you can raise awareness and make your voice heard.

Every effort, big or small, adds up to meaningful progress.