Community Shelter Board Reports Progress

Mayor Coleman Receives the 2002 Mel Schottenstein Leadership Award

With a view of downtown Columbus, Mayor Michael B. Coleman received the 2002 Mel Schottenstein Leadership Award, the honor given by the Community Shelter Board (CSB) in recognition of an individual for actions and innovations to break the cycle of homelessness in our community.

Lenore S. Sagner, a long-time CSB supporter and the widow of Mel Schottenstein, presented the award, “Mayor Coleman works to support efforts that reduce homelessness. He has been a strong advocate for the Commons at Grant, a new affordable and supportive housing community that is part of the Community Shelter Board's Rebuilding Lives plan.”

“He is also fighting for quality affordable housing for families in our community. Mayor Coleman is working to effectively build partnerships to ensure the future strength of Central Ohio,” said Ms. Sagner. “He is committed to helping all citizens have a place to call ‘home.’”

Ron Pizzuti, Chairman and CEO of the Pizzuti Companies and 2002 Lead Corporate Sponsor for the Eighth Annual Mel Schottenstein Birthday Celebration, expressed appreciation for the individuals and businesses who support the efforts to prevent homelessness in Central Ohio. (Please see the list of donors at the end of this release.)

“As a developer, I know well the importance of building relationships and working collaboratively,” said Mr. Pizzuti. “I know how hard it is to stay focused on solid plans and shared goals. So does the Community Shelter Board… CSB has a proven record of success, a strong strategic plan, and professional leadership. It is leveraging its funds and building partnerships that work for everyone in this community.”

Mr. Pizzuti announced future lead corporate sponsors for the Mel Schottenstein Birthday Celebration: Battelle (2003), The Huntington National Bank (2004) and Grange Insurance (2005).

Mr. Pizzuti reminded guests that in 2004 the Community Shelter Board will celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the event and pointed out that The Huntington National Bank, “the Lead Corporate Sponsor from the very first celebration is returning for the 10^th.”

Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the Community Shelter Board, gave community leaders and CSB supporters an update on the work of the Community Shelter Board and its efforts to end homelessness in our community.

“The Community Shelter Board is working to end homelessness… [we are] not simply providing beds for a night, we offer programs and services that lead to self sufficiency,” she said.

Poppe emphasized the importance of CSB’s prevention programs that work to stop homelessness before it starts and CSB’s unique housing and service programs that work to quickly and successfully move individuals and families out of shelter

Poppe noted that CSB’s housing programs can be as simple as providing one-on-one supportive services and financial assistance to help a family or individual to find a new apartment, to move in and get settled, or as comprehensive as long-term supportive housing programs for chronically homeless individuals.

She stated, “Model supportive housing programs, such a the Parsons Avenue Program, is working well for some of our most chronically homeless people…More than 400 units are online or in development and we are well on our way to meet our long-term goal of developing 800 units.”

The 8^th Annual Mel Schottenstein Birthday Celebration to support the Community Shelter Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2002 from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Ballroom. Event sponsorship information is available by contacting Terri W. Green at the Community Shelter Board at 614/221-9195.

The Community Shelter Board, established in 1986, is a non-profit intermediary organization that coordinates community based efforts, fosters collaboration, and funds services to assist families and individuals in Central Ohio to resolve their housing crisis. The Community Shelter Board allocates $7.0 million annually to support programs at 15 agencies. Last year, these programs served more than 7,000 individuals. The Community Shelter Board is funded by the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the United Way of Central Ohio, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Ohio, and other public and private donors.

Attachments:

- Major funders of the 2002 Mel Schottenstein Birthday Celebration

- Background on the Award and list of past recipients