Empowering Families: The Direct Cash Transfer & Stabilize Families Pilot Program
At Community Shelter Board, we are constantly innovating to find flexible, housing-focused solutions that shorten the duration of homelessness and prevent future housing crises for families in Franklin County and the Central Ohio region.
The Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) program is made possible through a powerful collaboration with the YMCA of Central Ohio, YWCA Columbus, the RISE Together Innovation Institute, and The Ohio State University College of Social Work. This initiative provides immediate, unconditional financial assistance to families exiting emergency shelters to help them secure and maintain stable housing.
Real Impact, Proven Success
Our recent data shows that the program delivers incredible, tangible results for Central Ohio families:
- 113 households have received a $1,500 direct cash transfer to help them establish a permanent home.
- Only 11 families have returned to an emergency shelter after receiving this assistance.
By removing immediate financial barriers, we give families the independence and stability they need to rebuild their lives.
A Quicker Path to Stability
Families who receive DCT stay less than half the shelter average.
Average length of stay for a family:
- With DCT: 44 Days
- Without DCT: 113 Days
Not only is this a cost savings at the shelter, but it also reduces the trauma of a shelter stay.
Preliminary Findings: The OSU Interim Report
To ensure our programs are evidence-based, our partners at The Ohio State University College of Social Work are conducting an ongoing, mixed-methods evaluation of the pilot.
In April 2026, the research team released an interim report capturing preliminary findings from participants six months after receiving their initial $1,500 lump-sum payment.
Key Insights from the 6-Month Survey
- Securing Leases: 72% of surveyed participants successfully moved into a house or apartment with a lease.
- Perceived Stability: 62% of families reported that their current housing situation is fully stable.
- Where the Money Goes: Participants used the flexible funding to address their most urgent needs:
- 67% used it for a housing deposit
- 43% for food and daily necessities
- 38% for transportation
- A Vital Stress Reliever: In qualitative interviews, parents consistently shared that the cash assistance lifted an immense psychological burden, giving them breathing room to focus on their children's well-being and education.
"It’s just kind of a stress reliever. Before I was stressed out all the time."
- Participant 29
While the interim data shows that families continue to face systemic challenges like food insecurity and high psychological distress, these early housing retention results are highly encouraging. A final report comparing different payment models will be released at the end of 2026.
Program Partners
