IMPACT's Housing Navigation Department Partners with Stowe Mission
At IMPACT Community Action, Housing Navigation has always been rooted in a simple but powerful belief: no one should have to navigate a housing crisis alone. Every day, our team walks alongside individuals and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, helping them find stability, access resources, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency.
But as the needs in our community continue to grow and evolve, so must our approach.
Housing instability is rarely just about housing. It is often connected to a web of challenges, including income barriers, health concerns, food insecurity, and limited access to supportive services. Because of this, the future of effective housing navigation depends not only on the services we provide internally but also on how deeply we connect with the broader community.
That is why expanding partnerships is not just a strategy for our department—it is essential to our mission.
One powerful example of this vision in action is the work of our own Erik Kelley, who has begun outreach efforts at Stowe Mission of Central Ohio. By meeting individuals where they already are, Erik is helping bridge the gap between immediate needs and long-term solutions.
Stowe Mission has been a cornerstone of the Columbus community since 1967, offering a holistic approach to care through hunger relief, healthcare, and education. From daily hot meals and a choice of food pantry items to free dental and vision clinics, Stowe Mission meets critical needs with dignity and compassion. Their commitment to youth through after-school programming and scholarships further demonstrates their investment in lasting transformation.
By partnering with an organization like Stowe Mission, Housing Navigation can engage individuals earlier in their journey—often before a housing crisis reaches its most critical point. During these outreach efforts, clients are not only able to ask housing-related questions but are also connected directly to Impact’s services and other community resources that can support their stability.
This kind of presence matters. It builds trust. It reduces barriers.
It creates a pathway for individuals to move from uncertainty to stability with guidance and support.
More importantly, it reflects a shift in how we think about service delivery. Instead of waiting for individuals to find us, we are intentionally embedding ourselves in spaces where people are already seeking help, hope, and connection.
Looking ahead, Housing Navigation is committed to growing these kinds of partnerships across Franklin County. This includes working alongside community centers, faith-based organizations, landlords, property managers, and service providers to create a more coordinated and responsive system of care.
Through these partnerships, we can:
Increase access to housing resources
Provide earlier intervention for those at risk of homelessness
Strengthen pathways to employment, financial stability, and supportive services
Build stronger relationships with landlords and housing providers
Ensure that no door is the wrong door for someone seeking help
Ultimately, our goal is not just to help people find housing. It is to help people build stability, restore dignity, and create a foundation for long-term success.
This work cannot be done in isolation. It requires collaboration, shared vision, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. Housing Navigation is ready to lead in that space.
