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Resources

Help can come in many forms.

Whether it comes from us or from one of our trusted resources, you have options. 

​If it’s a life-threatening emergency,
 CALL 911.

If you are a young person (under 24) in need of immediate HOUSING support,
please contact our friends at Huck House
(614) 294-8097, or their YOP Shop (614) 826-3630.

Otherwise choose from a category below.
I need someone to talk to
I need a place to stay
I need something to eat
i need physical or sexual health resources
I need gender affirming resources
I need job support
I need something else
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I need someone to talk to about how I'm feeling.

MENTAL HEALTH

When things seem heavy, scary, or confusing, it's okay to feel what you're feeling. And it's okay to reach out for help at any point. If you're feeling suicidal, please call 9-1-1 or 9-8-8.
  • Trevor Project (Call, Text, or Chat)
    • For queer youth struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or needing a judgement-free space to talk
    • Contact: 1-866-488-7386
  • Trans Lifeline 
    • Peer support hotline ran by and for trans people
    • Contact: 877-565-8860​
  • Franklin County Youth Psychiatric Crisis Line (for ages 17 and under)
    • Contact: 614-722-1800
  • Clintonville Counseling and Wellness
    • Provide counseling on topics related to LGBTQ+ identities/issues, gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 5354 N. High Street, Suite 206
      • Columbus, OH 43214
  • Syntero
    • Mental health, drug, and alcohol recovery.
    • Contact information:
      • 614.889.5722 ext. 133
    • Hours
      • Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
  • Stonewall Columbus
    • Counseling, HIV/STI testing, support groups.
    • Location and Contact information:
      • 1160 North High Street (Corner of 4th Ave. and High Street)
      • Contact: (614) 299-7764
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Netcare Assessment Center
    • Offers non-emergency walk-in alcohol, drug, and mental health assessments.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 199 South Central Avenue
        Columbus, Ohio 43223
      • Contact: (614) 274-9500
      • For Crisis Assistance Call - (614) 276-2273
    • Walk-in Hours:
      • SUNDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
        MONDAY: 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
        TUESDAY: 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
        WEDNESDAY: 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
        THURSDAY: 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
        FRIDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
        SATURDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
  • Mental Health America of Franklin County
    • Pro bono counseling, ombudsman, maternal mental health, support groups, online screenings, workplace and community programs.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 2323 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 160
      • Columbus, OH 43204
      • Contact: (614) 221-1441
  • The Center for Balanced Living
    • Eating Disorder Treatment & Recovery
    • Location and contact information:
      •  8001 Ravines Edge Ct #201, 
      • Columbus, OH 43235
      • Contact: (614) 896-8222
  • Affirmations
    • Affirmations has become well-known for the special understanding we offer to people with diverse cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and racial backgrounds along with our dedicated work in the LGBTQIA communities.
    •  Location and contact information:
      • 620 E Broad St,
      • Columbus, OH 43215
      • Contact: (614) 914-6690

 

I need a place to stay.

Emergency Shelter Options

  • Center for Healthy Families 
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 500 S Front St #930
      • Columbus, OH 43215
      • Contact: (614) 884-4200  
  • Huckleberry House (for under 18)
    • 24/7 crisis housing shelter for individuals under the age of 18
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 1421 Hamlet Street
        Columbus, Ohio 43202
      • Contact: (614) 294-8097
  • Star House (ages 14 - 24)
    • 24/7 Drop-in center for youth ages 14-24
    • Location and Contact Information
      • 1220 Corrugated Way
        Columbus, OH 43201
      • Contact: (614) 826-5868
  • YOP Shop (age 12-24)
    • Location and Contact Information
      • 893 E. 11th Ave. 
      • Columbus, Ohio 43212
      • Contact: 614.826.3630 
  • Van Buren Shelter (Adult Men, Women and Family) 
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 595 Van Buren Dr. 
      • Columbus, Ohio 43223
      • Contact: (614) 715-2030 
  • YMCA Franklin Station (Adult Men and Women)
    • Location and Contact Information
      • 524 West broad St.
      • Columbus, Ohio 43215
      • Contact: (614) 662-1020 
  • Downtown YMCA (Adult Men)   
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 40 W. Long St. 
      • Columbus, Ohio 43215
      • Contact: (614) 573-3616
  • Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
    • Provides housing assistance for very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled, allowing them to live in safe, quality affordable housing in the private market
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 880 E. 11th Ave.
        Columbus, OH 43211-2771
      • Contact:614-421-6000
    • Hours:
      • Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Columbus Urban League
    • The mission of the Columbus Urban League is to empower African Americans and disenfranchised groups through economic, educational, and social progress. Offer programs in housing assistance, career, education, and prevention services.
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 788 Mount Vernon Avenue
        Columbus, OH 43203
      • Contact: (614) 257-6300
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm
  • IMPACT Community Action
    • Emergency Assistance includes utility bills, appliances, furniture banks, rent/mortgages, transport, water utilities, and fresh produce giveaways.
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 700 Bryden Road
        Columbus, OH 43215
      • Contact: 614-252-2799
    • Hours:
      • Mondays through Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

KYC Housing Options:

  • IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF EMERGENCY HOUSING, PLEASE CALL 614- 826-3630.
  • Rapid Re-Housing: A program that helps young people, 18 - 24, prevent or quickly exit homelessness and enter into safe, stable housing. Assistance is offered without preconditions; and resources and services provided are responsive to unique individual needs.​
  • Supportive Co-Housing: A supportive intentional group living space for youth ages 18 - 24, designed to meet the needs of homeless or housing insecure young people. 
Email us for more info on KYC's Housing Programs

 

I need something to eat.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

  • All Peoples Fresh Market
    • The market's mission is to build community by sharing healthy, fresh food and bringing people together to engage in healthy living activities ranging from cooking classes to exercise sessions. Most of the fresh food is provided from the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Additional locally grown produce will be available from a variety of community gardens and nearby farms. Serves all zip codes.
    • Location
      • 945 Parsons Ave. Columbus, OH. 43206
    • Hours:
      • Tuesday: 10am-4pm
      • Wednesday-Friday: 11am-5pm
      • Saturday: 9am-1pm
  • Broad Street Food Pantry
    • To help stop the spread of COVID-19, drive-through services are available, or volunteers will bring the food to you.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 760 East Broad St.
      • Columbus, OH 43205
      • Contact: (614) 908-3901
    • Hours
      • 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday through Friday.
  • Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC):
    • The CRC Family Services help in many areas including food, housing, health care and transportation.
    • Office Location and Contact Information:
      • 3222 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43202 
      • Contact: (614) 268-3539
    • Family Services and Choice Food Pantry Location and Contact Information:
      • 14 W. Lakeview Ave. Columbus, OH 43202
      • Contact: 614-268-8118
    • Hours:
      • Food Pantry Hours: Monday - Friday, 12pm - 4pm
      • Fresh Produce Distribution: Wednesday, 12pm – 4pm
  • Gahanna Residents in Need:
    • GRIN Provides compassionate, short-term food and financial assistance.
    • COVID-19 Update 9/10/21: Masks REQUIRED for both vaccinated and unvaccinated
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 165 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
      • Contact: (614) 214-4747
    • Donation/Pantry Hours:
      • Every Monday, 12-3pm (donations) 
      • 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6-8pm (donations/pantry)
      • Every Wednesday,10-12pm (donations/pantry) 
      • Every Saturday, 9-11am (donations/pantry)
      • Thursday, Friday & Sunday, CLOSED
  • Heart to Heart
    • An open-choice food pantry serving clients in need of food assistance. Heart to Heart services all zip codes. The pantry is walk-in/drive up only. Head of household must have a picture ID. All members of a household must live at the same address. If you are unable to appear in person, fill out this form. Clients are encouraged to bring their own reusable grocery bags.
    • Location:
      • 1944 W. First Avenue Columbus, OH 43212
    • Hours:
      • Tuesdays 9am to 12pm
      • Thursdays 9am to 12pm
  • LSS Food Pantry Champion Avenue
    • In the State of Ohio, income eligibility for food pantry assistance is determined by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Any household living at 200% of the federal poverty level or less is eligible to visit the pantry. See income guidelines here, and place food orders online here.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 1460 S. Champion Avenue
        Columbus, OH 43206
      • Contact: 1-877-LSS-MEAL
    • Hours:
      • Walk-in produce distributions:
        • Monday 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
        • First and third Saturdays of each month 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
      • Scheduled full shop appointment pick-ups and produce walk-ins
        • Tuesday – Friday 1 – 4 p.m.
  • MASH Pantry
    • Provides food, clothing, toiletries and hygiene items, emotional support and other resources to veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, military families, and survivors.
    • ONE visit per month. Please bring your State ID, Veteran/Military ID, or DD214/NGB22.
    • Locations:
      • 2996 Columbus Street,
        Grove City, Ohio 43123
        • Hours of Operation: (Weather Permitting) 1st and 3rd Saturday of Month (8:30 am – 12:00 pm) EST
      • 222 E. William Street
        Delaware, Ohio 43015
        • Hours of Operation: (Weather Permitting) every Thursday (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) EST
      • 17273 State Route 104
        Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
        • Hours of Operation: (Weather Permitting) 1st and 3rd Saturday of Month (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) EST
  • Mid-Ohio Food Bank Kroger Pantry
    • Provide efficient, effective ways for hungry people to meet their basic food and nutrition needs. All of Franklin County served.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 3960 Brookham Drive
      • Grove City, OH 43123
      • Contact:(614) 317-9487
    • Hours:
      • Monday | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
      • Tuesday | 9:30am – 3:30pm AND 5:30pm – 8:00pm
      • Wednesday | 9:30am – 3:30pm AND 5:30pm – 8:00pm
      • Thursday | 9:30am – 3:30pm AND 5:30pm – 8:00pm
      • Friday | 9:30am – 3:30pm
      • Saturday | 9:30am – 3:30pm
  • Neighborhood Services, Inc. Food Pantry
    • Offers food pantry, free clothing to children and adults, monthly free fresh produce markets, free tax preparation with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), back to school programs, Holiday Food programs, Christmas Gift Adoptions program, and Ohio Benefit Bank services.
    • No appointment necessary for access to the food pantry. Is now open to all Franklin County zip codes and individuals can visit TWICE a month.
    • Home Delivery: By Appointment Only, sign up here
      • Available in zip codes 43201, 43202, 43210, 43211, 43220, 43221 and 43224
      • Contactless Delivery
    • Location and contact information:
      • 1950 N 4th Street
      • Columbus, Ohio 43201
    • Hours:
      • Monday through Friday 10 am – 1 pm
  • NNEMAP Food Pantry
    • NNEMAP Food Pantry offers food and other services to qualifying individuals and families who live in the City of Columbus. Customers may visit the pantry once a week. Please bring a photo ID for adult head of household. To receive non-food items (diapers, baby supplies), please provide names and dates of birth for eligible household members. Your current household income must meet current federal guidelines. You can view income qualifications here.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 677 E. 11th Ave.
      • Columbus, OH 43211
      • Contact: (614) 297-0533
    • Hours:
      • Monday: 9am-12 noon 
      • Tuesday: 9am-12 noon
      • Wednesday: 9am-12 noon
      • Thursday: 3pm-6pm
      • Friday: 9am-12 noon 
      • Saturday: 10am-1pm
      • CLOSED EVERY SUNDAY
  • Veterans Food Bank
    • As an emergency food bank, they may provide 15 meals per family member per month. In some circumstances, and on a case-by-case basis, additional food may be provided. The food bank is intended to be an emergency, short-term source of food. In addition to food, the food bank may be able to provide clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items.
    • Location:
      • 4889 Sinclair Rd Suite 104
      • Columbus Ohio 43229
    • Hours:
      • Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:00pm

 

I need physical or sexual health resources.

  • Out of the Closet
    • Free HIV & STI testing
    • Location and contact information:
      • 1230 N. High St
    • Columbus, OH 43201            
    • Contact: (614) 291-2680
    • Hours:
      • Thrift Store Hours 
        • Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
        • Monday-Saturday 10:00am - 7:00pm
      • Free HIV Testing:
        • Monday-Saturday 10:00am - 7:00pm
      • Free STI Testing (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia):
        • Monday-Thursday 3:00pm - 6:30pm
      • Free Same-Day STI Testing & Treatment:
        • Monday & Thursday 2:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Nationwide Children’s Hospital Adolescent Medicine Clinics
    • Livingston Ambulatory Center
      • Adolescent Medicine Clinic, Young Women's Contraceptive Services Program (BC4Teens), Medication Assisted Treatment for Addiction (MATA) Clinic, Pediatric Gynecology Clinic, Teen and Pregnant (TaP) Program
      • Location and Contact Information
        • 380 Butterfly Gardens Drive
          Columbus, OH 43215
        • Contact: (614) 722-2450
  • THRIVE Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    • Specializes in care for differences/ disorders of sex development (DSD), complex urological conditions, and gender concerns.
    • Location and contact information
      • 700 Children’s Drive
      • Columbus, OH 43205
      • Contact: (614) 722-5765
  • Columbus Public Health
    • Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Dental, Family Planning, Immunization, Sexual Health, Tuberculosis Control, WIC, Women’s Health
    • Location and contact information:
      • 240 Parsons Avenue
        Columbus, Ohio 43215
      • Contact: 614-645-7417
    • Hours:
      • Monday- Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm
  • Columbus Public Health - Free Clinic​
    • Location and contact information:
      • 240 Parsons Ave.
      • Columbus Ohio, 43215
      • Contact: (614) 240-7430
    • Hours:
      • Sign-in begins at 4:30 pm Mondays only, first come first serve
  • Equitas Health
    • Offers a medical center, pharmacy, testing & an HIV/STD hotline.
    • Contact information: (614) 299-2437
  • PrimaryOne Health
    • Services: OB/GYN, Primary Care & Pediatrics, Dental Services, Vision Services, Behavioral and Mental Healthcare, Adult and Internal Medicine, Specialty Care Services, Health Care for the Homeless
    • Contact information: 614-645-5500
  • Planned Parenthood
    • North Columbus Health Center
      • Abortion referrals, birth control, HIV testing, men’s health care, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing & services, STI testing treatment & vaccines, women’s healthcare
    • Location and contact information:
      • 18 East 17th Avenue
        Columbus, OH 43201
      • Contact: 614-222-3604
    • Hours:
      • Mon     12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
        Tues     9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
        Wed     11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
        Thurs   10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
        Fri         8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Sat        9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Sun             Closed

 

I need gender affirming resources.

Binders and Gaffs

  • ​KYC's Gender Affirmation Project (GAP):  We are currently able to provide FREE binders and gaffs to young people up to age 24.

 

I need job support.

Employment assistance and opportunities

  • ​Ohio Means Jobs
    • Services for job seekers, employers, the veteran network, and a restoration academy
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • The Jerry Hammond Center
      • 1111 E. Broad St.
        Columbus OH 43205
      • Contact: (614) 559-5052
    • Hours:
      • Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
    • Services for unemployed workers, Medicaid, food assistance, cash assistance, child support, protective services, foster care/adoption, and childcare.
    • Location and Contact Information:
      • 1721 Northland Park Ave.
      • Columbus, OH 43229
      • Contact: (614) 233-2000
  • Job Works
    • Provide services in on-the-job training, outside training classes for youth, adults, disabled folks, and vets, and recruitment
    • Contact information: (260) 745-2000
    • Email: info@jobworksinc.org
  • Columbus Works
    • Provide services to help remove barriers from those in poverty in the workforce. Include job readiness training, support system, resource assistance (daycare, interview clothing, and transport), assistance with applications, and preparation for interviews.
    • Location and contact information:
      • 750 Mt. Carmel Mall, Suite 300
      • Columbus, OH 43222
      • Contact: 614-214-2300
      • Nationwide Children's Hospital Career Gateway
        • 747 E. Whittier Street
          Columbus, OH 43206
        • 303 E. 6th Avenue, Room #8
        • Columbus, Ohio 432015
  • The Alpha Group
    • Employment and work training to folks with developmental disabilities
    • Location and contact information:
      • 4333 Tuller Road
      • Dublin, Ohio 43017
      • 5991 Chandler Court
      • Westerville, OH 43082
      • Contact: (740) 368-5810
  • Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA)
    • We assist people with mental, emotional, and other challenges to a productive life through job readiness and skill building programs, adult employment services, young adult independent living and career development (ages 14 to 22), and benefits application & consultation services
    • Location and contact information:
      • 3770 N. High St.
      • Columbus, Ohio 43214
      • Contact: 614-294-7117

 

I need something else.

Child Abuse & Neglect
  • Franklin County Children's Services: Investigation of child abuse complaints and services to victims of child abuse. 24/7 child abuse hotline: (614) 229-7000
Domestic/Relationship Violence
  • CHOICES: Services for victims of domestic violence including legal support, temporary shelter, counseling and a 24/7 hotline.  (614) 224-HOME
  • Center for Family Safety & Healing: Programming and services to address child abuse & neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.  (614) 722-8200
  • BRAVO: support for survivors of interpersonal violence.  (866) 86-BRAVO
Internet Access
  • ​PCs for People
    • Provides technology and internet-based devices to help bridge the digital divide
    • See eligibility criteria here
    • Families in Franklin County with a K-12 student are eligible to register for computers and internet service here
Legal Support
  • ​The Legal Clinic at Equality Ohio: Offers many free legal services, like consumer law (such as fraud and identity theft), family law, civil rights, administrative help (such as SSI or disability) and more. In order to access the legal clinic, your income must be within 300% of the federal poverty level.  (855) 542-8529
  • TransOhio: Provides free clinics to help change legal name and gender markers.  (614) 441-8167
Minor Sex Trafficking/Survival Sex
  • Gracehaven: Provides services for sexually exploited minors.  (614) 302-9515​
Sexual Abuse/Rape/Incest
  • SARNCO: 24/7 rape helpline and recovery resources for survivors and co-survivors.  (614) 267-7020
  • BRAVO: Support for LGBTQ+ survivors of interpersonal violence.  1-866-86-BRAVO
Sexual Health
  • Equitas Health: Offers a medical center, pharmacy, testing & an HIV/STD hotline.  (800) 332-2437
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation: HIV medical care with access to specialists, medications and other services.  (614) 223-1532
  • MOZAIC: Offers community building, sexual health education, free HIV/STI testing, and safe sex supplies for transgender and gender non-binary people of color. 614-572-0820
  • Columbus Public Health: Provides STI prevention education, testing, diagnosis and treatment.  (614) 645-7772
  • Planned Parenthood: Ten local centers providing sexual health information and services.  (614) 222-3604
  • Out of the Closet: Free HIV/STI testing. (614) 291-2680
Substance Abuse
  • NetCare: Standardized risk assessment and stabilization of youth at the least restrictive level of care.  (614) 276-CARE (2273)
  • Southeast: Mental health, alcohol & drug counseling services.  (614) 225-0990
  • Maryhaven: Treatment for alcohol &other drug dependencies, as well as mental health needs, in residential and outpatient settings.  (614) 445-8131
  • Affirmations: Offers a broad range of psychotherapy. Many types of insurance accepted.  (614) 445-8277

Location
603 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215
​614-294-5437 (10am - 6pm)
​info@kycohio.org
Mailing Address
Kaleidoscope Youth Center
P.O. Box 8104
​Columbus, OH 43201
Emergency Phone Numbers
+ 911 if emergency
+ National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255
​+ Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
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* Kaleidoscope Youth Center acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory and homelands of the Hopewell, Myaamia, and Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) people. *
The Kaleidoscope Youth Center name and logo are copyrighted. All rights are reserved by Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Inc.
  • Programs
    • Center Based Programs >
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    • Ohio GSA Network
    • Community Education >
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  • Get Involved
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