Fairfield County:

Fairfield County Emergency Shelter
Located at 1681 E Main Street in Lancaster, the Fairfield County Emergency Shelter is not only a place for a hot meal and a warm bed, but a haven of hope as well. The shelter serves the homeless community in Fairfield County by offering a secure environment for homeless men and women on an emergency walk-in basis. The agency provides shelter, food and clothing, while helping individuals with access to longer term solutions such as housing, employment assistance, counseling and support groups.

Under the operation of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, Fairfield County Emergency Shelter also offers the following services for families and individuals to move from homelessness to self sufficiency:

Fairfield County Transitional Housing Program, in conjunction with the Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority, provides direction and support while transitioning from homelessness to independent living. The program has been specifically designed for those who are serious about working on the issues that have led to his/her homelessness. In order to be admitted to the Transitional Housing Program, the individual must be living on the street or in a homeless shelter. The applicant must be psychiatrically stable and willing to seek employment, save money, and work with an outside treatment program. While there are general requirements for the program, it is tailored for each individual with an average length of stay being six or seven months.

Fairhaven Place is Fairfield County’s only transitional housing complex. It is located at 1681 East Main Street in Lancaster and offers 20 furnished, single room occupancy apartments. Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom and living area.

Upon moving into Fairhaven Place, weekly meetings are planned with case managers who help individuals develop and follow weekly goal plans. Program participants are required to attend a minimum of four to five Alcoholics Anonymous/Cocaine Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous meetings per week.

Throughout the program the participants are required to pay a monthly fee of 30 percent of their income (with a maximum of $279). Supportive services are offered to help participants with budgeting, employment readiness, and housing assistance.

Project House Call is a central database for Fairfield County residents and landlords designed to assist individuals in finding housing. Information found on the database includes:

• Addresses of houses or apartments available - including number of bedrooms, appliances, utilities, handicap accessibility, and pets
• Income/age restrictions
• Section 8 or Subsidized
• Credit check
• Deposit information/application fee