LGBTQ at Ohio State

Food, Housing, and Utilities Support

Everyone deserves to have their basic rights met, such as access to food, housing, and utilities. This page contains resources on how you can access free or low-cost services.

Kaleidoscope Youth Center

KYC Connections is a program that provides coordinated, case management services and resources to support transition aged young people, ages 16-24, in obtaining and maintaining self-sufficiency and thriving. Opportunities available through KYC Connections include:

  • Case Management

  • Health & Wellness (physical and mental health; substance use support)

  • Survivor Advocacy & Support

  • Employment Support

  • Financial Literacy/Capacity Building

  • Legal Services & Support

  • KYC Housing Programs (includes the options of Rapid Re-Housing, Host Home Program, and Supportive Co-Housing).

  • Individual and Group Counseling

Food

If you need food assistance, there are resources available!

The Student Wellness Center operates the Buckeye Food Alliance (BFA). BFA works to reduce the impacts of food insecurity through outreach efforts and the operation of a client-choice food pantry. The food pantry is open to all Ohio State Students and provides fresh produce, pantry staples, meat and dairy products, personal care items and more. You can submit an order online and choose your pickup time.

The ACES Food Pantry is another resource to help with food security. This food pantry is a collaboration between the ACES Scholars Program and the College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE). Students can stop by the EHE Office of Academic Affairs to access the food pantry, located in the PAES A100 suite on the first floor. Any Ohio State student can utilize the food pantry to grab five items and a hygiene kit. We offer many nonperishable items that require minimal preparation. The pantry is accessible Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stonewall’s CARES Fund: provides resources to those in the LGBTQ+ community through offering Kroger gift cards, bus passes, and meal vouchers.

Columbus' 2-1-1 service connects residents in Franklin County with comprehensive and up-to-date information about social, health and government services, including resources on getting food, such as:

Housing

Columbus' 2-1-1 service connects residents in Franklin County with comprehensive and up-to-date information about social, health and government services, including assistance with housing.

Community Shelter Board: 24-Hour hotline connecting people experiencing homelessness in Franklin County to emergency, transitional, and supportive shelter. Serves as the entry point for all adult and family shelters in Columbus.

  • Call 614-274-7000

Southeast Coast Friends of the Homeless: provides support to homeless men and women through emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing programs.

  • Call 614-225–0990

Huckleberry House offers housing support for young people ages 17-24 who are at risk of or struggling with homelessness.

  • Call 614-294-8097

Utilities

Columbus' 2-1-1 service connects residents in Franklin County with comprehensive and up-to-date information about social, health and government services, including utility assistance such as: