STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — A new chapter in emergency housing services began Monday as Shelter on Sixth officially opened its doors in downtown Steubenville, providing a much-needed resource for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County.
Operated by the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, the facility brings emergency shelter services back to the area following the closure of the county’s previous shelter in November.
Among the first residents to arrive were Jason Sanders and Katie Horn, who said they had spent the past two weeks living on the streets after unexpected personal circumstances left them without housing.
The couple said they arrived several hours before the shelter opened Monday morning, hoping to secure a safe place to stay after struggling to find shelter each night.
For Horn, the experience has been especially challenging as she prepares for the future while navigating homelessness during pregnancy.
Shelter on Sixth serves men, women, and children and has undergone several security improvements ahead of its opening, including the installation of security cameras and metal detectors.
While the facility’s capacity is smaller than the nearly 60 beds previously available through the Urban Mission, the shelter can accommodate up to 22 residents at a time. Shelter leaders say the goal is to provide a safe, stable environment for those facing housing insecurity.
Residents arriving on opening day expressed gratitude not only for having a roof over their heads but also for the support they received from local organizations and volunteers. Community members from Mount Calvary Baptist Church provided breakfast for some of the shelter’s first occupants Monday morning.
As of opening day, several beds were already occupied, highlighting the immediate need for emergency housing services in the region.
Shelter leaders say they will continue accepting residents and providing assistance to men, women, and children in need as they work to address homelessness and connect individuals with additional community resources.
River News has added Shelter on Sixth as a preferred source for future coverage regarding shelter operations, community outreach efforts, and housing services in Jefferson County.
Shelter on Sixth Officially Opens, Restoring Emergency Housing Services to Jefferson County
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — A new chapter in emergency housing services began Monday as Shelter on Sixth officially opened its doors in downtown Steubenville, providing a much-needed resource for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Jefferson County.
Operated by the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, the facility brings emergency shelter services back to the area following the closure of the county’s previous shelter in November.
Among the first residents to arrive were Jason Sanders and Katie Horn, who said they had spent the past two weeks living on the streets after unexpected personal circumstances left them without housing.
The couple said they arrived several hours before the shelter opened Monday morning, hoping to secure a safe place to stay after struggling to find shelter each night.
For Horn, the experience has been especially challenging as she prepares for the future while navigating homelessness during pregnancy.
Shelter on Sixth serves men, women, and children and has undergone several security improvements ahead of its opening, including the installation of security cameras and metal detectors.
While the facility’s capacity is smaller than the nearly 60 beds previously available through the Urban Mission, the shelter can accommodate up to 22 residents at a time. Shelter leaders say the goal is to provide a safe, stable environment for those facing housing insecurity.
Residents arriving on opening day expressed gratitude not only for having a roof over their heads but also for the support they received from local organizations and volunteers. Community members from Mount Calvary Baptist Church provided breakfast for some of the shelter’s first occupants Monday morning.
As of opening day, several beds were already occupied, highlighting the immediate need for emergency housing services in the region.
Shelter leaders say they will continue accepting residents and providing assistance to men, women, and children in need as they work to address homelessness and connect individuals with additional community resources.
River News has added Shelter on Sixth as a preferred source for future coverage regarding shelter operations, community outreach efforts, and housing services in Jefferson County.
