Volunteers Reopen 22-Bed Shelter in Columbiana County

Armed with paintbrushes and determination, volunteers transformed a shuttered homeless shelter in Columbiana County into a place of hope this weekend.

The Community Action Agency of Columbiana County mobilized community members Saturday to prepare the 22-bed facility on Sixth Street for reopening. The shelter previously operated under Urban Mission before closing last fall, leaving a critical gap in housing services for the area's most vulnerable residents.

After the state approached the agency about reviving the facility, volunteers rolled up their sleeves for a day of repairs, fresh paint, and compassion in action. They packed care packages for future guests and worked to make the space welcoming for people who will soon call it temporary home.

"There's a high demand for shelter beds, and this gives individuals the opportunity to have a roof over their head so they can work with a case manager and work towards securing employment, access to medical and mental health services, and help with locating that permanent housing," said Martina Grimm, community service director for the agency.

The shelter represents more than just beds. It's a pathway to stability, connecting guests with case managers who help navigate employment opportunities, healthcare access, and the journey toward permanent housing.

The Ripple Effect

When one shelter closes, the impact ripples through an entire community. Families sleep in cars, individuals cycle through emergency rooms, and the path out of homelessness grows longer and more difficult.

This reopening reverses that tide. Twenty-two beds means twenty-two people with access to warmth, safety, and professional support every night. It means parents reuniting with children, veterans accessing services, and people rebuilding their lives with dignity.

The volunteers who showed up Saturday didn't just repair a building. They rebuilt a safety net for their neighbors, demonstrating what's possible when communities recognize housing as a foundation for everything else.

Officials hope to welcome the first guests by June. Those wanting to contribute can check the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County's wishlist for needed items.

Sometimes the best news is simply this: when people need help, their community shows up.