COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Ohio grapples with homelessness, the YMCA is lending an extra hand to those in need. 

What You Need To Know

• The YMCA of Central Ohio's Housing and Shelter Services has been accredited for rescuing people from experiencing homelessness


• Anthony Slaughter, who experienced homelessness on and off for 20 years, shares how the YMCA changed his life


• YMCA Housing and Shelter Services credits its efforts to their staff

Their efforts have led YMCA of Central Ohio's Van Buren Center to take home a three-year accreditation for its housing and shelter services.

It’s taking people, like Anthony Slaughter, off the streets to find permanent housing. 

"I thought for a moment I was gonna be lost out there,” said Slaughter. 

In the face of addiction and mental health, Anthony Slaughter was experiencing homelessness on and off for 20 years, living in tents at times. 

But he knew he needed a change. 

"You're trapped in that vicious cycle of mental health and self-loathing, and all that other stuff that comes with it,” said Slaughter. “You're just kind of ready to give up."

Then, in 2010, the help he was hoping for came.

The YMCA's Housing and Shelter Services came to the rescue, and Sue Darby is a big part of that effort to get people like Slaughter the help they need.

"The YMCA is a housing first agency,” said Sue Darby, Senior Vice President of Housing. “Our goal is to get them rapidly out of shelter and into permanent housing, and we firmly believe that housing is a human right and that the foundation of a house in or a home is a way someone can, at that point, improve their life into the next step." 

 But Darby doesn't do it alone. She said a driving force of that mission is their staff. 

 "I think what really put us above, and beyond,” said Darby, “is the care and dignity and respect that our staff always shows our clients, and they are experts in their own lives." 

So, for Slaughter, the YMCA did its part, giving him a place to not only call home, but a way to overcome struggles by giving him access to a case manager for support. 

And Slaughter couldn't think of a better way to spend his 50s than having his own place.

"I walk in here, and to this day, it's like heaven,” said Slaughter. “Because when you're homeless that long and you're so unsure of yourself, it's like fear on top of misery."

Though he can't take back the years he spent living in tents, there's one thing he can say. 

"Mental health and homelessness can be anybody, so I just encourage everyone to be more understanding, and not so judgmental when they run into someone they see is different than they are." 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, go to ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen or call 614-274-7000 if you're seeking an emergency shelter.