CINCINNATI — Many of us may often take for granted the privilege of having a place to call home. As colder weather continues creeping in, shelters will kick into high gear to help support the unhoused.

 What You Need To Know

  • Local shelters are preparing for high traffic volumes during the winter months

  • Bethany House Services provides emergency shelter services and other resources to families experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati

  • Rolandus Williams and Sheila Siffel have been at Bethany House Services since October 2024

Rolandus Williams and Sheila Siffel have been inseparable since 1994.

“It was the smile, the dimples, and the brown skin, of course,” Siffel said.  

After all these years, both of them still have that same twinkle in their eyes.

“I like him a lot. And over time, I’d grow to love him a lot,” Siffel said.

Their love was tested on Han. 5, 2023. It’s a day that changed their lives forever.

“It was heartbreaking to know that we were about to lose everything that we really ever had,” she said. 

The pair got in a serious car accident, leaving them with numerous injuries and mountains of medical bills. Their extended recovery time forced their hands to tap into their savings for survival, but eventually, they’d lose their jobs and house. At the eleventh hour, they’d find a savior.

“We ended up getting connected with a contact at the Bethany House. They called us on our first day of reentering into homelessness again,” Williams said. 

Bethany House Services provides emergency shelter services and other resources to families experiencing homelessness in Greater Cincinnati.

Shelter manager Angela Knighten said they’re currently housing 44 families, totaling more than 150 people. Many of those families are referred to the center through the Central Access Point helpline.

“So we do try to wrap our services around families in order to really help them break down those barriers and get into housing as quickly as possible, because there is another family waiting for that space," said Knighten.

While at BHS, parents also receive a Case Manager who helps them obtain employment, housing, and establish a structured environment for their family.

In 2024, Ohio's homeless population is estimated to be 10,654 people, according to the World Population Review. 

With the colder weather that comes with the change of seasons, Bethany House hopes to provide not just beds, but coats.

“Many of our families do ride public transportation. They don't usually get into a warm car to drive to school. They're waiting for the bus. They're going outside in the elements.  We do try to keep them prepared as best as possible.” 

Things are turning around for Williams and Siffel, who have now filled out job applications, went on interviews, and are preparing to tour a new apartment in only just a month of being at Bethany House. 

“They're most definitely a part of our future. Bethany House can’t get rid of us by just giving us housing,” Williams said. 

Bethany House Services will be hosting several coat drives and more throughout the winter. To donate or to learn more about their programs, click here.

If you or someone you know is at risk of homelessness in the Greater Cincinnati area, you're urged to call the Central Access Point (CAP) helpline at (513)-381-SAFE (7233).