Ours Brothers' Keepers expands services for underserved young people

Ours Brothers' Keepers in Columbus is broadening programs that began for homeless boys aged 14–17 to include 18–24-year-olds and young women, offering a warming center, mental health services, housing assistance, job readiness training and access to a computer lab.

Ours Brothers' Keepers in Columbus is expanding services to reach more underserved young people. The nonprofit began as a program to support and house young men ages 14 to 17 who were experiencing homelessness. Leaders say the organization is widening its age range to include people 18 to 24 and is now serving young women in addition to its earlier cohort. The group provides a warming center, mental health services, housing assistance, job readiness training and access to a computer lab. Key details: - The organization is based in Columbus, Ohio. - It originally focused on young men ages 14 to 17 who were experiencing homelessness. - Expansion now includes ages 18 to 24 and opens services to young women. - Offered services include a warming center, mental health support, housing or affordable housing assistance, job readiness programs and a computer lab. - Director Wesley Moore described an open-door approach and said staff observe young people forming their own communities. - Organizers said they plan to implement more programs in the future. Summary: The expansion broadens who can access the group's warming center, mental health and housing supports as well as skills training. Organizers say they plan to add more programs, with timing undetermined at this time.