Homelessness in Columbus is not just a housing issue — it’s a matter of dignity, safety, and opportunity. As a retired Army veteran and lifelong community servant, I believe that no one should be left behind, whether they once wore the uniform or worked in our local mills.
Prevention and Services: My experience with transitioning veterans has taught me that stability requires more than temporary fixes. By extending job training, mental health care, and addiction recovery services to all residents — not just veterans — we can stop homelessness before it starts.
Economic Opportunity: Housing people isn’t charity — it’s economic development. When residents have stable housing, they rejoin the workforce, support their families, and strengthen our tax base. I will fight for federal grants Columbus has left untapped and build public-private partnerships, including “second chance” hiring initiatives with local employers.
Public Safety with Compassion: We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis. I propose safe transition centers, mobile outreach teams of social workers and peer counselors, and rapid rehousing programs to address root causes while protecting neighborhoods and businesses.
Accountability and Coordination: Columbus needs a unified response, not fragmented efforts. I will push for a Homeless Response Coordinator to ensure transparency, measurable outcomes, and proper use of taxpayer dollars.
Together, we can build a city that treats every resident with dignity, restores opportunity, and creates lasting solutions. Columbus deserves leadership that serves its people — not just manages problems.