Finding Home: Carolyn Ford’s Inspiring Journey

News Summary

Carolyn Ford, at 66, has transformed her life after spending over 20 years homeless. Her move to Touchstone Field Place has provided her a safe haven and community support. Celebrating two years cancer-free, Ford’s story advocates for the importance of permanent supportive housing in combating homelessness and fostering community spirit.

Finding Home: Carolyn Ford’s Journey to Stability

Meet Carolyn Ford, a vibrant 66-year-old woman who has transformed her life after years of struggle. For the past two years, Ford has made Touchstone Field Place her home, a journey she describes as a transformative experience. Before settling into her cozy apartment, she faced more than 20 years of homelessness, navigating through shelters, transitional housing, and relying on friends for a place to stay.

A New Beginning

Ford’s path to her first-ever apartment began when she received a recommendation from the YMCA of Central Ohio. This connection opened the door for her to move into Touchstone Field Place, developed by the nonprofit Community Housing Network (CHN), which provides an essential model for permanent supportive housing.

A Safe Haven

Touchstone Field Place proudly offers more than 50 units where residents can find stability and comfort. It’s not just about having a roof over one’s head; it’s about the comprehensive support that comes with it. Over 1,800 people are currently housed through CHN, which receives about 68% of its operating budget from federal funding. This model ensures that those who face challenges such as homelessness, addiction, or mental illness are not left to fend for themselves.

The supportive services provided include case management, counseling, and assistance with transportation and benefit programs. Most residents contribute no more than 30% of their income towards rent, making it an affordable option for those in need.

Community Spirit

For Ford, her apartment at Touchstone Field Place is more than just a place to live. She affectionately refers to it as “my mansion” and “my sanctuary”. The sense of community at Touchstone Field Place has played a significant role in her new life. Ford is not just a resident; she has become a well-known figure among her neighbors. Her culinary skills shine, as she regularly prepares meals for everyone in the building, including the much-anticipated Thanksgiving dinner.

Engagement doesn’t stop at the kitchen. Ford is also known for advocating for a community gardening project, where she passionately requested a grill and actively tends to the garden with her neighbors, fostering a sense of togetherness and cooperation in the shared space.

Resilience and Recovery

In addition to her newfound stability, Ford has much to celebrate. In February 2023, she marked a momentous milestone—she celebrated being two years cancer-free after a daunting battle with kidney cancer that began in December 2019. This victory not only exemplifies her resilience but also underscores her belief in the supportive environment that Touchstone Field Place provides.

Future Forward

Exciting changes are coming for Touchstone Field Place! An additional building is set to open this spring, adding 44 more units, with another 44 units expected to follow in the fall. This expansion marks a significant commitment to addressing the housing crisis, especially as the demand for permanent supportive housing has more than doubled nationally over the past 17 years.

In Ohio alone, the Community Housing Network operates 1,475 units across 177 buildings, helping to meet the affordable housing needs that grow every day. Ford’s story is one among many that reflects the ongoing struggle against homelessness and the vital need for affordable housing options. The Community Shelter Board has highlighted a stark reality, noting that only 26 housing units exist for every 100 extremely low-income households in some areas, making the work of organizations like CHN critical.

A Voice for Change

Within the walls of Touchstone Field Place, Ford has taken on an influential role as a community leader. Her pride and enthusiasm for her home have led her to advocate for cleanliness and respect, endearing her to her neighbors who affectionately refer to her as the “hall monitor.” Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment exemplifies the change that is possible through community engagement.

As Carolyn Ford shows us, finding stability is not just about having a place to stay; it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging, community, and support that allows individuals to thrive.

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Additional Resources

• The Columbus Dispatch: One Solution to Homelessness
• 10TV: Columbus Organization Seeks to Address Homelessness
• The Republic: Federal Funding Going to Housing Issues
• The Columbus Dispatch: Community Housing Network CEO Annissa Lambirth Garrett
• ABC6: Community Housing Network Builds Supportive Housing
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• Google Search: Affordable Housing
• Google Scholar: Supportive Housing
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
• Google News: Homelessness