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4 places that help people struggling with addiction in Columbus and what they need

Danae King, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
Jacob Melanson, right, who has struggled with drug addiction on and off since 2006, waits for hot coffee that Teresa Routte is making at the HOPE Resource Center on the Hilltop.
Jacob Melanson, right, who has struggled with drug addiction on and off since 2006, waits for hot coffee that Teresa Routte is making at the HOPE Resource Center on the Hilltop.

The opioid epidemic continues to ravage America, with overdoses increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people may know someone who has been affected.

"Addiction touches everyone. Everyone knows somebody," said April Caudill, executive director and founder of the HOPE Resource Center on the Hilltop.

The Dispatch asked drop-in centers and other recovery services in Columbus how people can help them. Whether it's donating clothing or food, volunteering time or offering financial support, anyone can make an impact on those affected by the drug epidemic. Here's how:

1. The HOPE Resource Center

Where it is: 2596 Sullivant Ave. on Columbus' Hilltop

What it is: A drop-in center for men and women in need and those in active addiction, it offers food, clothing and connects people with other resources, including referrals to addiction treatment and recovery services if they want them.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 12 to 3 p.m. Thursday

What they need:

  • Clothes: underwear, socks, shoes, travel-sized hygiene items, coats, dishes

  • Volunteers: Call or text Linda McAuley to learn more at 614-315-0391.

2. Jordan's Crossing

Where it is: 342 N. Hague Avenue, on Columbus' Hilltop

What it is: A resource center for those experiencing homelessness and addiction that feeds about 1,100 people a day and employs an outreach team to give people further resources, including helping them get to drug treatment programs.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Friday night dinner at 7:30 p.m.

What they need:

  • Donations of tents, propane heaters, sleeping bags, gently-used clothing, boots, socks

  • Volunteers: Call 614-507-3246

3. The P.E.E.R. Center

Where it is: East Center at 205 N. Hamilton Road on the city's East Side; West Center at 860/866 W. Broad St. in Franklinton

What it is: A drop-in program for people with mental illness and addiction.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the East Center and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the West Center

What they need:

  • Tax deductible donations can be made through their website, thepeercenter.org/donate, or through Amazon Smile.

  • The center also sends out care packages and will take donations of items for them, which can be dropped off at the centers. Needed items include: teddy bears, decks of cards, Koosh balls, crossword puzzles, scented candles, blankets, washcloths, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, towels, other hygiene related items, socks, under garments, T-shirts, hats and gloves.

4. Maryhaven Columbus

Where it is: 1791 Alum Creek Dr. on the city's Southeast Side, 614-445-8131

What it is: A behavioral health services provider that specializes in addiction recovery and provides overdose, detox, residential and outpatient care services for those dealing with substance abuse illness.

Hours: 24 hours daily

What they need:

  • Needs vary; the most efficient way to help residents is to send a monetary donation to Maryhaven, ATT: Malik Malone, 1791 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43207.

  • Those interested in volunteer opportunities can contact Rosanne Rosen at rrosen@maryhaven.com.

dking@dispatch.com

@DanaeKing

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 4 centers that assist people battling addiction and how you can help