THE OUTLET

Our Mission

The Outlet is a safe place for homeless and poor local residents to gather, have fun and build positive relationships that will facilitate recovery and healthy life choices.

Who We Are

In its sixth year, The Outlet is a partnership between City Gospel Mission (www.citygospelmission.org) and OneCity and serves as a place for downtown low-income residents to relax and have fun.

What We Do

  • We promote positive and long-term relationships through shared entertainment and activities.
  • We provide activities such as pool, ping-pong, board games, cards, art, music and more to create fun and entertainment for local residents.
  • We celebrate the lives and positive accomplishments of the residents.

The Need

  • When asked, the poor have no clear sense of what "fun" means in their lives.
  • About 25,000 people in Cincinnati experience homelessness every year
  • Homelessness in Cincinnati has increased 150% in the last 15 years
  • The top two reasons reported for people becoming homeless in Cincinnati are:
    • lack of affordable housing
    • sudden loss of income
  • 30% of the homeless struggle with drug and/or alcohol addictions
  • The Outlet is a safe haven for poor local residents to have fun and build healthy friendships.

    [Source: National and Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 2006]

The Impact

When homeless/poor residents have a place to reconnect to community and establish positive interpersonal relationships, they are more likely to:

  • Stop using drugs/alcohol
  • Hold down steady employment
  • Find permanent housing
  • Reconcile with their families
  • Live meaningful lives and contribute to their communities

How It Works

Volunteer Role Description and Qualifications:
Volunteers enjoy hanging out and building relationships with poor local residents by playing games, sharing music, participating in art projects and serving drinks at the Outlet Café, and:

  • Cares about the homeless and those in poverty
  • Is a follower or seeker of Christ
  • Is engaging - able to build relationships and celebrate people's lives
  • Likes to have fun!
  • We recommend children are accompanied by an adult volunteer

Time Commitment

  • Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons to relax with local residents
  • Set-up and tear-down volunteers needed before and after each session
  • We recommend volunteers come once/month to build continuity in relationships

Training

  • Training is optional and not necessary prior to volunteering (there's a short orientation for new volunteers before each session).
  • Training is available for long-term volunteers

How To Get Started

  • Email: outlet@onecity.org
  • Location: City Gospel Mission @ the corner of Elm & Magnolia: 1419 Elm St. Cincinnati 45202