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

  • A partnership between City Gospel Mission - the oldest and one of the most successful social service agencies in Cincinnati - and OneCity 
  • A place for local people in need 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 with poor local residents and building relationships with guests by playing games, sharing music, participating in art projects and serving drinks at the Outlet Café. He/she:

  • 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

  • The Outlet is open on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons
  • Set-up and tear-down volunteers needed before and after each session
  • We recommend volunteers come once a 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
  • The Outlet is located at City Gospel Mission @ the corner of Elm & Magnolia: 1419 Elm St. Cincinnati 45202