THE OUTLET


Who Are We

The Outlet, a strategic partnership between OneCity and City Gospel Mission, is a safe place of recreation  for the homeless and those living in poverty to have fun and build positive relationships supporting healthy life choices.

What We Do

  • We promote positive, long-term relationships through shared activities that connect people
  • We provide café services and host games, activities, creative arts, and music
  • We provide a warm and comfortable environment
  • We promote positive steps toward change through resource referral

The Need

  • Approximately 1,000 people in Cincinnati are homeless and more than one in five live in poverty
  • The top two reasons reported for people becoming homeless in Cincinnati:
      -lack of affordable housing
      -sudden loss of income
  • 30% of the homeless struggle with drug and/or alcohol addictions
  • Healthy friendships and fun activities provided in a safe environment positively impact a person's outlook and personal development
(Source: CoC PIT count 2010. National and Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 2006)

The Impact

When the homeless 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

Who Can Volunteer?

Any caring adult who cares about  people in poverty and the homeless in Cincinnati. We recommend that any child or student under the age of 18 be accompanied by a parent/chaperone.

Role Description

Develops relationships and provides support towards healthy life choices with those in need through recreational activities and service opportunities.

Volunteer Qualifications

  • Cares about homelessness and poverty
  • Good interpersonal skills, willingness to build relationships
  • Likes to have fun

Time Commitment

The Outlet runs from 9am-12pm on Saturdays; 12-3 pm on 1st/3rd Sundays .We recommend volunteers come once per month to build relationships.

Training

  • Core Training is recommended but optional
  • “Culture of Poverty” training available through CGM: TBD
  • Orientation materials are available at Volunteer sign-in

Getting There:

The Outlet is located at City Gospel Mission
@ the corner of Elm & Magnolia:
1419 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
To park, turn on Magnolia and take
an immediate left into the CGM parking lot.


For questions, please e-mail us at: outlet@onecity.org