community shelter board

What community shelter board does

Community Shelter Board (CSB), founded in 1986 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leads the region’s coordinated response to homelessness across Franklin County and Central Ohio. CSB itself runs a small core staff (11–50 employees per firmographic data) but functions primarily as a backbone coordinating body, aligning strategy, accountability, and funding across a network of 16 nonprofit partner agencies that deliver direct services including emergency shelter (12 shelters plus 9 winter warming centers operating 24/7/365), permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, street outreach, transitional housing for youth, and the Homelessness Prevention Network. The organization also operates the region's only 24/7 crisis hotline (82,000+ calls annually). Individuals and families experiencing homelessness are served free of charge; CSB does not have a commercial pricing model.

CSB’s technology stack is operationally focused rather than productized externally. Core platforms include the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) — now being migrated to a new Clarity Interface — for cross-agency client-data tracking, the proprietary Padmission Connect web platform for housing-search and property-manager engagement, and the Unified Supportive Housing System for vacancy and lease-up management. Newer program initiatives include the Direct Cash Transfer program (a $1,500 unconditional payment pilot for families exiting shelter, run with RISE Together Innovation Institute and Ohio State University) and the Home4Good Landlord Partners program (landlord incentives plus a risk-mitigation fund).

CSB’s revenue model is overwhelmingly institutional rather than commercial. In FY25, total revenue reached $56.7M, drawn from HUD ($22.2M), the City of Columbus ($19.9M), Franklin County ($7.1M), the State of Ohio ($2.3M), private contributions ($3.7M), United Way of Central Ohio ($620K), and other sources. CSB is HUD’s first Unified Funding Agency (UFA) and one of only 15 nationally, giving it a structurally protected role in administering federal homelessness funding in its territory. Additional philanthropic support comes from The Columbus Foundation, Nationwide, AEP, Bath & Body Works, and Battelle, each of whom has supported CSB for 20+ years.

Name

community shelter board

Legal name

Community Shelter Board

Website

https://csb.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homelessness Services Coordination

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ)

Keywords

• Homelessness services coordination
• Emergency shelter programs
• Permanent supportive housing
• Homelessness prevention programs
• Community housing network

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Funding: CSB receives the majority of funding from federal, state, and local government sources including HUD ($22.2M in FY25), City of Columbus ($19.9M), Franklin County ($7.1M), and State of Ohio ($2.3M). As HUD's designated Unified Funding Agency (UFA), CSB administers federal funding for supportive housing programs.
2. Private Philanthropy: CSB receives contributions from private foundations and corporations including The Columbus Foundation ($2M historic gift), United Way of Central Ohio ($620K), and private contributions ($3.7M). Corporate partners include Nationwide, AEP, Bath & Body Works, and others.
3. Corporate and Foundation Partnerships: Ongoing partnerships with corporate and foundation funders including The Columbus Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio, Bath & Body Works, Nationwide, Battelle, and AEP who have supported CSB since its earliest days.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Community Shelter Board coordinates a community-wide homelessness response system across Franklin County and Central Ohio, bringing together 16 nonprofit partner agencies to deliver emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and transitional housing. As the nation's first HUD-designated Unified Funding Agency, CSB administers federal, state, and local homelessness funding while operating data and compliance systems (HMIS, Padmission Connect) that align the entire regional continuum of care.

Product overview

Community Shelter Board (CSB) operates a coordinated system of homelessness response programs rather than a traditional product platform. The core offerings include a 24/7 Homeless Hotline, emergency shelter operations across 12 shelters, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, prevention programs (including Direct Cash Transfer and Homelessness Prevention Network), street outreach, and transitional youth housing. Key technology platforms include Padmission Connect (web-based housing search platform), the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and the Unified Supportive Housing System (USHS). Programs are delivered through a network of 16 partner agencies working as a cohesive system, with strategic focus on housing-focused solutions and prevention. The organization also conducts the annual Point-In-Time Count and operates Winter Warming Centers during severe weather.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homeless Hotline 24/7/365 crisis hotline connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness to shelter beds or alternative housing options. Answers approximately 82,000+ calls per year and serves as the primary access point into CSB's coordinated entry system.
• Padmission Connect Web-based platform for homeless services organizations to manage property engagement efforts and assist individuals and families in their housing search. Features centralized property-manager relationships, analytics, performance tracking, and housing opportunity expansion for partner agencies.
• Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) Program Immediate, unconditional $1,500 financial assistance to families exiting emergency shelters to help them secure and maintain stable housing. Implemented with YMCA of Central Ohio, YWCA Columbus, and RISE Together Innovation Institute, and evaluated by The Ohio State University College of Social Work. Reduced average family shelter stay from 113 days to 44 days.
• Home4Good Landlord Partners Initiative to recruit and retain landlord partners to increase access to market-rate housing. Provides financial incentives to landlords and a risk mitigation fund to reimburse property damage or lost rent, bringing property managers into the system as partners in ending homelessness.
• Homelessness Prevention Network (HPN) Comprehensive approach to stabilizing families facing homelessness through standardized screening to identify high-risk families and provide immediate housing-focused problem-solving assistance before they need emergency shelter. Includes the Housing Resource Specialists model embedded across 28 community agencies.
• Point-In-Time Count Federally mandated annual census of people experiencing homelessness conducted on a single day in January in Columbus and Franklin County in accordance with HUD guidance. Most recent count (January 2026) used 300+ volunteers and enumerated 2,587 people.
• Winter Warming Centers Seasonal emergency shelter program providing safe, low-barrier shelter during periods of severe winter weather while connecting participants to housing, benefits, healthcare, and other critical resources. Includes 9 additional community-based winter shelters beyond the core 12.
• Emergency Shelter System Network of 12 shelters operating 24/7/365 providing intake for community members, housing navigation, and safety services for men, women, and families. In FY25, served 6,849 people including 1,651 children, 568 seniors, and 330 veterans.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Affordable housing offering health care, employment, and other support to the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness. As HUD's designated Unified Funding Agency, CSB administers all federal funding for supportive housing programs. In FY25, served 3,887 people with 94% maintaining permanent housing.
• Rapid Rehousing Program helping people in shelters experiencing temporary loss of safety nets transition back to stable, permanent housing through housing connections, employment, training, medical care, and tailored rental assistance lasting 3–12 months. In FY25, served 2,790 people with 70% achieving permanent housing.
• Street Outreach Teams that canvas, assess, and enumerate the changing needs of those living outdoors, linking people to housing, food, health, mental-health, and other resources. In FY25, served 658 people.
• Transitional Housing for Youth Temporary housing for youth ages 18–24 with severe challenges, trauma, or physical health issues, lasting 2–18 months with peer and professional support, 24-hour supervision, and wraparound services including life skills, alcohol/drug treatment, mental health care, and physical health care. Includes Huckleberry House at Marsh Brook Place.
• Diversion and Coordinated Entry System where families, youth, and survivors of domestic violence meet face-to-face with case managers to assess strengths, identify available resources, and get linked to tailored options to avoid becoming homeless. In FY25, connected 10,467+ people via the homeless hotline into diversion or shelter.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% of 3,887 supportive housing clients maintained permanent housing in FY25
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• YMCA of Central OhiocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYMCA of Central Ohio is a key program partner in the Direct Cash Transfer program, collaborating to provide immediate, unconditional financial assistance to families exiting emergency shelters. YMCA also provides shelter services.
• YWCA ColumbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA Columbus is a program partner in the Direct Cash Transfer program, helping families secure and maintain stable housing through the initiative.
• RISE Together Innovation InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRISE Together Innovation Institute collaborated with CSB to launch Stabilize Families, a guaranteed income pilot providing $1,500 to 80 families experiencing homelessness, with 20 families also receiving $500 monthly for 11 months.
• The Ohio State University College of Social WorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio State University College of Social Work conducts ongoing mixed-methods evaluation of the Direct Cash Transfer pilot program and presented research findings at statewide conferences.
• Community Housing NetworkcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Housing Network provides supportive housing services and is a partner in transitional housing operations including Marsh Brook Place.
• Huckleberry HousecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHuckleberry House provides street outreach and transitional housing services including at Marsh Brook Place for youth ages 18-24.
• Lutheran Social Services (LSS Faith Mission)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLutheran Social Services provides emergency shelter services operating 24/7/365 as part of the coordinated shelter system.
• MaryhavencoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMaryhaven provides emergency shelter and outreach services as part of the coordinated homelessness response system.
• Southeast HealthcarecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSoutheast Healthcare provides emergency shelter services operating 24/7/365 as part of the coordinated shelter system.
• Volunteers of AmericacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVolunteers of America provides emergency shelter services operating 24/7/365 as part of the coordinated shelter system.
• YMCA of Central OhiocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerYMCA of Central Ohio provides emergency shelter services operating 24/7/365 as part of the coordinated shelter system.
• YWCA ColumbuscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerYWCA Columbus provides emergency shelter services operating 24/7/365 as part of the coordinated shelter system.
• Home for FamiliescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHome for Families provides rapid rehousing and transitional housing services, helping people in shelters find stable housing.
• HomefullcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHomefull provides permanent supportive housing services as part of the coordinated housing system.
• Equitas HealthcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEquitas Health provides permanent supportive housing services focused on health care and support for vulnerable populations.
• National Church ResidencescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNational Church Residences provides permanent supportive housing services and has noted job training programs for residents.
• Mount Carmel Health SystemcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMount Carmel provides street outreach services through the Street to Housing Outreach Collaborative.
• Veterans AffairscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVeterans Affairs provides permanent supportive housing services and coordinates veteran-specific housing programs.
• Netcare AccesscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNetcare operates the 24-hour homeless hotline answering 82,000+ calls annually and provides diversion and coordinated entry services.
• Gladden Community HousecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGladden Community House provides diversion and coordinated entry services and is a Homelessness Prevention Network partner with dedicated Housing Resource Specialists.
• The Center for Family Safety and HealingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Center for Family Safety and Healing provides prevention services for families at risk of homelessness, including domestic violence survivors.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): LAHSA is one of only 15 HUD-designated Unified Funding Agencies nationwide, serving as the lead agency coordinating homelessness response across Los Angeles County — directly comparable to CSB's role in Franklin County.
• King County Regional Homelessness Authority: KCRHA is a HUD-designated UFA coordinating homelessness response across Seattle/King County; comparable structure, scope, and Continuum of Care leadership role as CSB.
• Heading Home: Heading Home coordinates the Boston-area Continuum of Care, administering HUD funding and managing a network of partner agencies providing shelter, prevention, and permanent housing — a directly comparable regional coordinator role.
• Coalition for the Homeless: Coalition for the Homeless in NYC operates as a Continuum of Care lead entity providing shelter, housing, and advocacy services; comparable mission and coordinated network structure to CSB.

Regional players

• Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services: Cuyahoga County's homeless services office in Cleveland operates a similar HUD-funded coordinated system for the Cleveland area, addressing homelessness prevention, shelter, and permanent housing at a comparable regional scale.
• Heartland Alliance: Heartland Alliance operates a comprehensive portfolio of housing, healthcare, and human services in Chicago addressing homelessness and poverty; comparable scope of services to CSB's coordinated system but with direct service delivery rather than coordination role.
• Cincinnati/Hamilton County Continuum of Care: The Cincinnati/Hamilton County CoC organizes homelessness response in a neighboring Ohio region with similar HUD-aligned structure, partner network, and community-led coordination model as CSB in Franklin County.

Broad incumbents

• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH): CSH is a national intermediary providing financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building for supportive housing providers; comparable focus on supportive housing outcomes but operates at national scale rather than as a regional coordinator.
• Mercy Housing: Mercy Housing is one of the nation's largest nonprofit developers and operators of affordable and supportive housing; comparable mission of providing permanent supportive housing but at national multi-state scale.

Others

• National Alliance to End Homelessness: NAEH is a national policy and advocacy organization working to end homelessness; comparable mission focus but operates as a thought leader and federal policy advocate rather than a direct service coordinator.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CommunityShelterBoard

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about community shelter board