Online fair offers help for families in need

As central Ohioans continue to seek help amid the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, the Columbus Metropolitan Library is convening an online social-services fair to connect them to support.

The free event is set to run from 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday, with registration opening on Tuesday. An online chat feature will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

“People in our community are struggling right now,” Donna Zuiderweg, the library’s chief community engagement officer, said in a news release. “Through partnership programs like these, we can work to better connect our customers to the help they need, and do so in a way that is safe for everyone.”

Participants will be able to engage with social-services providers in a “one-stop” virtual site to receive assistance with benefits applications and pressing needs such as food, legal aid, rent, child care, and employment.

Various organizations are working with the library to sponsor the event, including Ohiomeansjobs, the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, United Way of Central Ohio and more.

Many local nonprofit agencies will be available via virtual booths.

Leaders of social-service agencies say unemployment and income loss caused by the pandemic have pushed many central Ohioans to seek help for the first time and broadened the areas of need. Families often aren’t sure where to turn or how to apply for benefits.

“Food or food pantry appointments are our Mo. 1 requested resource,” said Courtney Walker, executive director of Handson Central Ohio, a referral agency that operates the local 2-1-1 help line.

Help with housing, utilities and public benefits also are common requests for Handson, which is now a part of Lutheran Social Services.

Walker said the 2-1-1 line received about 7,500 calls last month. The biggest uptick came during the spring, when schools were first shut down and families were scrambling.

Stimulus checks and unemployment benefits seemed to have leveled off the demand, she said. But virus cases are soaring again this summer, and many fear that more economic pain looms.

“We’re just hoping to provide support,” Walker said. “There are still individuals who aren’t familiar with 2-1-1. We’re getting the name out and letting people know that we’re here.”

For more information about the virtual social-services fair, go to www.omjcfc.org/vssfair rprice@dispatch.com @Ritaprice