Ross County Assistance House helps working families
CHILLICOTHE— The Ross County Assistance House has been assisting working families in Chillicothe and Ross County for more than a century, but it's the "best-kept secret in Ross County," according to its board members.
The organization, based out of the Mt. Logan Center on East Main Street, was started in 1914 by Col. Richard Enderlin to serve polio patients.
Sometime before 1985, the Assistance House transitioned its mission.
In its current form, the Assistance House helps any working family making up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines with any number of services, including rent assistance, gas cards, clothing, footwear, and other services, according to Executive Director Sue Allie.
In October, the assistance house took 144 calls for assistance, said Allie.
"I think the most common needs right now are rent and utilities," she said. "We've always helped with rent, if we have the funds, and the utilities, it's just been more so over the past year. It's been really...interesting."
Over the last two years, the need for help has risen due to the pandemic, noted Board Member Margaret Hill-Daniels.
"Particularly with COVID, It's so important — people are going back to work, they've struggled and we can help them with basics," she said.
The non-profit 501(c)(3) operates entirely off of grant and donation funding, said Allie. A few of their biggest funders are the Burton E. Stevenson Endowment for Children for clothing, shoes, food and medication for children, the David Mead Massie Trust, the Junior Civic League, the Lions Club, and Ross County United Way, among others.
The Assistance House also runs a coat program, which Hill-Daniels said she hopes to expand in the future.
She emphasized that the program is for working individuals and families- some of which are homeless and still go to work.
"We had people who are homeless, living in their car, who have jobs, legitimate jobs, coming to us for assistance, so we want the community to be aware, we're really helping the working people," she said.
"You just have to help people you know are trying to take a step forward," said Allie.
In 2019, the organization has created a "back to work" program, where those returning to work can get vital resources such as a gas card, shampoo, dish soap, detergent, socks, toothpaste, towels, a few washcloths, a brush and comb, and other vital hygiene products to help those in need get started on the right foot in their new jobs.
While the program predates the pandemic, it became more important in the last 18 months.
The idea came from a woman who was told she should come to an interview dressed as if to be ready to work, said Hill-Daniel.
Resources are usually available by appointment. If you would like to schedule an appointment or donate, the Assistance House can be reached at (740) 774-3560.
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This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ross County Assistance House helps working families
