Grants to pay ex-offenders, at-risk youths to renovate houses, learn skills
Five nonprofit groups have received $120,000 in grants from the city of Columbus to restore houses while teaching construction skills to at-risk youths and former offenders.
The groups receiving grants:
‒ Franklinton Rising: $40,000
‒ Driven Foundation: $20,000
‒ Impact Community Action: $20,000
‒ Youthbuild: $20,000
‒ Refuge Inc.: $20,000
They all received grants through the Learning Skills to Lift Neighborhoods program.
That work will help improve neighborhoods while adding trained people to the workforce, said Steve Schoeny, the city’s development director.
Robert “Bo” Chilton of Impact Community Action said his program helps to address a housing-affordability crisis and teaches skills to help people become self-sufficient.
