Join us on Wednesday, December 13th from 7:30-9am for Coffee with a Cause at COhatch The Gateway. It’s free to attend, coffee & bagels are provided, and all are welcome. This time we will discuss “Homelessness in Columbus” with a panel of thought-leaders representing a variety of great local causes, including:
• Ben Sears, Program Manager of Housing Solutions for Anthem BCBS Ohio Medicaid
• Dave Anderson, Head of Impact at COhatch
• Jill Gorz, Clinical Service Manager at Star House
• Michelle Mays, Founder/CEO at FosterHub
• Gabrielle Solange (panel moderator), Artist, Writer, Producer, Creative Coach, and CYP Club Leadership Council
Agenda:
• 7:30am: Open Networking, Grab Coffee
• 8:00am: Member introductions
• 8:15am: Coffee with a Cause panel discussion, plus audience Q&A
• 8:55am: Closing announcements
Where: COhatch The Gateway, 1581 N High St, Columbus OH 43201
Cost: It’s free to attend and all are welcome to join us!
Parking: There will be metered street parking available (make sure to download the ParkColumbus app) or you can pay to park in the Gateway garage.
Special thanks to series sponsors: Ryan Deeter of Key Realty and COhatch for making this event possible!
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Ben Sears is the Program Manager of Housing Solutions for Anthem BCBS Ohio Medicaid. He is passionate about building collaborative relationships to respond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. In his current role at Anthem BCBS, Ben oversees the homelessness and housing strategy and partnerships statewide. Housing is a human right, and we can end homelessness.
For many years, Ben served people living in unsheltered homelessness throughout Central Ohio and worked to connect them to resources as part of the Street Medicine team at Mount Carmel Health System. He also oversaw a Project Based Voucher housing community that specifically housed residents transitioning from unsheltered homelessness with high service needs. To stay connected to people living outside, Ben currently works part-time for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless leading their community engagement efforts. Ben earned a BA in Business Administration from the University of Toledo, a Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Ministry from Ohio Christian University.
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Dave Anderson brings over three decades of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, dedicating his career to serving the unhoused population. Currently serving as the Head of Impact for COhatch, Dave leads initiatives that bridge the gap between nonprofits, government agencies, and for-profit businesses, aiming to create sustainable change within our cities. His passion lies in fostering collaboration to address societal challenges at their roots, emphasizing the need for holistic and enduring solutions.
In his role at COhatch, Dave Anderson continues to channel his expertise into the private sector while maintaining a steadfast commitment to social impact. His visionary approach goes beyond immediate problem-solving, advocating for a shift in societal perspectives on homelessness. Dave believes in the power of collaboration between diverse sectors, emphasizing that when nonprofits, government entities, and for-profit businesses unite, they can create lasting positive change. His leadership reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential of businesses to contribute to the greater good, working in tandem with other sectors to shape a more compassionate and sustainable future for our cities.
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Jill Gorz is the clinical services manager at Star House, a social service agency that operates Central Ohio's only drop-in center for youth, ages 14-24, who are experiencing homelessness. Star House offers young people a safe respite from the streets, immediate access to basic needs and connections to stabilizing resources. In 2020, Star House, in partnership with Finance Fund, opened Carol Stewart Village, a neighborhood for transitional age youth with on-site programs and services.
Jill has been working with Star House youth for over six years, and has spent the last 14 years working with youth and young adults considered at-risk (alienated, abused, abandoned, mistreated, and/or neglected).
Coffee with a Cause is hosted on the second Wednesday of each month with series support from Key Realty and COhatch!