Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Franklin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been in the shelter world for 14 years. I previously worked for Columbus Coalition for the Homeless. The City Council conducted its first pilot program for the winter season. This started on December 1st, 2022, and ended on March 31st, 2023, the pilot consisted of getting as many people as possible off the streets and into a warming center. If you were homeless you could walk in, and we would feed and house you; it was 24/7. Due to unforeseen circumstances, it closed in February Shannon Harding (President of the City Council), spoke with me and asked if I had ever considered opening my own shelter? He gave me his card and told me to contact him. When I got home that evening, I started planning what I would do differently if I ran my own shelter. After one week, I executed my plan and started opening my own shelter. This was in 2022 and by the end of February 2023 I was owner/operator and had my first contract directly with the Community Shelter Board. And that’s what I’ve been doing; I’ve dealt with rough crowds so anyone that got kicked out of any other warming center/shelter that could come to my center as well as in the mornings when everyone has to get up and leave, they can come to mine or just stay. I offer hot meals only! Hot breakfast and hot dinner! And we offer mental health services. And direct contact with job and family services to get Medicaid approval and food stamp approval same day. I also accept pets.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Out of the year due to funding limitations. This makes it challenging to provide consistent support to those in need. However, I am actively working on trying to secure additional resources to extend our services and ensure we can remain open year-round to continue helping the community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Regardless of a person’s circumstances, what makes my work unique is my personalized approach and dedication to creating a safe, welcoming space. Providing immediate, practical support through hot meals and mental health services while providing immediate, practical assistance—such as Medicaid and food stamp approvals same-day. Despite challenges, I am most proud of the impact we have made in such a short time. You can bring your pets as well as not have to leave in the mornings.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those just starting out in this field is to build a strong network of partners and supporters who share your vision. It’s essential to be flexible and adaptable, as unexpected challenges will arise. Additionally, always prioritize the well-being and dignity of those you serve, ensuring that your services are compassionate and respectful.
Pricing:
- 500,000 minimal to operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week includes hot meals and staff and security and supplies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.3rdshiftwcc.org
- Instagram: 3rd_shift_wcc
- Facebook: 3rd Shift Warming Cooling Center
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jasmine-garnes-franklin-3a54a2337
