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Somali / Caribbean / African American Resources

Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)

Provides alcohol and drug treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), licensed counseling, domestic violence education and intervention programs, and support services for families impacted by addiction. Youth programs include summer camp, UCANN Serve and UCANN Lead programs for ages 11-17 to experience mentorship and civic engagement, Urban GEMS science and gardening after-school program for ages 12-19, and two scholarships per year for youth ages 17-22 pursuing higher education. The organization was founded by and centers the African community but serves all regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status.
1409 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-4448
apdsinc.org

Buckeye Ranch Somali Outreach Program

The Outreach Team is fluent in Somali and English to provide culturally-focused clinical care for youth and families coping with trauma, loss, resettlement, and living among a new culture. Somali families are connected to mental health counseling, case management services, and 24-hour crisis support and intervention. Call for details.
2865 West Broad Street Columbus Ohio 43204
Intake: (614) 384-8012
buckeyeranch.org/our-services/education/somali

City of Columbus New American Program

This program was created by the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods to give a voice to refugees and immigrants living in Columbus. This office provides interpretation and translation services for all City departments and collaborates with community partners on projects for New Americans. The New American Leadership Academy (NALA) is a year-long leadership and professional development program focused on civic engagement for New American residents. The program includes mentorship, lectures on government and public policy, engagement with community leaders, and completion of a civic engagement project. Applications typically open in the fall.
1410 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 645-1993
New American Resource Guide: columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/neighborhood/nala-2024-cohort-resource-guide.pdf
Main Website: columbus.gov/Community/Department-of-Neighborhoods/New-Resident-Information/The-New-American-Program

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated annually and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance. All lists updated 2025.
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – French
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Haitian Creole
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Somali
Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens – Spanish

Health Care (Free Clinics, Dental, Vision & Women’s Health)
Emergency Resources (Housing, Food, Utilities, Safety & Clothing)
Agencies Serving Immigrants & Refugees
Job Help (Unemployment, Looking for a Job, Online Searches)
Pregnancy Resources (WIC, Healthcare, Utilities, Baby Supplies, Diaper Banks, Housing, & Parenting Classes)
Prescription Help (Reduced Cost Prescriptions, Discount Programs & Medicaid Info)
Programs & Resources for Seniors
Mental Health & Substance Use Resources (Crisis Lines, Healthcare, Support Groups, Disposal Box Locations)

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List

Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)

Nonprofit serving refugees and immigrants in Central Ohio. Services include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job readiness classes, case management, and referrals to additional community resources. Additional programs include:

  • Newcomer Support Services: Available for Ukrainians, Cubans, Haitians, and other ORR-eligible populations to receive support with things like enrolling in school, public benefits, and scheduling medical appointments.
  • Legal Clinics: Help with immigration legal matters such as work authorizations, asylum, naturalization, and more. Legal Clinics are available once per month specifically for residents from Ukraine, Haiti, or Refugees filing for permanent resident status.
  • Early Refugee School Impact (ERSI): Provides free early childhood development and educational support for children ages 0-5.
  • Community Connectors: Provides 1:1 mentorship New American youth and adults.
  • Parenting for Limited English Proficient (LEP): Provides in-home parenting support for families with children ages 0-18 in English, Somali, and Spanish.
  • Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA): Provides confidential and trauma-informed services such as help filing compensation claims, assistance in court, and referrals in English, Spanish, Somali, Nepali, Hindi, and Arabic.
  • CRIS Wellness Clinic: Provides individual, group, and family counseling for ORR-eligible populations or those recovering from trauma. Contact the organization or visit the website for additional program details and eligibility requirements.

Main Office: 4645 Executive Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43220
CRIS Wellness Clinic: 1520 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 235-5747
crisohio.org

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Helps immigrants and refugees from all countries establish roots and gain self-sufficiency in Central Ohio. They offer job training, resettlement support, mentoring, English language classes (ESL), case management for victims of domestic violence and more. Youth programs include after school tutoring, Pathways 2 Success paid work training program for ages 16-18, wraparound coaching and support services for ages 14-18, scholarship opportunities, and summer camp.
4300 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43123
(614) 252-5362
ethiotss.org

Kilece Kiswahili Learning Center for Swahili Youth

An international language and cultural center. The Columbus Center offers Kiswahili classes for ages 6-17 and adults. Visit the website for registration information.
(717) 406-8384 or (780) 803-6033
kilece.com/colombus-ohio-usa-kiswahili-learning-centre

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and for programs in Fairfield County. The LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to food pantries and other social services across Franklin County and Ohio.

  • LSS 211 Referral Line & Online Database
    Call 211 or (614) 221-2255
    lssnetworkofhope.org/211centralohio
  • Central Ohio Main Office
    1105 Schrock Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    (614) 228-5200
    lssnetworkofhope.org
  • Champion Avenue Food Pantry
    1460 South Champion Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
    (877) 577-6325
    All Pantry & Produce Locations: lssnetworkofhope.org/foodpantries/locations
    Pantry Registration: lssfoodpantries.org
  • LSS Health Center
    Offers primary care, dental, vision, HIV/STD testing, pharmacy, behavioral healthcare, and substance use disorder (SUD/MAT) treatment.
    245 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    (614) 224-0747
    lssnetworkofhope.org/lsshealthcenter
  • Faith Mission Franklin County Homeless Shelter
    Must call Homeless Hotline in advance to be assigned a bed: (614) 274-7000
    217 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    Men’s Shelter: 599 East Eighth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    lssnetworkofhope.org/faithmission
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
    Offers emergency shelter beds for veterans and help with housing stability for veteran families.
    (614) 224-6617
  • CHOICES Domestic Violence Services
    Offers temporary housing, counseling, legal services, and peer support for survivors of domestic violence.
    24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (614) 224-4663
    General: (614) 224-7200
    lssnetworkofhope.org/choices/services

MY Project USA

A faith-based organization working to protect and empower youth and families in underserved neighborhoods. They offer a free healthcare clinic, food pantry, parent education, and community events. Their website has educational resources for parents on internet safety, abuse, and more. Youth programming includes a reading program for grades 1-9, youth soccer league, and free counseling and mentoring. The MY Helpline is a referral service for survivors and victims of gangs, trafficking, drugs, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and violence in Central Ohio.
3275 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 905-0977
MY Helpline: (614) 971-9375
myprojectusa.org

National Immigration Law Center Resources

A national organization advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants. Visit the resources page on their website for guides, toolkits and fact sheets available in many languages. Resources include Know Your Rights in multiple languages, Safety Tips for the Haitian Community, and more.
3450 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
(510) 663-8282
nilc.org/resources

OSU Free Clinics

A student-run, free  medical clinic. All services are free, no insurance or citizenship status needed. Services are provided for under-resourced patients regardless of income. They offer quality care for those who do not qualify for any other programs. Patients are seen at the Rardin Family Practice Center at 2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201.

  • Columbus Free Clinic: Services include primary care, pharmacy, lab/blood tests, and specialty clinics (gynecology, psychiatry, dietitian, neurology, gender-affirming care, occupational and physical therapy). Visit the website to view upcoming clinic dates and to schedule an appointment.
    (614) 404-8417
    columbusfreeclinic.com
  • Clínica Latina (Spanish Free Clinic): Offers care for Spanish-speaking patients. Services include primary care, lab/blood tests and pharmacy. They offer specialty clinics once per month for kids/pediatrics, dental, gynecology, psychiatry, and dermatology. All patients are seen regardless of language, race, income, or immigration status. Call to schedule an appointment.
  • (614) 349-1038
    clinicalatina.com
  • Asian Health Initiative: Offers general healthcare services for Asian American and Asian immigrant patients. They also specialize in caring for patients with Hepatitis B and offer a quarterly Hepatitis B clinic. Translation services are available. Call to schedule an appointment.
    (614) 216-9730
    ahifreeclinic.wixsite.com/site
  • Noor Free Clinic/Muslim Clinic of Ohio: Provides care from volunteer Muslim nurses and physicians. Services include primary care, lab/blood tests, free mammograms, and referrals for specialty care. Call to schedule an appointment.
    (614) 516-3075
    noorcommunityclinic.weebly.com
  • Rainbow Clinic: Provides LGBTQIA+ healthcare in a non-judgmental space. Services include primary care, gynecology, urology, STI/HIV testing, PrEP, mental health referrals, labs, medication refills, and transportation. Rainbow Clinic is offered twice a month. Visit the website to schedule an appointment.
    columbusfreeclinic.com/specialty-clinics

Our Helpers

An immigrant and women-led non-profit improving the lives of immigrant and refugee families in Franklin County. Services for adults include case management/eviction prevention, ESL/ESOL classes, and mental health first aid classes. The food pantry/Community Free Store is available for income-eligible families by appointment only, call to make an appointment. Youth programs include free summer camp opportunities, and Our Light Program for boys ages 17-22. The organization also accepts volunteers.
2021 East Dublin Granville Road, Suite 197, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 733-9555
ourhelpers.org

Refugee Welcome Collective State Resource Map

Dedicated to improving outcomes for refugees resettled in the United States. Anyone can use the State Resource Map to find information on cash and food assistance, healthcare, programs for English language learners, job search assistance, and other important resources specific to your state.
Resource Map: refugeewelcome.org/state-resources

Somali Community Access Network (SomaliCAN)

Advocates for the health and safety of New Americans and Somali families in Ohio. They provide translation services and advocacy opportunities for the Somali community.
4900 Reed Road, Suite 331, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 489-9226
somalican.org

Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN Ohio)

Advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ohioans. The website provides information on health insurance enrollment, health equity, and affordable prescriptions in Ohio. Their team of certified care navigators can help you find affordable health insurance and other resources for free. They have staff who speak Spanish, Arabic, and Somali. Call to schedule an appointment.
215 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 505-9460
uhcanohio.org/aca-enrollment

US Together

Mutual assistance agency serving refugees and immigrants in Ohio. Services include ESL classes, interpreter services, intensive case management, comprehensive care for victims of crime or gender violence, citizenship tutoring, healthcare access, and more.
ustogether.us

  • Columbus: 1415 East Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 437-9941
  • Cleveland: 2800 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
    (216) 456-9630
  • Toledo: 3450 West Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
    (419) 469-2529

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