Chillicothe — The homeless shelter for Ross County is two years old now, and operating at full capacity with winter in full swing. I visited it to see how it was working out.
Julie Bolen, Executive Director of the Ross County Community Action Coalition, spoke with me again and gave a tour on December 4th, 2025.
Community Action is based at the corner of Woodbridge and Western avenues, and among the many support services they offer, they operate the shelter in the former Eastern Avenue Lumber property at 804 Eastern Avenue.
I happened to request the tour just before the second anniversary of its opening on December 12th, 2023. I also happened to visit as unusable lumber storage buildings were starting to be demolished with assistance from the land bank.
Community Action again has a fundraiser for the shelter – see its flyer below. Hear Bolen in her own words in the below two-part video interview / tour.
If individuals or families needs to use the shelter, Bolen says they can just come in, though it’s best to call ahead (740 / 702-7222 x148) to be sure there is an open cot. If there is no space, they will still do their best to help. If transportation is needed, they can also help. And, there are accommodations for pets.
Find the Ross County Community Action Coalition on their website and on Facebook.
