Community resources in Columbus

Columbus is an amazing community to be a part of, and even though it’s the biggest city in Ohio, it has the small town feel of the Midwest. It’s also special in that Columbus is rich in community resources and organizations.

There are community resources in Columbus that can help you through whatever life throws are you. There are also plenty of activities, for you to enjoy and get involved with events around the city. Check out our weekend events calendar for things to do every weekend!

Free resources in Columbus

If you have questions or need help with resources, call 2-1-1. Operators will help connect you to resources and social programs.

Ohio Department of Health

Find a whole section with programs offered, including health, financial, and well-being, as well as all topics regulated by the department.

CAP4KIDS

CAP4KIDS has a comprehensive list of community resources available for families and parents. Resources include food assistance, emergency housing, unemployment benefits, educational resources, mental health assistance, and fun activities.

Older Adults: Healthy Aging Resource Hub

Ohio Aging Compass is a free, centralized, easy-to-navigate platform that consolidates Ohio’s aging-related resources, tools, data, and long-term care information.

The Compass brings together practical tools and real‑world resources into one accessible platform so that every Ohioan can more easily find the services, supports, and care they need.

There are lots of other services and resources for older adults on the website.

Food and Grocery Resources in Columbus

Blessing Boxes

Blessing Boxes are outdoor cabinets in public places that are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, baby supplies, and anything else that might be considered a blessing to someone who finds themselves in need.

Items are anonymously donated and anonymously received. A simple rule applies – Leave what you can, take what you need. If you have extra (unexpired) non-perishable food items in your house, this is a great way to pass them on, as so many recipients don’t qualify for foodbanks, but still need help.

There are 100+ Blessing Boxes around Columbus and about 50 more that go by other names

Find locations of Blessing Boxes around Central Ohio below or at this link.

Food Banks

Food banks are a major player in preventing hunger, and more families find themselves needing the assistance of food banks to get through the weeks. There are many food banks and food pantries located throughout Central Ohio.

If you need assistance finding one, check with your local churches or call 2-1-1 for a list of community resources. Food banks may also be able to assist with pet food and baby care needs.

No one should be ashamed to need assistance from a food bank. Find a list of food assistance options for counties served by the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

If you wish to help in your community and have the means, please consider making a food or monetary donation to a local food bank. Many food banks are able to provide up to 3 meals per every $1 donated.

Pay it Forward or Buy Nothing Facebook groups

Many communities have local Pay it Forward Facebook groups. These pages are set up to allow members to request and offer items to other members for free. From clothing, furniture, household goods, baby items, food donations and more, you can probably find what you need.

Groups have their own rules. Try to keep requests to a minimum and only your true needs. These pages work best if people give as much as they receive, so it’s important to see if you can help others.

Mental Illness, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Recovery Resources

Ohio Careline: 1-800-720-9616
free, confidential emotional support hotline available 24/7. Staffed by credentialed behavioral health professionals, it helps anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or mental health concerns.

The NORD Center Warm Line: 1-800-888-6161
Confidential, peer-to-peer telephone service for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, or distress.

Project DAWN – Ohio overdose prevention support. As of November 2025, there are over 200 Project DAWN programs registered in Ohio. Project DAWN programs distribute naloxone, drug checking test strips, and provide training at one or various Project DAWN sites, or locations, to prevent opioid overdose and promote harm reduction.

Ohio Addiction Recovery Center – Columbus-based treatment center with online support resources.

Detox Local – A list of SAMHSA-approved detox centers near Columbus.

NAMI Ohio – Support for people with severe mental illness, as well as their family and close friends

Live Another Day: A carefully curated list of the best rehab treatment centers in Columbus

Tool Rental

Complete small diy projects inside your house, like hanging framed photos or art, painting walls, rearranging furniture. Need to borrow some tools? Franklin County residents can borrow tools from ModCon Living’s Free Tool Rental Library with membership.

Use your library card!

Libraries have SO many resources! Sign up online for a library card (if you don’t have one), and you’ll have access to thousands of books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, music, and more!

The BEST resource with your library card is the Culture Pass program! Most libraries offer FREE passes to many area attractions with your library card. Passes must be picked up in person and cannot be reserved in advance. Check out all of the options for the Culture Pass at Columbus Metropolitan libraries.

Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library

You can read books on your phone or other personal device for FREE using Libby, Tumblebooks learning for kids, other apps featuring media available through the Ohio Digital Library and more.