An old, local, independent support agency gave the city a big ask – but for a good cause. “The Assistance House of Ross County” asked city council to consider a $20,000 grant Monday evening.
Sharon Verhoff, six-times past president, and John Thacker, current board member, spoke to council. They explained that The Assistance House began as the “Welfare House,” founded in 1914 by prominent local philanthropist Col. Richard Enderlin, to help the working poor.
Verhoff avoids saying “poor,” instead focusing on the fact that some people who are employed but are still struggling, and they offer rental assistance, utility assistance, diapers, work shoes, and more.
They said the grant from the city would help 40 applicants with rent, and 40 with utility bills. They usually allow $300 maximum to help people past their own resources and keep them from being evicted.
They say about 128 people have been assisted in some way in previous nine months. Hear Verhoff and Thacker in their own words in the video interview.
The office of The Assistance House of Ross County is in the old Mount Logan School, near the playing fields. Appointments are usually required, but they have added Thursday walk-in hours between 9:00 and 1:30.
They have a website and Facebook page. Also:
- Mount Logan Community Building, Room 121, 841 East Main Street, Chillicothe
- theassistancehouse@gmail.com
- 740-774-3560
- PO BOX 1923, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including the video interview.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.
John Thacker and Sharon Verhoff of "The Assistance House."