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Building dignity. Breaking barriers. Creating opportunity.

Since 2018, Make-A-Day has walked alongside thousands of Central Ohio neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty. Through outreach and care, one-on-one stability support, and initiatives that remove systemic barriers, we meet people where they are, with meals, essentials, and trust, and help them take steps toward housing, employment, and long-term opportunity.

Our work is about removing roadblocks. Every person we meet has goals, skills, and potential. Our role is to help clear the barriers, like missing IDs, criminal records, or lack of housing, that keep them from thriving in work, home, and health..

Thousands served. Hundreds housed. Countless second chances created.

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The Daymaker Journal
A Different Donation: What Do Our Guests Really Need?
A Different Donation: What Do Our Guests Really Need?

Donations aren’t just about tangible goods. Sometimes what our guests need most is someone to listen, guide them, and open doors they didn’t know existed. Meaningful support goes beyond items and touches lives in deeper ways. Read more to discover how you can make a difference in more ways than one.

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Announcing 100 Investors in Hope: Keeping Care Close to Home
Announcing 100 Investors in Hope: Keeping Care Close to Home

As federal relief dollars fade, Make-A-Day is calling on neighbors, businesses, and partners to help keep care close to home. 100 Investors in Hope is a community-powered campaign sustaining meals, outreach, and reentry services across Columbus, one day of care at a time.

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Scaling Second Chances: Lessons from the Hilltop Move the Box Pilot
Scaling Second Chances: Lessons from the Hilltop Move the Box Pilot

A mom homeschooling her kids at the library saw the sign that said “expungement applications” and whispered, “I need that.” Hours later, she became the first guest to walk out with her expungement process complete.

That moment was the heart of something much bigger. Over the past year, Make-A-Day had been in conversation with Deena Strategies about how to address one of the most stubborn barriers to housing and employment stability: the weight of an old criminal record. At the same time, the Hilltop Library invited us in for a community event. The timing was right. After our first event with Hilltop, sharing meals and connecting with neighbors, we knew this was the place to launch a new model for justice.

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Upcoming Events
Street Outreach at CML Parsons Branch
Nov 10
Street Outreach at CML Parsons Branch

Join Us at a Make-A-Day Outreach Event

At our events, we meet you where you are, with food, support, and connections that can help with what comes next.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

  • A free, chef-prepared meal to enjoy on the spot.

  • Community partners who can share information about housing, health, legal help, jobs, and more.

  • The Make-A-Day team, here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you to the right support.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you need a meal, resources, or just someone to talk to, our team is here to help you feel supported and connected.

Street Outreach with CML Marion Franklin Branch
Nov 11
Street Outreach with CML Marion Franklin Branch

Join Us at a Make-A-Day Outreach Event

At our events, we meet you where you are, with food, support, and connections that can help with what comes next.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

  • A free, chef-prepared meal to enjoy on the spot.

  • Community partners who can share information about housing, health, legal help, jobs, and more.

  • The Make-A-Day team, here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you to the right support.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you need a meal, resources, or just someone to talk to, our team is here to help you feel supported and connected.

Basecamp Island Party
Nov 17
Basecamp Island Party

Join Us at a Make-A-Day Outreach Event

At our events, we meet you where you are, with food, support, and connections that can help with what comes next.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

  • A free, chef-prepared meal to enjoy on the spot.

  • Community partners who can share information about housing, health, legal help, jobs, and more.

  • The Make-A-Day team, here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you to the right support.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you need a meal, resources, or just someone to talk to, our team is here to help you feel supported and connected.

Street Outreach at Crossroads World Outreach Ministries
Nov 18
Street Outreach at Crossroads World Outreach Ministries

Join Us at a Make-A-Day Outreach Event

At our events, we meet you where you are, with food, support, and connections that can help with what comes next.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

  • A free, chef-prepared meal to enjoy on the spot.

  • Community partners who can share information about housing, health, legal help, jobs, and more.

  • The Make-A-Day team, here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you to the right support.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you need a meal, resources, or just someone to talk to, our team is here to help you feel supported and connected.

Street Outreach with CML Hilltop Branch
Nov 24
Street Outreach with CML Hilltop Branch

Join Us at a Make-A-Day Outreach Event

At our events, we meet you where you are, with food, support, and connections that can help with what comes next.

Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by:

  • A free, chef-prepared meal to enjoy on the spot.

  • Community partners who can share information about housing, health, legal help, jobs, and more.

  • The Make-A-Day team, here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you to the right support.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you need a meal, resources, or just someone to talk to, our team is here to help you feel supported and connected.

Season of Warmth Pop-Up Care Village
Dec 8
Season of Warmth Pop-Up Care Village
Save the Date: February Pop-Up Care Village
Feb 9
Save the Date: February Pop-Up Care Village

We meet you where you are, with care, support, and help for what’s next.

Grab a free meal, connect with local resource organizations, and talk with a Make-A-Day team member; we’re here to listen and help.

Save the Date: April Pop-Up Care Village
Apr 13
Save the Date: April Pop-Up Care Village

We meet you where you are, with care, support, and help for what’s next.

Grab a free meal, connect with local resource organizations, and talk with a Make-A-Day team member; we’re here to listen and help.

Save the Date: June Pop-Up Care Village
Jun 15
Save the Date: June Pop-Up Care Village

We meet you where you are, with care, support, and help for what’s next.

Grab a free meal, connect with local resource organizations, and talk with a Make-A-Day team member; we’re here to listen and help.

August Pop-Up Care Village
Aug 3
August Pop-Up Care Village

We meet you where you are, with care, support, and help for what’s next.

Grab a free meal, connect with local resource organizations, and talk with a Make-A-Day team member; we’re here to listen and help.

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