Last week, Huckleberry House was deeply honored to be recognized at the Community Shelter Board’s annual Founders Awards, a celebration of individuals and organizations working to end homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County.
These awards pay tribute to the legacy of CSB’s founders, who believed that no one in our community should be without a safe place to sleep—even for a single night. Today, that vision continues through the collective efforts of organizations like Huckleberry House and our partners.
Honoring Kyra Crockett Hodge: The Bob Lazarus Unsung Hero Award
We are thrilled to share that Kyra Crockett Hodge, Director of Outreach and Engagement at Huckleberry House, received the 2025 Bob Lazarus Unsung Hero Award.
For more than 20 years, Kyra has been a constant source of hope for young people facing housing instability. Through her tireless advocacy, hands-on service, and compassionate leadership, she has helped thousands of youth feel safe, supported, and seen. Kyra’s work not only connects young people to shelter and resources, but it also restores dignity and belonging, helping to open the door to brighter futures.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes quiet, steadfast leadership in the trenches, and we can think of no one who embodies that spirit more than Kyra. Her impact continues to ripple across Huckleberry House, our community, and most importantly, the lives of the young people she serves.
Recognizing the Shelter Providers Network: The Nancy Jeffrey Advocate Award
Huckleberry House was also proud to stand alongside our partners in the Shelter Providers Network, a coalition of seven agencies including Community Development for All People, Huckleberry House, Lutheran Social Services, Maryhaven, Southeast Healthcare, YMCA of Central Ohio, and YWCA Columbus, honored with the 2025 Nancy Jeffrey Advocate Award.
This award celebrates the Network’s powerful advocacy in securing critical funding for crisis shelters in central Ohio. Together, we worked with CSB, state leaders, and community partners to ensure that shelter services remain available during a time of growing need. In recognizing the Network, CSB shared, “The Shelter Providers Network’s dedication serves as a model inspiring all to continue striving for a community where everyone has a safe place to call home.”
At Huckleberry House, we know firsthand how vital these resources are for young people in crisis. We are grateful to be part of this coalition and proud of the impact we’ve made together.
A Call to Community
These awards are a powerful reminder that change happens when we come together, individuals, organizations, and systems all working toward the same goal: ensuring that everyone in Columbus has a safe place to call home.
Please join us in celebrating Kyra Crockett Hodge and the Shelter Providers Network by continuing to support housing efforts in our community. With your partnership, we can keep building pathways to stability, hope, and thriving futures for young people.
