13abc: More local families in need of shelter
January 15, 2026
More local families in need of shelter
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Leading Families Home has been helping people achieve independence and economic stability for more than a century. Now, leaders say they are seeing a sharp increase in requests for emergency help.
Leading Families Home has three different campuses around Toledo that can provide shelter for more than 200 people on any given night. But doing that is becoming more and more challenging.
“We are an agency that helps families in crisis. We have three different properties that have shelters for emergency family shelters for homelessness and we have two housing programs, we offer behavioral health and substance abuse, so that we can help people full cycle,” Jennifer Jacobs, the executive director, said.
But providing that support is becoming more difficult.
“We’ve had probably 20 to 30% cuts amongst grants this entire year and so as the need grows, our financial support is decreasing at the same time and so that is leaving a large gap to make up,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs loves what she does. In fact, her work goes home with her most nights.
“It’s a lot of sleepless nights, it’s constantly on my mind, it’s constantly in my heart, I’m constantly thinking where do we go from here, what are the answers, where are some answers we haven’t thought of before, what else could we be doing?” Jacobs said.
13 Action News visited the Beach House Ashland, one of the organization’s emergency shelters. While the group helps hundreds of families at the three shelters every year, it is not enough.
“Our numbers are higher than they have been; we have 146 families on a waitlist just waiting to get into shelter in Toledo,” Jacobs said.
What keeps the staff going is the success stories and there are plenty of them. Lurnetta Brackette said her world was recently turned upside down.
“I’m trying not to cry, because I’ve been through a lot,” Brackette said.
She said her husband was the primary provider. He got sick and had to retire from his job, the two lost their home and are now at the shelter.
“There is a better day coming, you just have to do the work, that’s what we did. I am thankful, truly thankful,” Brackette said.
“We know that we are making a difference, with the help of the community, we’re definitely making a difference. It’s just sometimes, I just wish I could snap my fingers and help everybody all at the same time and end the problem,” Jacobs said.
Brackette and her husband are looking at a new place to call home this week.
Leading Families Home also runs Beach House on Erie Street, as well as Family House.
There are a lot of ways you can help, you can donate things like canned goods, bedding, money and time. If you need the shelter, call 211.
To learn more about Leading Families Home, click here.
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