For the last decade, a modest building on Columbus’ Eastside has offered more than just a roof and a bunk to people in crisis. Brighter Days Emergency Housing, operated by the Christian nonprofit Love Chapel, has been a steady source of safety, stability and encouragement for residents experiencing homelessness.

On Thursday, the organization celebrated its 10-year anniversary with food, music, facility tours and reflections from community leaders who praised the shelter’s impact.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon recognized those who have dedicated the past ten years to supporting people facing housing insecurity. She emphasized that communities are judged not only on how they address immediate needs, but also on how they work toward long-term stability.

“Those of you who have spent the last ten years providing care and hope to those in need have given people the short term help that’s needed,” Ferdon said. “But you also offered services for long-term economic and health stability which is the only way to truly change lives. It’s difficult, time consuming, expensive and never-ending.”

Ferdon highlighted her personal connection to the shelter’s creation. Her husband, Steve Ferdon, leads Mission Columbus, a volunteer construction and contracting group that built the facility. He served as project manager during the construction process.

Brighter Days is Bartholomew County’s primary shelter for unhoused individuals, providing emergency housing to about 50 people each day. Guests can stay for up to 60 days. The building includes male and female dorms with bunk-bed accommodations, bathrooms and showers, and simple meals such as sandwiches and snacks.

Kelly Daugherty, executive director of Love Chapel, said the shelter’s name serves as a reminder of its mission.

“We give people the tools to people back on their feet,” Daugherty said, explaining that Brighter Days symbolizes a place where hope can be restored.

Cathy King, director of impact for the United Way of Bartholomew County, reinforced that homelessness is often the result of crisis rather than choice. She noted that many individuals are one unexpected bill, a missed paycheck or an emergency away from losing stable housing.

As Brighter Days enters its second decade, leaders say their work remains rooted in compassion and community support, the same values that have guided the shelter since its doors first opened.

Two people stand in front of a shelf full of food talking.
A group of people stand outside a building. The sky is overcast and gray. A public address system is set up for speeches.
Food trucks are parked on a street. The one on the left is red and looks like a covered bridge. The one on the right is yellow with graphics of cookies.
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The mayor, a woman, stands at a mircophone while giving a speech. Three people lean agains the wall of the building behind her, listening.
People stand in a parking lot using their phones to record a speech by the mayor.
The mayor, a woman, stands at a mircrophoen giving a speech.
The mayor, a woman, stands at a mircrophoen giving a speech.
In the wide angle photo, a woman stands at a mircophone giving a speech. A building looms in the background and people are gathered to listen to her speech.
A man gestures while standing at a microphone giving a speech.
Two people talk in a room. There are crates stacked up on a wall and the wall features a mural of a lighthouse.
People are gathered in a dorm-style room. Bunkbeds are visible in the background.

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