United Church Homes Receives $30,000 in Grants to Expand NaviGuide Services
November 1, 2026
COLUMBUS, Ohio — United Church Homes has received two grants totaling $30,000 to provide subsidized NaviGuide service coordination for 101 low-income older adults in Franklin and Delaware counties.
The funding includes a $25,000 grant from The Columbus Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the Harry C. Moores Foundation. Together, the grants will cover approximately three months of NaviGuide services for eligible older adults who might otherwise be unable to afford the program.
NaviGuide connects older adults and their families with healthcare, transportation, social services and other community resources, according to the UCH news release. Through dedicated service coordinators, participants receive one-on-one assistance with needs assessments, care planning, referrals and ongoing support.
“Many families suddenly find themselves responsible for coordinating care after a hospitalization, health crisis or change in circumstances, often with little knowledge of the services available to help,” said Kim Yoder, UCH Engage and NaviGuide program director. “These grants will allow us to connect more low-income older adults with the resources they need while providing peace of mind and support for family caregivers.”
The service usually costs $99 per month. According to UCH, nearly 20% of Franklin County residents age 65 and older have annual incomes below $25,000, making the subscription cost a potential barrier for those living on fixed incomes.
NaviGuide coordinators conduct in-home visits, develop individualized care plans and help clients access available support programs. The program also uses assessments focused on social determinants of health to identify older adults who may be at risk of isolation, depression and other challenges affecting their well-being.
The new grants follow earlier subsidy funding that enabled 51 low-income older adults in Franklin and Delaware counties to use NaviGuide services. UCH reported that participants and caregivers experienced reduced stress, improved access to resources and greater confidence in managing care transitions.
“We believe every older adult deserves access to the resources and advocacy needed to age with dignity, confidence and purpose,” said Ken Young, president and CEO of United Church Homes. “We’re grateful to The Columbus Foundation and the Harry C. Moores Foundation for investing in older adults and their families. These grants help remove financial barriers to vital services and advance our mission.”
Based in Columbus, United Church Homes offers NaviGuide services throughout Ohio and nationally as part of its efforts to help older adults remain independent and connected to community-based support.
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