Consolidated Resource Guide Helps Holmes County Families Find Support

A compact resource guide for Holmes County residents is now available as an evergreen reference to connect people with frequently requested local services. The list consolidates where to seek food assistance, health care, senior and social services, library programming, school and youth contacts, and emergency and public safety information. Local officials and service providers should still be contacted directly to verify hours and program details.

For families facing food insecurity, the guide highlights the Love Center Food Pantry in Millersburg as a primary local source of groceries and donations. The pantry receives community support through local races and benefit events, and serves as a frontline response to hunger in the county. Maintaining regular donations and volunteer capacity at the pantry is critical to meeting demand, especially during seasonal peaks and economic stress.

Pomerene Hospital in Berlin is identified as the county s main hospital, offering emergency services and hosting community health events. In a rural county where travel distances and limited public transportation can complicate access to care, Pomerene s role as a central health resource has direct public health implications. Residents are advised to reach out to the hospital for information on emergency care, preventive screenings, and community programs.

Older adults and households in need of social supports are directed to the Council on Aging and local senior centers, with a recommendation to check county web pages for program schedules and eligibility requirements. Seniors often rely on these programs for meals, social connection, and help navigating benefits, making reliable staffing and funding a matter of equity and health.

The Holmes County District Public Library system is listed for its Millersburg central branch and branches in Killbuck and the East branch. Library offerings include story times, holiday programs with seasonal visits, therapy dog reading events, and public internet access. Libraries play a dual role as community hubs and as connectivity centers, supporting education, telehealth access, and digital inclusion.

Schools and youth programs in East Holmes and West Holmes school districts are included for administrative contacts, while 4 H clubs and FFA chapters are noted for hosting regular fundraisers and community events. These youth organizations build social capital and support local food and education initiatives.

Emergency and public safety contacts such as the Holmes County Sheriff s Office non emergency line and village and township level fire and EMS information are part of the guide. Residents should be aware that fire and EMS services vary by township with both volunteer and paid departments in the county.

The guide encourages residents to bookmark official county, hospital, library, and school district pages and to call ahead to confirm hours and event schedules. For public health and social equity, maintaining up to date, accessible information reduces barriers for newcomers, low income households, older adults, and people without reliable internet. Strengthening funding for food assistance, sustaining hospital community programs, investing in broadband, and supporting volunteer emergency services are policy areas that could improve resilience across Holmes County.