Motherful Purchased Columbus Property for Single Mothers

The nonprofit acquired a four-building site at 100 Noe Bixby Road to launch a new co-op community.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Child Care

Bold vector editorial illustration of four connected residential building facades with shared courtyard, representing a communal housing co-op for single mothers. — The nonprofit Motherful finalized its purchase of a four-building site in Columbus, intended to serve as a new co-op for single mothers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you consider moving into a shared co-op living community to reduce your household expenses?

On July 27, 2026, the nonprofit organization Motherful finalized the purchase of a four-building property in Columbus. The facility, formerly used as a convent, will house up to 10 families in a shared living arrangement.

Why it matters

The organization aims to help single mothers reduce their living and childcare expenses by sharing responsibilities and resources. This co-op model allows residents to establish their own governance and daily rules within the community.

The property at 100 Noe Bixby Road features four buildings built in 1982, each containing six to seven bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Residents are expected to see childcare costs drop by 40% to 60% compared to traditional arrangements.

The players

Motherful

Motherful is a nonprofit organization based in Gahanna that supports single mothers in the Columbus area.

The details

Motherful submitted a letter of intent to purchase the former convent and women's facility within 24 hours of it hitting the market. The renovated site includes shared living spaces, kitchens, and laundry areas to facilitate communal support.

The property was originally constructed in 1982.
Motherful purchased the facility on July 27, 2026.
Families are expected to begin moving into the site in January 2027.

Culture Shift

The project follows a pattern set by the rise of co-living housing models designed to address urban housing affordability challenges. By prioritizing communal resource sharing over traditional individual housing, the nonprofit reflects a shift toward collaborative survival strategies.

For single mothers in Columbus, this project offers a tangible way to reduce monthly childcare and living expenses through shared resources. Residents will play an active role in shaping the daily operation of the facility through self-governance.

The takeaway

Shared living arrangements offer a practical solution for reducing high childcare costs by pooling household responsibilities. Mothers looking to adopt this model should prioritize finding organizations that emphasize resident-led governance structures.