Community guides / Community Resources
East African Community Centers and Organizations in Ohio
Published 2025-02-20 · Updated 2026-08-31 · 7 min read · Columbus, OH
Ohio — especially Columbus — has one of the largest East African communities in the Midwest. Here's a guide to community organizations, mosques, and resources across the state.
Ohio, particularly Columbus, has an established East African diaspora community and a network of community organizations. Programs, eligibility, and contact details change, so use the current source links and contact each organization directly.
Major East African Organizations in Columbus, OH
Somali Community Association of Ohio (SCAO)
One of the oldest and most established Somali organizations in Columbus. Provides social services, resettlement support, cultural programming, and advocacy.
Central Ohio Oromo Community Organization
Serves the significant Oromo community in Columbus. Provides cultural programming, language preservation, and community events including the annual Irreecha celebration.
Somali Foundation of Ohio
Focuses on economic empowerment and business development for the Somali community in Ohio.
Ethiopian Community Center of Columbus
Cultural and social services for the Ethiopian community in central Ohio.
African Cultural and Community Organization (ACCO)
Pan-African organization serving multiple East African communities in Columbus.
Mosques Serving East African Communities in Columbus
Noor Islamic Cultural Center (Dublin, OH)
One of the largest mosques in Ohio. Has a significant Somali and East African membership. Major programs for Ramadan and Eid.
Masjid Ibn Taymiya (North Columbus)
Primarily Somali community mosque. Friday prayers draw large crowds from the North Side community.
Abubakar Islamic Center (Columbus East Side)
Ethiopian and Oromo community mosque. Traditional Quranic education.
Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio
Multi-ethnic mosque with East African community representation.
Social Services in Columbus
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
The main refugee resettlement agency in Columbus. Has Somali and East African staff.
Website: crisohio.org | Phone: 614-299-2747
Columbus Housing Justice
Provides housing support and legal aid to immigrants and refugees.
Legal Aid Society of Columbus
Free civil legal services for income-eligible Columbus residents.
Website: columbuslegalaid.org | Phone: 614-224-8374
Primary Health Solutions
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with East African language services in Columbus.
Education Resources in Columbus
Columbus City Schools — Has East African community liaisons and bilingual programs
Columbus State Community College — Has ESL programs and immigrant support services
Ohio State University — Has East African student organizations
Finding East African Businesses in Columbus
Use Shaafi Directory to find East African restaurants, grocery stores, halal butchers, mosques, and community organizations in Columbus. The North Side (Morse Road corridor) is the main hub.
Annual Events in Columbus
- **Irreecha** — Oromo Thanksgiving celebration, September/October, Antrim Park
- **Somali Independence Day** — July 1st community celebration
- **Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha** — Large prayers at Noor Islamic Center
- **East African Cultural Festival** — Annual event celebrating the diversity of East African cultures
Sources and further reading
- Community Refugee & Immigration Services — Columbus
- Noor Islamic Cultural Center
- Shaafi Directory — current local listings
Next step
Call the organization or mosque before visiting to confirm current programs and language support.