Spectrum 1 News: Cleveland-area agencies receive funding to help unhoused community

Cody Thompson, Spectrum News 1

CLEVELAND — Seven local agencies will receive more than $3 million in grants for efforts and programs to assist the local unhoused community, according to a press release.

What You Need To Know

• Seven Cleveland-area agencies will receive more than $3 million in grants for efforts and programs to assist the local unhoused community

• The funds, according to a press release, will be used for “outreach and engagement, emergency shelters, support services, prevention tactics, and other efforts”

• The funding comes from Cleveland’s Department of Community Development and Cuyahoga County’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS)

The funds, according to the release, will be used for “outreach and engagement, emergency shelters, support services, prevention tactics, and other efforts” through these agencies.

“Tackling an issue as large and systemic as this requires a more concerted effort – from us here at City Hall to our nonprofit organizations, our philanthropic partners, and other key stakeholders,” Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in the release. “My administration is exploring additional ways that we, as civic leaders, can step up and become more directly involved in finding solutions to this problem. This is just the beginning. We’re working with a tremendous sense of urgency and have more exciting announcements on the horizon.”

The funding comes from Cleveland’s Department of Community Development and Cuyahoga County’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS). The following organizations are receiving the grants:

• Emerald Development and Economic Network (EDEN)

• Journey Center for Safety and Healing

• Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry

• Catholic Charities Corporation

• Salvation Army

• West Side Catholic Center

• YWCA of Greater Cleveland

While much of the money will be used to fund programs and necessities at local shelters, the EDEN project will be diverting $1.2 million toward “rapid re-housing efforts,” according to the release.

“Cuyahoga County is fortunate to partner with many dedicated service agencies who work tirelessly to ensure that anyone experiencing a housing crisis will have the resources and support that they need,” Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said in the release.  “It is crucial, now more than ever to fund these vital programs, and I commend the Ohio Department of Development for its support.”

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