Working to End Homelessness

Oct 07, 2022

World Homeless Day is observed on Oct. 10^th. The Biden administration is working to greatly reduce the number of unhoused Americans. To that end, an additional $17.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act money was awarded to Cleveland from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The HUD money, which council recently approved, is in addition to the $512 million the city has received from ARPA. These HOME-ARPA dollars, awarded to 651 grantees across the country, must be used to address homelessness through “non-congregate” shelters, affordable housing rent assistance and housing support services.

Cleveland aims to spend $13.7 million of that money on 250 affordable housing units and the remaining $4 million to build or purchase a homeless shelter.

These funds can be used for four eligible activities:

• Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
• Supportive Services, Homeless Prevention Services, and Housing Counseling
• Purchase and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter

The City of Cleveland has primarily shouldered the issue of homelessness in the area. Besides emergency shelters such as 2100 Lakeside, Zelma George, Salvation Army, the City Mission and others, there are 13 “Housing First” buildings throughout the city that house chronically homeless men with supportive services. The belief is that whatever problems someone has, giving them housing first is a prerequisite for effective mental and substance abuse treatment. And in Cleveland that's been proven true. Less than 5% of those that live in (and often move out to permanent housing) return to homelessness.

Housing for kids aging out of foster care have been established, as well, and a new apartment building under construction for youth aged 18 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness. Support services for the residents will be available.

With a rise in unhoused families unhoused, there is a concerted effort to add more safe housing, including the expansion of Laura’s Home a women and children’s crisis center.  Other new affordable housing is being built for seniors, for single parents who are seeking higher education, and more. 

At the same time, council has put millions toward keeping families from being evicted. Right to Counsel provides free legal help to families facing eviction. And another eviction prevention council passed is the so-called "pay to stay" that allows those who are behind on their rent to forestall eviction by paying - or using a housing voucher - for back rent and penalties. 

For more information on Housing First: www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/housing-first-ohio

For more information on other homeless services: hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/divisions/detail/office-of-homeless-services