Media contact:
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us

Jess Starr, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry: (216) 402-0524; jstarr@lutheranmetro.org

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Families experiencing homelessness are getting a fresh start as they move in to homes newly purchased and renovated with local nonprofit Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM), with a significant boost from Cuyahoga County.

LMM is advancing efforts to end family homelessness with the Breaking New Ground (BNG) campaign, an innovative rental model for underserved Clevelanders that will take families out of homelessness and into safe, affordable housing. LMM is purchasing and renovating up to 20 homes in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood over a five-year period.

Local leaders will celebrate another milestone at a ribbon cutting on Monday, June 24 on Prosser Ave. in the city of Cleveland, featuring three renovated homes now available for move-in for families coming out of homelessness.

Cuyahoga County utilized Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to pay for the purchase and renovation of five of the 20 housing units. The County’s contribution to the campaign brought total funding to $4.2 million for the project, above its original goal. Cuyahoga County is the only government funder to contribute to the campaign.

“We know that cost is one of the biggest barriers to getting families into sustainable permanent housing,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “The County is proud to be able to provide the necessary funding to help close the gap for this innovative project and demonstrate our commitment to affordable housing options for all residents.”

Tenants will have affordable rents and connections to supportive services through LMM, the owner and landlord. Funding also allows LMM to sustain this project through a Family Stability Fund, which will help ensure those who may experience financial hardship can stay in their homes rather than repeat the cycle of homelessness.

“The County has partnered for years with LMM on critical safety net shelter services,” said Michael Sering, LMM’s Vice President of Housing & Shelter. “We’re glad to take this next step together on affordable housing for people leaving homelessness.”

LMM has five families currently living in completed BNG homes, with 12 families expected to be occupying homes by the end of the year.