Media Contact: Jennifer Ciaccia, Press Secretary | (216) 250-5863 | jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

Newly refurbished Veterans Housing Unit provides specialized support for Corrections Center residents who have served in the armed forces.

CUYAHOGA COUNTY — Today, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne joined Sheriff Harold A. Pretel, county leaders and partner agencies in celebrating the opening of the Corrections Center Veterans Housing Unit, a specialized pod within the facility that provides resources, assistance, and guidance to residents who have served in the armed forces. This housing unit reflects the County’s commitment to strengthening support services and honoring the unique needs of justice-involved veterans.

“Our United States military service members protect the freedoms and the way of life we are fortunate enough to enjoy every day,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “When their experiences lead them into the criminal justice system, we have a responsibility to provide the support, compassion, and resources they deserve. That is why the return of the Veterans Housing Unit is so important, and I am grateful to Sheriff Pretel and his team for ensuring that this impactful resource remains available.”

The newly refurbished Veterans Housing Unit, which originally opened in 2016 and closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, aims to provide veterans with coordinated care and guidance rooted in trauma-informed practices, helping them to rebuild their lives following encounters with the criminal justice system. Residents will receive specialized mental health services, treatment for substance abuse disorder, group therapy, and peer to peer counseling. On-site reentry services will also connect residents to emergency housing and funding sources.

“As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, I understand the unique needs of our Veterans, and I will always have a deep appreciation for my brothers and sisters who have served,” said Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold A. Pretel. “By standing up the Veterans Housing Unit, we are ensuring that our former service members within the justice system receive specialized support and access to resources, giving them a pathway to a brighter, more promising future.”

The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, the MetroHealth Correctional Medicine program, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Veterans Treatment Court, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will provide services in the Veterans pod.

“The re-opening of the Veterans pod signifies a significant step forward for the administration of local and federal services to our justice involved Veterans,” said Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Andrew J. Santoli. “We know that Veterans do best when surrounded by other Veterans and linked with Veterans specific services and organizations. Our hope is that the Veterans pod will facilitate an increase in access to social services, expedite referrals and linkages, and reduce incarceration time.”

View today’s news conference here.