Newly expanded and renovated space provides increased privacy, enhanced services for individuals experiencing homelessness

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - Today, Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland, and Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc. (EDEN) celebrated the grand opening of the Norma Herr Center following a $31 million investment to expand and enhance the facility. The project includes a 26,600 square foot addition, 103 additional beds, increased privacy and a new courtyard with a gazebo. The grand opening marks the completion of the second phase of work to the facility and strengthens supportive services at the center.

“Cuyahoga County is committed to doing all we can to end homelessness,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “By investing in facilities like the Norma Herr Center, we are not only helping individuals experiencing a housing crisis, but providing a safe, dignified space where they can access the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives and move toward an independent future.”

The redevelopment of the Norma Herr Center was made possible through a collaboration of public and private agencies coordinated through the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services. Cuyahoga County’s Department of Housing and Community Development has invested $7.9 million in federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME-ARPA Program. The Norma Herr Center redevelopment is part of the County’s Strategic Plan for Homelessness.

The Norma Herr expansion aligns with the City of Cleveland’s A Home for Every Neighbor Program, which launched in partnership with the County in 2024. The City supported the reconstruction of the facility by contributing $5.6 million in Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program and Community Development Block Grant funding.

"Homelessness is not a problem we can solve with just one service. It requires a comprehensive approach that connects people with housing, stability, and the support they need to move forward,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Every Clevelander deserves the opportunity to thrive in the city they call home. Through A Home for Every Neighbor, we’ve helped more than 200 residents find stable housing, and the Norma Herr Center strengthens that work by providing people the privacy, dignity, and services they need to take their next step. This is what it looks like when we collectively invest in people and build a Cleveland where everyone has a pathway to a better future."

EDEN owns the Norma Herr property and managed the redevelopment process. The new space now offers residents more personal space, individual bathrooms, a computer lab, lounge areas, and a spacious dining area. The new design provides a healthier and more dignified living experience for those in need of housing. The addition connects to the original Norma Herr building, which is also undergoing improvements, and will become part of a non-congregate shelter complex with modern amenities and a full array of services for individuals experiencing a housing crisis.

“The transformation of the Norma Herr Center has been extraordinarily complex and has taken years of persistence, problem-solving, and partnership to bring it to life,” said EDEN Executive Director Elaine Gimmel. “Today, we are incredibly proud to see that work result in a shelter that offers greater security, privacy, and dignity to people experiencing homelessness. We are deeply grateful to the many public, private and community partners who believed in this vision and helped us make it possible.”

“The transformation of the Norma Herr Center is more than an improved space, it is a place where individuals experiencing homelessness can find a safe and dignified environment to receive the support they need to move toward independent living,” said Cuyahoga County Director of Homeless Services LeVine Ross. “This project reflects the collective approach necessary to make meaningful progress in our efforts to end homelessness. We are incredibly grateful to all who worked to make this possible.”

The Norma Herr Center is operated by the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, and serves close to 200 people each night.

For more information about the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services, visit hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov.