CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Cuyahoga County officials, along with the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, were on hand Tuesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a renovated men's shelter in Cleveland.
The renovated Lakeside Avenue shelter was made possible after a $4.5 million investment of ARPA funds to help modernize the facility and provide more space for a "dignified lodging experience."
The renovated portion of the shelter was added to the already existing shelter through a $550,000 purchase of property in 2021. The money used to purchase the property was funded through CARES.
“Cuyahoga County continues to innovate and invest in the effort to end homelessness,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Through our ongoing partnerships with agencies like Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, we have created a transformative space that provides immediate support and stability. By connecting individuals to resources in a dignified, respectable manner, we hope to help them on their path to housing independence.”
“As the operator of the largest shelter in the state for the last 19 years, LMM is a proud partner of Cuyahoga County,” said Maria Foschia, President & CEO of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. “We share a mission to provide shelter and services, and the 2020 Lakeside location allows us to build an integrated campus by connecting it to 2100. The residents will have more space for safe de-concentration, and the dignity of more privacy, as we work with them on housing goals.”
“The Men’s Shelter campus renovations are part of Cuyahoga County’s efforts to reduce the unsheltered population,” said Melissa Sirak, Director of Homeless Services for Cuyahoga County. “The facility will continue to provide resources and services to assist with permanent housing. In addition, the renovations serve as an investment in the Cuyahoga Continuum Strategic Plan furthering our efforts to improve the experience of persons in a housing crisis.”
The shelter, the largest men's facility in Ohio, can support up to 365 men every night. The renovated property now offers additional office space for staff, improved shower facilities and community gathering areas.