Housing Stability

Decreasing homelessness and keeping
homes and families safe

What we believe

Living under the threat of eviction or in the midst of homelessness can lead to poor health and educational outcomes and decrease the chances of escaping generational, systemic poverty. The Housing Stability strategy rests on a foundation of decreasing homelessness and keeping homes and families safe.

Goals

There were 1,675 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2019. 

  • United Way will reach at least 50% of them by 2023, providing a continuum of integrated services and supports to achieve self-sufficiency.
  • More than 80% of Free Eviction Help clients will avoid eviction or an unexpected move by 2023.

Funding Priorities

  • Emergency shelter
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Whole family (2Gen) supportive services
  • Eviction prevention programs and resources
  • Increasing housing maintenance programs
  • Increasing education on landlord and tenant rights
  • Increasing education and programing on utility assistance

Community Hub for Basic Needs Partners

In March 2021, United Way announced a new source of funding for innovative programs from diverse social service agencies: The Community Hub for Basic Needs grants.

A seven-month process of applications, interviews, and input from stakeholders ensures that the grants will fuel innovative programs to combat poverty initiatives that are aligned with United Way’s community strategies. In the same way, United Way is assured that we are partnering with forward-thinking nonprofits that are aligned with our investment principles. community investments with a focus on identifying and selecting diverse, innovative agencies and programs.

Each grant is renewable in the calendar year 2023, pending review of metrics reports, participation in the Center for Excellence in Social Services, and the performance of United Way’s Annual Workplace Campaign.

The inaugural Community Hub for Basic Needs grant recipients for Housing Stability are:

Impact Institute Programs

Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition

The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition is committed to reducing lead exposure among Cleveland’s families and children.

Right To Counsel-Cleveland

Tenants facing eviction in Housing Court now have an ally in their corner. Right to Counsel provides free legal representation.

Siemer Family Stability Initiative

This program helps families maintain stable housing through financial coaching and assistance with housing expenses such as rent, utility bills, or property tax.

Louise C. Stokes Scholar House

Scholar House will be an affordable residence for low-income college students with children, offering wrap-around support services such as on-site childcare, academic counseling, mental health services, and cohort support for first-generation college students.

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