City Council Passed the Emergency Ordinance at Last Night’s Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 — Cleveland — Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced funding for two local nonprofit leaders to support emergency seasonal shelters and related services for the city’s unhoused community. The Administration’s emergency ordinance – passed by City Council last night – will provide financial assistance from the City to the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) and the Metanoia Project.
“We were made aware that some funding for seasonal shelters was running out and my team quickly worked to identify a way that we can step up here at the City-level,” said Mayor Bibb. “This will provide these organizations with the necessary funds to continue these crucial services to ensure that our unhoused residents are supported during the cold months this winter season. We appreciate council’s advocacy and quick action in passing this to help bridge the funding gap while we work together, with our other partners, towards developing a more sustainable plan and implementing a long-term strategy.”
These service providers offer a multitude of options to meet a wide variety of needs that differs depending on each individual’s situation. The City’s funds will allow the two organizations to continue to provide an array of services that includes direct street outreach and engagement, transportation, housing search assistance, connection to food pantries and meal boxes, linkage to care onsite and through partnering agencies, hotel and other short-term room accommodations, and other seasonal emergency shelter services and supplies.
“At the Senate Select Committee on Housing’s hearing held here in Cleveland earlier this month, I stressed the importance of ‘doing something’ for the unhoused. The unhoused also deserve protection from the elements. They deserve warm, safe, and dry living conditions,” said Ward 7 Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones. “This temporary stopgap provides relief now for many in need of support and I intend to use this as a stepping-stone to provide more resources to our fellow Clevelanders in need.”
The financial support for these seasonal shelters – through a County grant and other streams of COVID-related funding that are no longer available – was set to run out by the end of this month. The City will provide $225,000 so both organizations can continue services through mid-April to ensure that residents experiencing unsheltered living situations will have the resources and stability they need to transition to permanent housing.
Last week, the City announced more than $3 million in funding to support the unhoused community, including more than $1.2 million towards rapid re-housing efforts. Seven local agencies will utilize the money for various programs designed to support all individuals – youth, families, and older adults – in unhoused situations. The City also opened several of its recreation centers as warming sites last week in anticipation of the cold weather. More than 140 individuals utilized the warming centers throughout the week.
Anyone seeking overnight shelter should call 2-1-1 who will be able to connect you with a variety of overnight shelter and individualized housing options. Cuyahoga County’s Office of Homeless Services coordinates a continuum of care, which includes prevention, shelter services, and permanent supportive housing. For more information, visit their webpage.
