Over 500 young people engage with the homeless services system in Cuyahoga County each year. Thanks to a $3.9 million grant from HUD, the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services is supporting new initiatives to address youth and young adult homelessness, and LMM is taking part.
The formal community announcement came this week with a celebration and speakers, such as Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, and LMM’s VP of Housing & Shelter, Michael Sering. This work will be guided by Cuyahoga County’s coordinated community plan, REACHing for New Heights. Crafted alongside young adults and advocates from the REACH Board, as well as professionals in foster care, homelessness, education, and employment, this plan is a beacon toward ending youth homelessness.
Following approval of the plan in the summer of 2023, the REACH Youth Action board and other partners developed a Request for Proposals to identify partners to implement key projects: the Transitional Housing/ Rapid Rehousing, and the Navigation Program. The subrecipients have been chosen, with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry taking the lead for each collaborative, cross-community project. A Place 4 Me and the REACH Youth Action Board are responsible for project compliance. There are six other subrecipients, as well.
