New Emergency Shelter in Cleveland to Provide More Dignified Housing for Homeless

CLEVELAND, OHIO – Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland, and the Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc. (EDEN) marked the groundbreaking of the Norma Herr II emergency shelter on Wednesday, signaling a significant expansion aimed at enhancing services and living conditions for the area’s homeless population. The project is the second phase in a series of efforts to upgrade the Norma Herr Center, which serves as a critical resource for individuals facing housing crises.

Rep. Shontel Brown was also in attendance, posing with shovels alongside Mayor Bibb, County Executive Chris Ronayne, and other key figures, symbolizing the collaborative effort behind this major project.

“Cuyahoga County is dedicated to ending homelessness,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne at the event. “Our investment in shelters, housing programs, and support services demonstrates our commitment to helping our most vulnerable residents. The expansion of Norma Herr II will provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to access vital services and move toward independent living.”

The development of the new shelter is a collaboration between public and private entities, coordinated by the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services. The county has committed $7.9 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME-ARPA program. The City of Cleveland has contributed an additional $5.6 million, using funds from the Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program and Community Development Block Grant funding. This initiative also aligns with Cleveland’s "A Home for Every Neighbor" program, a joint effort with the county launched in 2024 to provide comprehensive solutions for homelessness.

Mayor Justin M. Bibb emphasized the city's commitment to addressing homelessness through both immediate and long-term initiatives. “Addressing homelessness is complex and requires a multifaceted approach that includes both short-term and long-term solutions. The $5.6 million my Administration is putting towards this project comes on top of the $4.7 million investment we are making through our A Home For Every Neighbor initiative, which has successfully housed nearly 70 unsheltered residents as of yesterday,” Bibb said. “Together, these investments, of more than $10 million, carry significant weight in helping our unsheltered community get what everyone deserves – a home.”

Photos: Cuyahoga County Communications

The new shelter, managed by EDEN, will feature modern amenities designed to provide a healthier and more dignified living environment. Planned improvements include individual bathrooms, a computer lab, lounge areas, a dining space, and a safe outdoor courtyard. These enhancements reflect a shift towards a non-congregate shelter model, which provides residents with more privacy and support. The new building will be connected to the existing shelter, operated by the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, which serves around 170 individuals each night.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to create a high quality, non-congregate shelter,” said Elaine Gimmel, Executive Director of EDEN. “This new space is the result of extensive collaboration and commitment. Together, we have learned from past challenges and worked tirelessly to design a space that is not only welcoming and nurturing, but one that truly meets the needs of our community. It reflects our shared vision of dignity and compassion, ensuring that every person who walks through these doors finds safety, support, and hope for the future.”

Melissa Sirak, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services, emphasized the community’s dedication to supporting those in need. “Today’s groundbreaking is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to providing safe, dignified, and humane shelter for all,” Sirak said. “Together, we are building an environment that fosters support and stability, allowing individuals to focus on their housing plans and long-term stability.”

The Norma Herr II project is part of Cuyahoga County’s broader Strategic Plan for Homelessness, which has included recent renovations to the men’s shelter on Lakeside Avenue. The county aims to create a supportive infrastructure that addresses both immediate shelter needs and long-term housing solutions, with the ultimate goal of reducing homelessness and increasing housing stability throughout the region.