A new seasonal shelter opened in Cleveland on November 6, 2023, aiming to provide a stable and warm environment for homeless individuals during the harsh winter months. Operated by the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH), the shelter is located at 1530 E. 19th St. and can accommodate up to 45 adults each night from 19:00 to 07:00, operating through April. This facility is designed to offer semi-private rooms with bunk beds, shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a full kitchen.
During the shelter’s open house, Chris Knestrick, Executive Director of NEOCH, highlighted the importance of this new resource. He described it as a significant step towards stability in a system that has frequently relied on temporary and inconsistent arrangements. “Today marks a turning point,” Knestrick stated, addressing a gathering of homeless advocacy groups and supporters. He emphasized that this shelter will eliminate the last-minute scrambles for available space: “The community now has a seasonal shelter – reliable, accessible and available for the foreseeable future.”
Unlike many traditional shelters, NEOCH’s new facility adopts a low-barrier admission policy. There are no sobriety requirements or mandates for participation in work programs, and individuals are allowed to stay with partners or bring pets. This approach aligns with NEOCH’s housing-first philosophy, suggesting that once individuals are safe and warm, they may be more receptive to services aimed at helping them exit homelessness.
As winter approaches, outreach workers from NEOCH have begun informing those living outdoors about the shelter’s opening, ensuring that the message reaches those in need. Knestrick noted the urgency of the timing, particularly as Northeast Ohio prepares for severe winter conditions and faces uncertainties surrounding funding for homeless services. He pointed out that reductions in federal and county funding could lead to an increase in homelessness in the area. Although he welcomed the county’s contribution of $75,000 to support the new shelter, Knestrick underscored the need for greater investment in reentry services and housing initiatives, rather than increasing funding for the county jail.
The challenges surrounding homelessness in Cleveland are well known, particularly for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Ron Crosby of Building Freedom Ohio expressed the difficulties faced by those he assists, highlighting that seasonal shelters have often been unreliable. Many individuals, including couples and pet owners, have been left without options, forcing them to find shelter in tents, vehicles, or makeshift arrangements during the coldest months.
Community support for the shelter extends beyond county funding. The initiative has also received backing from the Community West Foundation and The George Gund Foundation. This collaborative effort reflects a broader commitment to addressing homelessness in Cleveland. As part of this initiative, another seasonal shelter has opened on November 1, 2023, in partnership with the Mt. Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located at 11115 Kinsman Road. This facility operates nightly from 18:00 to 08:00.
During the open house, Marty Uhle, president and CEO of the Community West Foundation, expressed hope for the long-term impact of the shelter. He noted that just weeks earlier, the community had gathered for NEOCH’s annual homeless memorial, where the names of 170 individuals who died while homeless were read aloud. “We’ll hopefully have less people on that list next year because we have this now,” Uhle remarked, calling the new shelter a source of pride and a critical step towards addressing homelessness in the region.
With the opening of this reliable seasonal shelter, NEOCH aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to foster trust and stability within the community. As winter approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that vulnerable individuals have a safe place to stay and the opportunity for a new beginning.