The Cleveland Foundation Supports Housing Outreach

The Cleveland Foundation has notified LakewoodAlive that it will be the recipient of a one-time, 24-month $44,000 grant award to expand its housing outreach service capacity. The program provides outreach to low-moderate income household for assistance in exterior house maintenance. The grant award will fund the balance of a full-time staff position and support efforts to bring volunteer resources to homeowners in need.

“The condition of Lakewood’s housing stock correlates with property values, city services, retail viability and demand for social and safety services. We are most grateful for The Cleveland Foundation’s recognition of housing issues as the linchpin of Lakewood’s economic stability,” said Mary Anne Crampton, Executive Director.

Nelson Beckford, program officer for The Cleveland Foundation reports, “The Foundation applauds the City of Lakewood’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve with regard to housing issues. [This] program is unique to the inner ring suburbs. Through collaboration with city departments, other nonprofits, and municipal court, LakewoodAlive leverages modest financial resources for maximum community benefit.”

Housing outreach services to low-moderate income residents were launched in July, 2009. The program connects financially vulnerable property owners to resources that can assist in maintaining the exterior condition of a home. In collaboration with Neighborhood Housing Services of Cleveland, the program provides foreclosure prevention financial counseling in Lakewood. Other collaborations include the administering of the newly re-established “paint” program for the City of Lakewood, which provides reimbursement of up to $400 in exterior house paint costs to eligible residents. Residents can contact Hilary Schickler, Housing Outreach Director at 216-521-1554 for free outreach services.

Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and the nation’s third-largest today, with assets of $1.6 billion and 2008 grants nearing $85 million. The foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership on vital issues.