Covered by Documenters Tucker Handley (notes) and Dan McLaughlin (live-tweet thread)
Addressing chronic homelessness
Seven providers might get more time and money from Cuyahoga County Council to address homelessness. The committee signed off on a contract worth up to $2 million for housing options. It would extend the county’s support through June 2024. Full council is set to vote on it at its 5 p.m. meeting on Aug. 1.
Do the residents pay rent?
Council Member Dale Miller asked if residents pay for the housing. They do, according to one provider. If residents have income, 30% of it goes to rent and utilities, said Elaine Gimmel, executive director of Emerald Development & Economic Network (EDEN). About 80% of EDEN residents have income, but only 5% to 10% have jobs. The income may be a government benefit.
Providing the basics
The county pays businesses such as Dave’s Supermarket and JC Penney to help families in need. They make clothing, food and furniture available for families involved with the county’s Division of Children & Family Services (DCFS), according to Marcos Cortes, a county official. The committee advanced a proposal to extend the service through August 2024. It would cost up to $1.575 million.
More money for men’s shelter
The committee also approved a contract extension tied to a men’s emergency shelter near downtown. The proposal would help fund Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s operation of the 400-bed shelter, located at 2100 Lakeside Ave., through the end of the year. It would also cost $1.575 million. The county did not previously budget for that money, according to Melissa Sirak, director of the county’s Office of Homeless Services. Overall, the county has a greater need for supportive services due in part to an affordable housing crisis, Sirak said.
