Cuyahoga Land Bank is thrilled to collaborate with Signs of Grace Deaf Church, led by Pastor Joe Dixon, on an exciting new project to address some of the unique housing needs of Cleveland’s deaf and hard-of-hearing population.
The partnership blossomed at the 2024 Christian Missionary Alliance CONVERGE Conference in Columbus. Our late founder, Gus Frangos, presented on the Land Bank’s work with Envision Cleveland, a Christian and Missionary Alliance ministry that collaborates with individuals, communities, ministries and local government to reach marginalized populations in Cleveland and those struggling with poverty. Inspired by Gus’s message, Pastor Dixon approached him to learn more. This chance encounter sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by the deaf community, particularly in finding suitable housing.
Conversations continued after the conference as Signs of Grace fleshed out its plan to help the Deaf community achieve homeownership by renovating and selling homes to those in the community at an affordable price. The Land Bank identified a house in its inventory that was perfect for Signs of Grace’s first project: a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom house in Garfield Heights acquired through a HUD sale. Requiring minimal rehabilitation, this property offered an ideal starting point for their renovation experience.
Signs of Grace has ambitious plans for this property. Not only will it become a home for a deserving deaf family within the church, but the proceeds of its sale will serve as a launchpad for a future transitional home for deaf youth near the church in Middleburg Heights. Here, young adults can acquire crucial life skills like driving and cooking while receiving comprehensive wrap-around support.
“Working with the Land Bank has been like a dream come true,” says Pastor Dixon. “We had the vision of what we needed to provide the Deaf community but no way of actually carrying out the vision until Gus Frangos and the Land Bank came along to suggest it was possible.”
Signs of Grace Deaf Church welcomes all, regardless of hearing ability. They utilize American Sign Language (ASL) to share the Gospel and provide a space for the deaf community to participate actively in church life. Their mission extends beyond the church’s walls, and Cuyahoga Land Bank is proud to support Signs of Grace in their mission. Through this partnership we can continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community for all.