By Jacqui Knettel
In this ongoing series, we revisit some of our extraordinary collaborations that are making a real difference in our community.
It’s no secret that we love a good collaboration at the Cuyahoga Land Bank. Over the years, we have partnered with dozens of exceptional social service, faith-based and non-profit organizations on projects that assist many special needs and at-risk populations.
From affordable housing to community stabilization to skilled training opportunities, the missions of the organizations behind these collaborations are honorable; the faces of those who benefit are unforgettable.
So why do we engage in these community partnerships? Simple, it supports our mission of reducing blight, increasing property values, and improving the quality of life for County residents through property acquisition and facilitating home renovations.
We have many vacant and abandoned properties in our extensive inventory. By donating properties to these groups with unique human service needs, we can help them advance their community mission. It’s a win-win for all.
We’ve helped to address housing needs for veterans. (Thank you for your service!) We’ve aided in developing much-needed recovery housing. We’ve made homes available for those aging out of foster care and those re-entering the community after incarceration. All of these collaborations have resulted in affordable housing solutions for those most in need.
Our staff is committed to these efforts wholeheartedly. You can find us at the sites when during planning stages, picking up a paintbrush and lending a hand on the weekend, and welcoming individuals and families into their new home at the project’s end (bring the tissues!). That’s true collaboration, and there is nothing better than that!
