This partnership is currently reaching an exciting new milestone, this time on Luther Avenue in Cleveland’s Goodrich-Kirkland Park neighborhood. For years, this site was a vacant lot, remnants of a demolition from long ago. Now, thanks to LMM’s innovative approach and our collaborative efforts, activity surrounds it. Much of the site work at Luther Avenue is already complete, paving the way for something special: LMM’s very first new construction project. They are building a modular duplex home, which is largely complete in the warehouse and will soon be set on its foundation. We’re anticipating a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its completion by the end of August!

While this is LMM’s inaugural new construction, their expertise in affordable housing is well-established through their impactful renovation work. We currently have three other projects in the works with LMM, focusing on renovating existing homes in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. These efforts are dedicated to increasing the stock of affordable housing in our city, providing essential opportunities for individuals and families. We are committed to sharing photos of these exciting projects as they progress; stay tuned for updates.

Cuyahoga Land Bank plays a crucial role in enabling organizations like LMM to achieve their mission. Whether it’s providing properties ripe for renovation or, as in the case of Luther Avenue, supplying well-prepared vacant lots for new construction, we leverage our resources to support our partners. This ensures that valuable properties are put back into productive use, directly addressing the critical need for affordable housing.

“Our partnership with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is a shining example of how collaboration can drive significant positive change,” Land Bank President & CEO Ricardo León said. “Supporting organizations like LMM in their mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing is central to our strategic vision. Together, we are building stronger communities and creating opportunities for a better future for all.”

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It is no secret that there are not enough affordable and available housing options for lower-income northeast Ohioans. With its Breaking New Ground Affordable Housing Initiative, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) hopes to help house families in need and those experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Launched in 2019 with a $3.5 million fundraising goal (which it has significantly exceeded), the initiative includes plans to buy and renovate 20 homes in Cleveland’s St. Clair Superior neighborhood.

LMM worked with the Cuyahoga Land Bank and St. Clair Superior Development Corporation (SCSDC) to acquire its first house in the project, a duplex on Bonna Avenue. The house was one of many vacant and abandoned homes in the Cuyahoga Land Bank inventory scheduled for demolition. With the help of a significant sponsorship from the Cleveland Browns, LMM spent three years renovating the house and recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its completion. Through its Family Stability Fund (FSF), LMM will serve as the landlord of the property and offer rent that does not exceed 30% of a family’s monthly income.

With several other renovations completed and more underway, LMM’s innovative rental model is restoring hope and homes for the city’s underserved.

“We will soon have our first seven units occupied, 13 to go,” says Michael Sering, LMM Vice President of Housing and Shelter. The FSF ensures long-term affordability and sustainability which is what we are after for these families. The Land Bank has been an amazing partner throughout, helping us identify houses, technical assistance, and even financial support. The sky is the limit for this partnership. This would not have happened without the Land Bank.”

“The work that Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is doing is in direct response to the unique needs of people facing housing instability,” says Gus Frangos, President and General Counsel for the Land Bank. “Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home and this program encourages self-sufficiency and can ultimately break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We look forward to continuing to help LMM in its mission.”

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