New program to help single mothers get affordable homes

April 9, 2014 [WEWS]

CLEVELAND – The City Mission, area churches and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank are teaming up to help single mothers eventually become homeowners.

It’s called The New Horizons Permanent Housing Program. “The church owns the home, The City Mission is the provider of the family and provide support service and the land bank has the inventory of homes,” said Rich Trickel, City Mission CEO.

The program is aimed at specifically helping single mothers who have completed the City Mission’s program at Laura’s Home. Laura’s Home is a crisis center for women and children. It is full and has been for years.

Currently there are six women who have completed the program at Laura’s Home and who have found employment.

On average, they are earning between $8.50 -$11.00 per hour. “A basic two bedroom apartment in Cleveland, need to earn $13.50 per hour,” added Trickel. “There is an unbelievable need.”

Westlake’s Church On The Rise is the first church to purchase a house from the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. The church bought a five bedroom house for $5,000. Dozens of volunteers are ready to turn the house into a home. “We’re thrilled to be the first church to take part in the homes for the homeless,” said Pastor Paul Endrei with Church On The Rise.

The collaboration between the organizations, “It’s a homerun,” said Gus Frangos with the Cuyahoga County Land Bank.

Endrei said renovations could begin on the church before the end of the month. There will also be programs to help with life skills for the women who could become homeowners.