Cuyahoga Democrats Announce $450K for Supportive Housing in Cuyahoga County
COLUMBUS — State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake), Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood), and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board approved $450K in capital funds for Emerald Development and Economic Network (EDEN), Inc to renovate and add several new permanent supportive housing units in Cuyahoga County.
“Housing is a basic need, and too many people in Cuyahoga County are being left without it,” said Rep. Sweeney, ranking member of the House Finance Committee and a member of the Controlling Board. “This funding puts our tax dollars back to work at home-helping people move out of crisis and into safe, stable housing.”
In partnership with the ADAMH Board of Cuyahoga County, state funding will be used to support the construction of a duplex on E. 162nd Street on Cleveland’s eastside and a new single-family unit on Brookside Avenue near Cleveland’s Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood. Funds will also be used to renovate several apartments on Nelson Court in Lakewood and add several more two-bedroom units onto the existing structure.
“EDEN is a vital partner in supporting vulnerable populations in Northeast Ohio,” said Rep. Rader. “The addition of two-bedroom apartments to the permanent supportive housing in Lakewood is an incredible step for the community when it comes to getting more people connected with comprehensive mental health services.”
For more than 34 years, EDEN has developed and managed affordable housing for vulnerable populations throughout Northeast Ohio, with a focus on individuals with disabilities, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence. In addition to stable housing, EDEN provides on-site behavioral health services, including community psychiatric supportive treatment and other comprehensive mental health supports.
“The housing shortage in Ohio is a crisis that is impacting our families and the younger generations who are struggling to find stable and affordable housing,” said Rep. Upchurch. “This issue is directly connected to the decline of economic opportunity for the people of Ohio and we are doing everything we can to provide safe and economical housing.
In 2024, EDEN helped more than 10,000 people in Cuyahoga County with securing housing, receiving rental assistance, and accessing shelters. They manage 19 different short and long term housing assistance programs in the four counties they serve.
Other approved items include:
- $1.3M to Cleveland State for Fenn Hall renovation and safety improvements to campus;
- $212K for Tri-C to update and replace signage in 38 buildings; and
- $96K for interpretation services at Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare