Social Change

Greater Cleveland Food Bank completes first phase of its expansion plan
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank yesterday opened the doors to its new 197,00-square-foot Partner Distribution Hub—the first step in the Food Bank’s long-term plan to serve more people in its coverage area and make sure those in need have a full range of services. 
For the love of literacy: Groups work together to overhaul, restock Little Free Libraries
The National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland last week celebrated the official transition to its role in caring for and stocking Little Free Libraries in Cuyahoga County. The organization kicked off the celebration with partners Krylon and CleveHome with a new library at Franklin D. Roosevelt in Glenville. 
Food Justice: Many Clevelanders struggle for healthy, affordable food
There are many efforts are underway at farms, community gardens, markets, social service organizations, and public agencies to nourish communities like Cleveland—the nation’s poorest big city—where food deserts are common and healthy foods are not the cheapest, most affordable, or most accessible options. 
Completed! First house purchased in LMM’s Breaking New Ground project ready for tenants
After nearly three years, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry last week celebrated the completion of renovations on the very first house purchased in its Breaking New Ground Campaign—a $4 million-plus initiative to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Cleveland.
Marching on: Newest Civil Rights Trail marker honors Carl B. Stokes, Cleveland’s first Black mayor
Cleveland Restoration Society on June 8 will place at City Hall the second historical marker on the Cleveland Civil Rights Trail, honoring late Cleveland Mayor Carl B. Stokes.
Answering the call for help: EDWINS founder travels to Poland to cook for Ukrainian refugees
EDWINS founder Brandon Chrostowski recently returned from Poland, near the Ukrainian border, working with World Central Kitchen to feed hundreds of refugees. He shared his emotional experience with FreshWater's Evan Gallagher.
We Have to Buy a House: Church raises funds to house the homeless through LMM’s Breaking New Ground
Through their "We Have to Buy a House" campaign, the members of Fairmount Presbyterian Church donated $126,000 to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry to buy and renovate a house for a family experiencing homelessness.
Home for the Holidays: Browns All-Pro Myles Garrett helps United Way celebrate the season
Last week, Cleveland Browns’ All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett and United Way of Greater Cleveland hosted the Home for the Holidays community event to celebrate the season and help kids stock up on school supplies and winter gear. 
Building community: University Settlement continues its Broadway Rising vision
From a new home for University Settlement and lots of affordable housing, to lead abatement and removal of asthma triggers, the Broadway Rising project in Slavic Village is on the move to improving one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods.
Rocking the vote: CLE's mayoral candidates are working hard to win over young professionals
Marking their first time sharing the stage since September’s mayoral primary, nonprofit leader Justin Bibb and current Cleveland City Council president Kevin Kelley competed toe-to-toe at Friday’s Mayoral Town Hall to reach young professionals.
HELP is planting the seed for a hydroponic greenhouse in downtown Euclid
Euclid's HELP Harvest Greenhouse will teach life and employment skills by providing both paid employment and on-the-job training in growing hydroponic crops and fresh produce.
Neighborhood Pets set to double in size after COVID-19 unleashes need for affordable pet care
Slavic Village’s pet-friendliest spot is about to double in size—and not a moment too soon. 
Food for Thought: JCU student entrepreneurs create food buggy to feed the homeless
Students in John Carroll University's entrepreneurial program are feeding hungry customers while also feeding the homeless with their new food buggy concept.
New Leaf Project study shows one-time direct cash transfers positively impact the homeless
An experiment in Vancouver, British Columbia shows that when people experiencing homelessness are given one-time $7,500 payments, they moved into stable housing faster, they spent fewer days homeless, and saved more than $1,000 in a year.
Welcome to the dollhouse: This CLE single mom is reimagining the classic toy with Play Maysie
For Kayla Lupean, a Christmas night brainstorm has turned into the gift that keeps on giving. 
Breaking New Ground: LMM continues its mission to end homelessness
With its Breaking New Ground campaign in full gear, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry plans to place seven families in permanent homes this year—well on its way to the goal of securing 20 units by 2024.
Cleveland saw a decrease in unsheltered homelessness in 2020: Can that continue?
In one of the most difficult years in memory, Cleveland nonprofits helped more people off the streets and into hotels or stable housing than usual. NEOCH executive director Chris Knestrick discusses how the pandemic changed funding priorities for homeless prevention, and what’s next. 
Fit for a queen: QUEENIAM gives Cleveland youth community and purpose in COVID times
Dameyonna Willis believes that self-love and empowerment are royally important—and that’s exactly why she started QUEENIAM to help young girls thrive. Though COVID-19 has put a cramp in Willis’ in-person meetups, she hasn’t let that stop her, instead creating a vibrant “Queen in Quarantine” virtual program to keep the movement in motion.
MetroHealth opens the doors to The Moms House as a haven for pregnant women in recovery
With more than 40 sober living homes in Cleveland, there is no shortage of residential support systems for locals in recovery—but there are none quite like The Moms House.
The Color of Law: Author talks about racism in the law and America’s public policy history
Richard Rothstein, author of "The Color of Law," recently gave a webinar to talk about a missing chapter in American History books—the chapter that tells about systemic racism in U.S. public policy.