In a major step toward solving urban homelessness, the City of Cleveland has successfully housed over 150 individuals months ahead of schedule through its groundbreaking “A Home for Every Neighbor” initiative. Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced the milestone this week, calling the achievement a testament to what can be accomplished through collaborative, community-driven efforts.
The city originally aimed to house 150 unhoused residents over the course of 18 months. Instead, the goal was met in under a year, with 154 individuals placed into secure housing across 47 locations citywide.
“This proves that we can fix complex problems when we work together,” said Mayor Bibb. “Whole-of-community strategies are the right approach to challenges like homelessness, public safety, and economic development.”
From Pilot Program to Scalable Success
The housing initiative began in summer 2024 with a small pilot that successfully placed 12 individuals. By fall, two more phases followed, expanding the effort across 13 sites and helping over 100 more residents. By December 2024, the outreach had grown to eight additional areas, enabling the city to surpass its original target ahead of the projected timeline.
The key to the program’s success has been its wraparound support model: every individual placed into housing is connected with a case manager who helps coordinate access to critical services, including healthcare, job placement, legal aid, and more. Residents also receive essentials like donated furniture, hygiene supplies, and groceries through community partnerships.
Supporting Cleveland’s Most Vulnerable Residents
One of the most impactful outcomes of the recent stage was the successful engagement of 42 chronically homeless individuals, many of whom were living with untreated disabilities or mental health conditions. These individuals are now receiving ongoing support through the program’s holistic framework.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of targeted, compassionate intervention,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones. “By focusing on our most vulnerable neighbors, we’ve provided not just housing, but a true pathway to long-term stability.”
Community Collaboration at the Core
The “A Home for Every Neighbor” program is powered by a robust network of community partners, including
- I’m In Ministry
- Frontline Service
- Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless
- Legal Aid providers
- Local charities and mental health organizations
These groups assist with everything from case management and substance abuse recovery to furnishing apartments and offering legal representation.
“The people we served thought it was impossible to achieve what they received,” said Deacon Lou Primozic, CEO of I’m In Ministry. “But we made the impossible possible for every participant.”
Looking Ahead: Scaling the Impact
Mayor Bibb launched the “Home for Every Neighbor” initiative in February 2024, following a period of citywide assessments, consultant vetting, and landlord outreach. Landlords were incentivized through signing bonuses and guaranteed rent payments for 12 months, helping accelerate housing placements.
Now, the city is working to expand the program’s reach by identifying new housing sites and streamlining services to reach more unsheltered individuals efficiently.
“The success of this program is a testament to the dedication of our community partners and the city’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind,” said Councilwoman Howse-Jones.
A Model for Other Cities
Cleveland’s early success could offer a blueprint for other urban centers struggling with homelessness. With its data-driven approach, strong public-private partnerships, and focus on wraparound care, “A Home for Every Neighbor” stands as a compelling example of how local governments can move the needle on complex social issues.
