Homelessness has long been a problem in Lake County. In 1992, the Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga called together a roundtable discussion of area churches and leaders to address the situation. Under the direction of the Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County, Inc., Project Hope for the Homeless has since been renewing hope and restoring the lives of hundreds of homeless men, women and children.
Project Hope’s two main programs include a nightly emergency shelter and one-year optional aftercare program.
The emergency shelter provides space for up to 35 adults and children each night, not only offering them a safe place to stay, but also giving them the basic needs and professional guidance to help them improve their quality of life. More than half of guests leave the shelter for a better living situation.
Guests can also opt to participate in an aftercare program that, for up to one year, offers financial support through administration of federal funding, but also regular home visits and phone calls, monthly support groups and in-kind help, as needed.