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October 2024
Groundbreaking for Norma Herr II Emergency Shelter for Women

On October 23, Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland, and Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc. (EDEN) celebrated the groundbreaking for construction of the Norma Herr II emergency homeless shelter. This event marks the second phase of work being done to enhance accommodations and services at the shelter.

"Cuyahoga County is dedicated to ending homelessness," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. "Our investment in shelters, housing programs, and support services demonstrates our commitment to helping our most vulnerable residents. The expansion of Norma Herr II will provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to access vital services and move toward independent living. Our goal is to create a community where everyone can find security and dignity in having a home."

The development of Norma Herr II is a collaboration of public and private agencies connected through the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services. Cuyahoga County’s Department of Housing and Community Development has invested $7.9 million in federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME-ARPA Program. The Norma Herr II development is part of the County’s Strategic Plan for Homelessness, which includes recent renovations of the men’s shelter on Lakeside Avenue.

The City of Cleveland is supporting the construction by contributing $5.6 million in Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program and Community Development Block Grant funding. The expansion of Norma Herr II also aligns with the City's A Home for Every Neighbor Program, which launched in partnership with the County in 2024.

“Addressing homelessness is complex and requires a multifaceted approach that includes both short-term and long-term solutions. The $5.6 million my Administration is putting towards this project comes on top of the $4.7 million investment we are making through our A Home For Every Neighbor initiative, which has successfully housed nearly 70 unsheltered residents as of yesterday,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Together, these investments, of more than $10 million, carry significant weight in helping our unsheltered community get what everyone deserves – a home.”

EDEN owns the Norma Herr properties and will oversee the development process. The new shelter will offer residents more personal space, including individual bathrooms, a computer lab, lounge areas, a dining space, and a safe courtyard for outdoor enjoyment. The new design aims to provide a healthier and more dignified living experience for those in need of housing. The new building will connect to the original building, which is also undergoing improvements, and will become part of a non-congregate shelter complex with modern amenities and a full array of services for individuals experiencing a housing crisis.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to create a high quality, non-congregate shelter," said Elaine Gimmel, Executive Director of EDEN. "This new space is the result of extensive collaboration and commitment. Together, we have learned from past challenges and worked tirelessly to design a space that is not only welcoming and nurturing, but one that truly meets the needs of our community. It reflects our shared vision of dignity and compassion, ensuring that every person who walks through these doors finds safety, support, and hope for the future.”

"Today’s groundbreaking is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s a testament to our community’s commitment to providing safe, dignified, and humane shelter for all,” said Melissa Sirak, Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services. “Together, we are building an environment that fosters support and stability, allowing individuals to focus on their housing plans and long-term stability."

The Norma Herr Center is operated by the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, serving an average of 170 people each night.

For more information about the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services, visit hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov.

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