Family, friends, volunteers and staff of several partner organizations came together on a Sunday afternoon in June to welcome LaTisha and her two children into their new home in Cleveland Heights. The renovation of the 3-bedroom Colonial-style home was made possible through the New Horizons Housing Collaborative, a program of the Cuyahoga Land Bank and The City Mission Support Foundation that works with area non-profits and faith-based organizations to find housing solutions for the women and families served by Laura’s Home, a crisis center for women on Cleveland’s west side.
LaTisha, who came to Laura’s Home in 2015 when she and her children were left homeless, worked hard to complete a required 12-month program through The City Mission. Program participants receive food, shelter, counseling and training in confidence-building life skills. Completing the program also includes finding employment or an appropriate source of income, so that families can begin saving money and create a working budget. LaTisha, who is now a state tested nursing assistant, told those attending the open house how much she appreciated the opportunity for a new start for her and her family.
“LaTisha thrived in the program,” says Linda Uveges, Chief Operating Officer at the City Mission. “She was also a wonderful example for the other women in the program.”
The home renovation was made possible through a partnership between the Cuyahoga Land Bank, The City Mission and the generosity of a local orthopedic surgeon who regularly volunteers his time and resources by assisting single moms in need of affordable housing. The New Horizons program will allow LaTisha to eventually own the home and provide a stable environment for her children for years to come.
LaTisha’s home is the fourth house supplied by the Cuyahoga Land Bank and completed through the program. Uveges proudly says the first three families are thriving in their new homes.
“The New Horizons collaboration with The City Mission is one of the most successful of our community collaborations,” says Cuyahoga Land Bank President Gus Frangos. “To see these women overcome challenges and work to make positive changes in their lives for themselves and their families, and to realize the dream of homeownership is very gratifying.”
Uveges agrees and is already in search of another home to renovate through the program. “We are blessed to have a group of donors and volunteers who have dedicated themselves to this program, and we are excited to continue to serve women and families like LaTisha’s,” says Uveges.
There’s more information about the New Horizons program on the City Mission’s website. You can even make an online donation if you would like.