Opening of Edgewood Park Fulfills Community Need Pictured above: Housing First Initiative partners CHN, EDEN Inc. and MHS are joined by Ward 12 Councilman, Anthony Brancatelli and residents of Slavic Village for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Edgewood Park on September 3, 2009. In September 2009 CHN opened the doors to Edgewood Park, giving 63 men and women who were once homeless a place to call home. Part of Cuyahoga County’s Housing First Initiative, Edgewood Park represents CHN’s fourth permanent supportive housing project in Cleveland and was completed in collaboration with experienced partners EDEN, Inc. and Mental Health Services Located in Slavic Village, the addition of Edgewood Park has already made a positive impact. “Edgewood Park provides much needed access to permanent supportive housing in the Slavic Village community,” said Ward 12, Councilman Anthony Brancatelli. ”The service network connected to lodging provides for a comprehensive approach to meeting needs and creates a stable environment for residents.” Based on national best-practice models, Housing First seeks to end long-term homelessness among single individuals. Research across the country is demonstrating the ability of this model to decrease prison and emergency room costs, as well as help individuals regain independence and reconnect with their communities. Just two months later, Edgewood Park is completely occupied. The success of these projects has given CHN an opportunity to build new partnerships that will take permanent supportive housing to a population who desperately needs it.