South Pointe Grand Opening Marks Milestone in Cuyahoga County "I’m happy for the first time in 25 years," Joel Wack told over 150 guests at the South Pointe Commons Grand Opening on October 7, 2009. Wack moved into South Pointe in September 2008 after a 10-year struggle with homelessness and addiction. The celebration marked an important milestone in Cuyahoga County’s Housing First Initiative—almost 500 units of permanent supportive housing have been built (or are in development) for long-term homeless individuals. Nationally recognized, the Housing First model is based on the premise that, to end long-term homelessness, housing must come first—without conditions—followed by easily accessible on-site support services. Located in the Clark Fulton neighborhood on Cleveland’s Southwest side, South Pointe Commons is unique to other supportive housing projects. It has offered on-site employment opportunities to five permanent supportive housing residents through Maha’s Café which opened on Monday, October 26, 2009. South Pointe is also the first project to offer town homes for individuals ready for more independent living. The event began with building tours guided by South Pointe residents and a lunch buffet courtesy of Maha’s Café in the community room. Custom art pieces painted by South Pointe residents as part of an art therapy program adorned the community room walls. Abbey Hallenstein, a senior at the Cleveland Institute of Art coordinates the program and says, “the art functions as therapeutic release from everyday life and a way for participants to give back to the place they live.” As part of the celebration, resident Alfred Prince presented his painting to keynote speaker, Sister Mary Scullion. Prince told Sr. Mary the painting was “a thank you from everyone living in permanent supportive housing who never thought they’d get a second chance.”
Cleveland’s Housing First effort is demonstrating what national studies have found—the model works. 78% of Cleveland’s Housing first residents have remained in their apartments while 20% have moved to other permanent housing.
As co-founder of Project H.O.M.E. Sr. Mary has been the voice of homeless people in Philadelphia since 1978. Her advocacy efforts have resulted in supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals throughout the city as well as the right of homeless persons to vote. Her visit to Cleveland was sponsored by Housing First convener, the Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mark McDermott of Enterprise Community Partners, the leader in Cuyahoga County’s Housing First Initiative. McDermott welcomed County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones and Chief of Regional Development, Chris Warren, who stressed the importance of permanent supportive housing and the positive impact these projects have already made in our community. Today, South Pointe resident Joel Wack has conquered his addictions, has reconnected with his family, and sits on EDEN’s Board of Directors. EDEN is the co-developer of the project. Joel finished his speech to a standing ovation. Special thanks to all Housing First Partners. We’ll see you at the next celebration!