Homelessness
Serving our neighbors with dignity and care.
Why It Matters
Thousands of people in Cleveland face housing insecurity every night. It's not just about shelter; it's about stability, safety, and belonging. As Josiah Quarles put it: "There will be deaths, there will be families that will be harmed, there will be people that will be missing loved ones."
YouthServeCLE launched in September 2024 with a focus on Cleveland's homeless community. Students partnered with seven local organizations providing everything from emergency shelter to furnished housing for families transitioning out of homelessness. It was the very first month of service for YouthServeCLE (then YouthServeCCIS), and it set the standard for everything that followed.
In September 2025, the second year opened with students serving dinner to 300+ people experiencing homelessness at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries. A spotlight on Nolan White, who went from homeless to stable to giving back through LMM, put a face and a story to the statistics.
In September 2026, Homelessness Month kicked off YouthServeCLE's third year, again featuring Family Promise for its work keeping families together and off the streets. To help address homelessness in Cleveland, start with the partner organizations below.
What We Did
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Our Partners
Homeless Hookup
Homeless Hookup delivers essential supplies, hygiene kits, and meals directly to Cleveland's unhoused residents on the street. Founded and run by community members who believe in direct, no-barrier support, they show up regardless of weather or circumstances. YouthServeCLE has partnered with Homeless Hookup to help pack and distribute hundreds of care packages to Cleveland neighbors in need.
Humble DesignCleveland
Humble Design transforms empty houses into welcoming homes for families transitioning out of homelessness, furnishing every room with donated furniture and decor. Their Cleveland chapter has helped hundreds of families take their first steps toward stability with a space that truly feels like home. Volunteers help sort donations, assemble furniture, and support the design teams that bring these spaces to life.
The City Mission
The City Mission has served Cleveland's most vulnerable residents for over 130 years, providing emergency shelter, meals, recovery programs, and life-skills support. Their comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of homelessness rather than just its symptoms. YouthServeCLE students have volunteered in their kitchens, meal service programs, and donation drives to directly support families and individuals in crisis.
The Haven Home
The Haven Home provides safe, compassionate shelter and transitional housing support to homeless women and their children in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland. Their programs address not just immediate housing needs but also offer case management, counseling, and skill-building to help families achieve long-term stability. YouthServeCLE students can volunteer at community events, supply drives, and programming that directly supports Haven Home's residents on their path to independence.
Another Chance of Ohio
Another Chance of Ohio transforms lives in Slavic Village through transitional housing, job training, education support, and wraparound community resources for individuals returning from incarceration or overcoming homelessness. Their holistic model focuses on sustainable independence, providing participants with the tools and support systems they need to rebuild stable, fulfilling lives. YouthServeCLE has partnered with ACOO to support community events and service projects that demonstrate Cleveland's commitment to second chances.
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries has served Greater Cleveland for over 80 years, addressing homelessness, at-risk youth, and re-entry from incarceration through a network of programs and facilities across the region. One of Cleveland's most trusted social service organizations, LMM operates shelters, transitional housing, and youth programming that provides real pathways out of crisis. YouthServeCLE partnered with LMM for its inaugural September 2024 Homelessness campaign, where students served meals and packed supply kits for residents.
Family Promise
Family Promise of Greater Cleveland helps homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a network of congregation-based shelters, transitional housing, and financial coaching. Their model is unique in its community-centered approach, mobilizing volunteers from local faith communities to provide hospitality, meals, and support to families in crisis. YouthServeCLE students have supported Family Promise through meal service, supply drives, and community events that help families take their next step toward stability.
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ACOO Short Film
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More Monthly Themes
- October
Developmental Disabilities
Creating inclusion, connection, and support for every member of our community.
Explore October - November
Food Insecurity
Building a community where every family has access to healthy, reliable food.
Explore November - December
Senior Connection & Care
Presence over presents. Bridging generations, one conversation at a time.
Explore December
Ready to Show Up?
Find an opportunity in the Volunteer Hub, or reach out to one of September's partner organizations.