Providence House

Providence House, Ohio’s first crisis nursery, is facing a surge in demand for its services. Founded in 1981, the organization provides emergency shelter and support to children in crisis and their families. With a growing waitlist, Providence House is expanding with Hope’s House, a new facility named after their founder, Sister Hope Greener.

Recognizing this pressing need, Cleeland Development Advisors (CDA) stepped in, extending a $9.5 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation and a $1.9 million bridge loan for Providence House. This support paved the way for the establishment of Hope’s House in the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood.

Hope’s House will add 20 beds, allowing Providence House to serve an additional 240 children each year. This expansion is crucial in Cleveland, where child poverty is a significant issue. The Cleveland metropolitan area has the highest rate of child poverty in the nation, and Ohio ranks fifth-lowest in child welfare investment.

Despite these challenges, Providence House has a strong track record. Over four decades, they’ve safeguarded over 14,000 children and reunited nearly 98% with their families in the past five years. Hope’s House not only expands their mission but also revitalizes the Buckeye Commercial Corridor through the reuse of a historic building. This expansion signifies hope and transformation for both the children Providence House serves and the community.

Job Creation

The project is expected to create 35 FTE jobs

Goods or Services to Low Income Community

The project will add 20 new beds in the nursery and wellness center resulting in an annual increase in the number of children served by 240; families in crisis served by 120; and provide resources to an additional 220 families

Neighborhood Revitalization

The project will serve as an anchor in the Buckeye Commercial Corridor which is a strategic redevelopment priority of the City of Cleveland and local CDC

Executed Community Benefits Agreement

The project sponsor has committed to quantifiable community impacts by executing a Community Benefits Agreement.

Commercial restoration: How investors and CDCs encourage reuse of historical structures

Providence House completes new crisis nursery East campus