Norma Herr women's homeless shelter begins long-overdue expansion

State of play: The existing shelter on Payne Avenue will be renovated and expanded, with the addition of a newly acquired property on East 23rd Street.

• When complete, "Norma Herr II" will have 98 private rooms with attached bathrooms and include a computer lab, lounge areas, a dining room and an outdoor courtyard.

The big picture: Norma Herr, named for a former resident there, is owned by the Emerald Development and Economic Network and operated by the YWCA of Greater Cleveland.

• It provides shelter to roughly 170 women every night.
• During the renovation, women are staying at a temporary facility in Tremont.

By the numbers: The county is contributing $7.9 million in HUD funds for the project, while the city is contributing $5.6 million in federal stimulus money.

Flashback: Earlier this year, the county cut the ribbon on a similar renovation and expansion of its men's shelter at 2100 Lakeside.

• The city, meanwhile, is rehousing local unsheltered homeless people via its "Home for Every Neighbor" program.
• Mayor Justin Bibb announced Wednesday that the city has now found housing for 70 individuals as part of that effort.

The last word: "Today's groundbreaking is not just about bricks and mortar," said Melissa Sirak, director of Cuyahoga County's Office of Homeless Services.

• "It's a testament to our community's commitment to providing safe, dignified, and humane shelter for all."