LMM mulling options for homeless youth drop-in center
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LMM's building on Franklin Boulevard. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and its partners have 30 days to appeal a Dec. 2 decision by a Cuyahoga County judge preventing it from opening a drop-in center for young adults experiencing homelessness at its Ohio City location.
Why it matters: The proposed drop-in center has been a contentious topic for two years. The decision delays essential services for a vulnerable population, LMM contends.
The big picture: The near west side has become increasingly affluent but has historically been home to organizations serving the poor.
- St. Herman's House, a men's shelter, and St. Paul's Community Church are both down the street from LMM's Franklin Boulevard site.
- The May Dugan Center, a nonprofit service agency, is around the corner on Bridge Avenue.
State of play: The Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals granted LMM a variance to operate the drop-in center.
- Plans called for it being open 10 hours per day, providing youth access to basic needs (laundry, showers, phone chargers, etc.) and individual case management.
The other side: A contingent of neighbors, led by former housing court Judge Ronald O'Leary, opposed the center due to a perceived threat of illegal and unsafe activities.
- Judge Brian Mooney overturned the variance, noting in his decision that the neighborhood had been zoned as a two-family residential district, and that LMM should be able — without undue hardship — to locate the drop-in center in another neighborhood already zoned for such activity.
What's next: In a statement on this week's ruling, LMM says it is weighing options in consultation with its legal team.
The last word: "The delay caused by the legal proceedings has unfortunately left dozens of young people experiencing homelessness underserved and headed into the winter and the holiday season with limited resources and support," LMM says.