Norma Herr adds 103 shelter beds in $31 million expansion
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The expanded Norma Herr Center at Payne Avenue and East 23rd Street. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
Local officials are celebrating a $31 million expansion and renovation of the Norma Herr Center, the region's primary emergency shelter for women experiencing homelessness.
Why it matters: The ongoing project significantly expands shelter capacity while replacing congregate sleeping arrangements with more private, dignified accommodations.
- It's part of a strategy to move people from homelessness into permanent stable housing.
Driving the news: The second phase of the Norma Herr redevelopment adds 26,600 square feet and 103 beds, along with individual bathrooms, lounge areas, a computer lab, expanded dining space and a new courtyard.
- The YWCA-operated shelter serves nearly 200 people each night.
- The first floor of the renovation will begin welcoming guests next week, with the second floor likely opening in October.
By the numbers: Cuyahoga County contributed $7.9 million in federal HUD money toward the project. Cleveland provided $5.6 million in federal housing and community development dollars.
- Capital One Bank added $9 million to facilitate a New Market Tax Credits transaction, finalized in recent weeks, that provided critical financing.
What they're saying: "By investing in facilities like the Norma Herr Center, we are not only helping individuals experiencing a housing crisis, but providing a safe, dignified space where they can access the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives," County Executive Chris Ronayne said in a statement.
The big picture: The expansion is part of the county's Strategic Action Plan for Homelessness and complements Cleveland's A Home for Every Neighbor initiative, launched with the county in 2024, which has helped more than 200 residents find housing.
- Housing has a more dramatic impact on public health than any single medication, David Margolius, the city's public health director, said Wednesday at a news conference.
What's next: During remarks, Ronayne pleaded with the gathered crowd of nonprofit professionals and service providers to support the county's Health and Human Services levy increase on the ballot this year, which he called critical as state and federal partnerships have become "shaky."
- "It's ground zero for how we as a community step up," he said. "As our partners step away, we as Cuyahoga County say we're not stepping away. We're stepping in."