Homelessness has long been a problem in Lake County. In 1992, the Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga called together a roundtable discussion of area churches and leaders to address the situation. Under the direction of the Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County, Inc., Project Hope for the Homeless has since been renewing hope and restoring the lives of hundreds of homeless men, women and children.
Project Hope’s two main programs include a nightly emergency shelter and one-year optional aftercare program.
The emergency shelter provides space for up to 35 adults and children each night, not only offering them a safe place to stay, but also giving them the basic needs and professional guidance to help them improve their quality of life. More than half of guests leave the shelter for a better living situation.
Guests can also opt to participate in an aftercare program that, for up to one year, offers financial support through administration of federal funding, but also regular home visits and phone calls, monthly support groups and in-kind help, as needed.
Learn more about Project Hope through our most recent publications.
The Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County is the governing body of Project Hope. The network, which counts more than 100 concerned area residents, meets annually to elect members of the 12-person board of trustees. A minimum of two other yearly meetings provide them the opportunity to learn more about what Project Hope is doing in the community.
The 2012-2013 Board of Trustees includes, in alphabetical order:
– James Aikens
– Father Gerald Bednar
– Carla Cegielski
– Robert Dawson
– John DeSantis
– Evan Francis
– Mary Hofer
– Tom Park
– Robert Rader
– Kevin Reynolds
– Mary Jane Scott
To learn more about the network and helping to make a difference in the lives of Project Hope’s homeless guests, contact us.