Social Change
photo Bob Perkoski
Like other industrial cities around the turn of the 20th century, Cleveland prospered and grew rapidly, earning many of its residents handsome nest eggs. Fortunately for future Clevelanders, wealthy industrialists made a habit of digging deep to give back. Generous contributions lead to the creation of the Metroparks system, Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square and numerous other enduring regional assets. Who's leading the charge these days to affect change for the public good? Social innovation requires us to think differently about how to solve tough social problems. It's getting new people around the table, from techies and artists to those already working on the issues. It's not just coming up with ideas; it's putting good ideas to work.
EDWINS founder Brandon Chostowski is offering $250 in credit to use in his restaurants and shops to anyone who turns in a gun in an effort to reduce gun violence in Cleveland.
Kids' Book Bank founder Judy Payne was hit with a notion in early 2021 that she should use her good fortune and resources to help Cleveland's changemakers make life better for others. By 2022, she had opened Goods Bank NEO—a place where nonprofits can "shop" for the resources their clients need most.
Every year on Dec. 21, the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year, NEOCH honors those who died in the homeless community with a candlelight memorial.
When his classmates in architecture school were dreaming of building skyscrapers and office towers, Sai Sindondit was dreaming of creating affordable, sustainable, and functional permanent communities to house displaced populations—from the homeless to refugees and disaster victims. With the launch of I_You Design Lab, he has started to fulfill that dream.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank yesterday opened the doors to its new 197,00-square-foot Partner Distribution Hub—the first step in the Food Bank’s long-term plan to serve more people in its coverage area and make sure those in need have a full range of services.
The National Council of Jewish Women Cleveland last week celebrated the official transition to its role in caring for and stocking Little Free Libraries in Cuyahoga County. The organization kicked off the celebration with partners Krylon and CleveHome with a new library at Franklin D. Roosevelt in Glenville.
There are many efforts are underway at farms, community gardens, markets, social service organizations, and public agencies to nourish communities like Cleveland—the nation’s poorest big city—where food deserts are common and healthy foods are not the cheapest, most affordable, or most accessible options.
After nearly three years, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry last week celebrated the completion of renovations on the very first house purchased in its Breaking New Ground Campaign—a $4 million-plus initiative to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Cleveland.
Cleveland Restoration Society on June 8 will place at City Hall the second historical marker on the Cleveland Civil Rights Trail, honoring late Cleveland Mayor Carl B. Stokes.
EDWINS founder Brandon Chrostowski recently returned from Poland, near the Ukrainian border, working with World Central Kitchen to feed hundreds of refugees. He shared his emotional experience with FreshWater's Evan Gallagher.
Through their "We Have to Buy a House" campaign, the members of Fairmount Presbyterian Church donated $126,000 to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry to buy and renovate a house for a family experiencing homelessness.
Last week, Cleveland Browns’ All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett and United Way of Greater Cleveland hosted the Home for the Holidays community event to celebrate the season and help kids stock up on school supplies and winter gear.
From a new home for University Settlement and lots of affordable housing, to lead abatement and removal of asthma triggers, the Broadway Rising project in Slavic Village is on the move to improving one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods.
Marking their first time sharing the stage since September’s mayoral primary, nonprofit leader Justin Bibb and current Cleveland City Council president Kevin Kelley competed toe-to-toe at Friday’s Mayoral Town Hall to reach young professionals.
Euclid's HELP Harvest Greenhouse will teach life and employment skills by providing both paid employment and on-the-job training in growing hydroponic crops and fresh produce.
Slavic Village’s pet-friendliest spot is about to double in size—and not a moment too soon.
Students in John Carroll University's entrepreneurial program are feeding hungry customers while also feeding the homeless with their new food buggy concept.
An experiment in Vancouver, British Columbia shows that when people experiencing homelessness are given one-time $7,500 payments, they moved into stable housing faster, they spent fewer days homeless, and saved more than $1,000 in a year.
For Kayla Lupean, a Christmas night brainstorm has turned into the gift that keeps on giving.
With its Breaking New Ground campaign in full gear, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry plans to place seven families in permanent homes this year—well on its way to the goal of securing 20 units by 2024.