In June of 2024, Hope launched its non-profit division, Hope Stays. The first focus of this program is on Transitional Housing for Re-entry Citizens and was created to help Greater Cleveland residents returning from incarceration find a safe home to rebuild their lives outside of the confines of low-income housing that is typically offered.
Recidivism statistics in the U.S. are grim. A 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics study found that 66% of people released from prison in 24 different states were re-arrested within three years. Hope Stays is mission to break the chain of the unhoused, unemployed, and disconnected from our society for our returning citizens, instilling hope and optimism in their journey.
Working in partnership with Building Hope in the City and the Cuyahoga Land Bank Charities, they have committed to giving Hope Stays a property to completely renovate. These homes are on the demo list and will need a top to bottom restoration. Once this newly renovated home is finished, it will be ready for one of our current (Hope Seals) re-entry team members and their family to rent at a low cost. This is just one of the many exciting projects with Team Hope!
One of the core values at Hope has always been to see others reach their potential and leave room for dreams to thrive, a significant way we have done this is through our “EIT” program. The EIT program stands for Entrepreneur in training and allows for one of the Hope mates to shadow ownership, learn how to the build & grow a business and potentially step out into their own dream.