7 Cleveland faith-based organizations fighting poverty
North America is home to millions of people, some of whom enjoy a high standard of living with relatively little effort, while others struggle due to poverty. A significant number of people in need struggle to get the essential items required for survival for various reasons.
One of these issues they are facing is poverty.
The lack of financial resources necessary to meet requirements, such as those for food, clothing, and a home, is part of poverty. Having little funds, however, is only one aspect of the complicated problem.
Poverty in Cleveland
In Cleveland, the poverty rate remains high.
Cleveland.com reported that poverty was estimated to be 29.3% in the city in 2022, down from 32% the year before but still more than double the national average of 11.6%.
It is necessary to have faith-based organizations working toward making the world a better place, given the plethora of challenges that exist today. The world would be afflicted with challenges that are impossible to overcome if it were not for the tremendous help provided.
The following Cleveland faith-based organizations provide food, shelter, education, and support to needy people, thus helping to fight poverty in the city:
The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland
In Greater Cleveland, the Salvation Army is a faith-based organization that assists needy people, especially those suffering from poverty and homelessness.
Every day, the staff and officers of The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland are on the lines, extending their compassion and support to those in need.
How to volunteer: Anyone can volunteer and be one of its staff. You may visit the nearest Salvation Army location, present yourself, and start making a change by helping underprivileged communities.
Redeemer Crisis Center
- 2970 West 30th St., corner of West 30th and Walton Ave.
- Contact details: (216) 631-6434 | redeemercrisiscenter@gmail.com
The Redeemer Crisis Center primarily aims to help people and families secure enough food to prepare nine to 12 healthy meals at home. The center has been a part of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland since 1976 and has been there for Cleveland residents ever since.
The center provides food and clothing and hosts community meals and programs for needy people.
How to volunteer: Anyone wishing to volunteer or serve people may sign up online. You can participate in this center in various ways, including picking up donations and helping with its programs.
The City Mission
- 5310 Carnegie Ave.
- Contact details: (216) 431-3510 | connect@thecitymission.org
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The City Mission has been serving the underserved population of Cleveland for almost a century. They start by providing for people’s fundamental needs, like food, shelter, and emotional support.
The ministry also seeks to provide practical paths to a brighter future for everyone in the community who requires support and encouragement.
How to volunteer: Volunteering 101 is available to the public at the City Mission. It’s a light rundown of the organization’s goals and how people can become involved as volunteers.
Image: Nick Fewings|Unsplash
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
- 2110 W 110th St.
- Contact details: (216) 429-1299 | For donations: (216) 429-3631, donations@clevelandhabitat.org
- Facebook | Twitter
Habitat for Humanity Greater Cleveland seeks to strengthen communities by partnering with families in need of affordable housing to build and renovate houses.
According to its website, through neighborhood revitalization programs, it builds, renovates, and sells homes to families at affordable mortgage rates while also bringing those families into the community.
How to volunteer: The organization offers various opportunities to volunteers. You need to sign up and be one of them, serving people in need.
Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland
- 2475 East 22nd St., Fourth Floor
- Contact details: (216) 357-4460 | treynolds@socfcleveland.org
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland strengthens the community’s capacity to alleviate poverty, as advocated for by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine.
Its goals include eradicating homelessness throughout Cuyahoga County, narrowing the gap between rich and poor in terms of health, and boosting educational possibilities in Cleveland’s Central Neighborhood.
How to volunteer: Volunteer opportunities in Ohio and South Carolina are available through the Sisters of Charity Health System programs. You may sign up at St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center’s website and make an impact.
Building Hope in the City
- 3274 West 58th St.
- Contact details: (216) 281-4673 | info@buildinghopeinthecity.org
- Facebook | Instagram
Building Hope in the City strives to change the lives of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and entire communities. It does this by supporting resident leaders and providing quality, affordable, and supportive housing.
They believe the Holy Spirit calls them to work alongside Clark-Fulton and Stockyards (CFSY) residents, the most racially and ethnically mixed neighborhood on the west side.
How to volunteer: You may sign up for Building Hope 101, an opportunity to learn more about the organization, its history, plans, and how you can be a part of it all.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland
Catholic Charities upholds Jesus Christ’s legacy by providing aid to the poor through a comprehensive network of services that values each individual, works to eliminate poverty, and fosters social justice.
The organization runs various programs and services for the people it helps. Catholic Charities has a significant influence in Northeast Ohio, thanks to its sites and services spanning all eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland.
How to volunteer: Those interested in serving and working with the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland may sign up online and impact the lives of others.
More from Crossmap: Children’s Sunday school ideas to make learning fun
