The Sisters of Charity Health System’s A Place for Me Steering Committee has selected Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) to operate the first drop in center for youth experiencing housing instability in Greater Cleveland.
LMM was recommended by the Drop-In Center Core Planning Team, which includes various youth serving organizations in Northeast Ohio, as well as young people with lived experience and subject matter expertise. The team developed a set of values they felt were critical to the purpose of the drop-in center: youth leadership and partnership, racial and LGBTQ equity, hospitality, highly relational service model, and low-barrier approach.
LMM’s mission and holistic programmatic approach were deemed in alignment with these core values. In the proposal submitted, the committee noted that LMM’s proposed approach for operationalizing the core values were key factors in the selection process. Other important criteria included capacity for innovation, collaboration, and implementation of strategies to authentically share power with young people.
The drop-in center will meet the immediate and basic needs of young people between the ages of 16 and 24 experiencing housing instability. The drop-in center will also serve as an access point to housing resources and other services to support the social, emotional and physical well-being of youth. Drop-in centers are essential elements of a systemic approach to prevent and end youth homelessness.
LMM is honored and energized by the opportunity to provide services in a respectful manner that honors the dignity of every young person.
