LMM Workforce Development Program Director Malika Kidd
The local Reentry Housing Committee recently released its study, 'A Never-Ending Sentence,' which highlights the impact of a criminal conviction in project-based Section 8 housing tenant selection plans in Cuyahoga County. Numerous local media outlets began to cover the study and were looking to LMM's Workforce Development Director, Malika Kidd, to speak to her lived experience of the difficulties of obtaining housing and employment post-incarceration.
After being released from prison, Kidd struggled to find housing and was denied Section 8 due to her criminal background, despite her conviction occurring 14 years prior. Kidd now advocates for a change in housing policy and for more resources to be provided to individuals re-entering society following incarceration.
"I think if people would change the policies would be a better outcome for those and I think recidivism would decrease," Kidd said in an interview with News 5 Cleveland.
LMM's Workforce Development Program Director, Malika Kidd, alongside LMM retired staff member Charles See, community partners & ideastream's Michael McIntyre on the 'Sound of Ideas'
Check out more of the coverage on 'A Never-Ending Sentence' and Malika Kidd here:
Browns Star Provides Furniture for Family's New Home
Down on her luck with nowhere else to go, Shay, a 31-year-old single mother of two, was staying at The Haven Home family overflow shelter. After spending time at the shelter, Shay was recently able to find housing to provide a safe, stable place for her and her girls to stay. Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey read Shay's story on cleveland.com, and after discovering that she recently found housing, he felt inspired to help in any way that he could.
Kirksey donated furniture for the family's living room, dining room and two bedrooms. He also sent bedding with the girls' favorite Disney characters so they could make their new room exactly how they want it. To surprise the family of three, Kirksey recorded a message for Shay, and the LMM staff played it when they arrived with the truck full of furniture. Shay broke into happy tears and expressed her appreciation. To see Kirksey's video message, click here.
Shay's fully furnished living room
LMM Men's Shelter residents moving a mattress into Shay's new home
Coming Soon...
LMM's exciting new culinary venture, Metro45 Café & Catering, is opening to the public in February! Located on the corner of 45th & Superior, Metro45 will proudly be serving delicious fresh eats and coffee to Clevelanders daily. Stay tuned for more updates on an official opening date, café hours and revamped catering menus on LMM's social media channels (@LMMCleveland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and make sure to spread the word!
Stay tuned for a segment on News 5 Cleveland highlighting the volunteer work being done in the computer lab at LMM's Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside!
The computer lab is a vital resource for men staying at the shelter, as it provides time for them to search for housing, jobs and build their resume. For those interested in volunteering at the computer lab, contact Lydia Bailey at [email protected] or 216.649.7723 to learn more.
