PAINESVILLE – The Lake County Board of Commissioners joined with Project Hope for the Homeless to celebrate the organization’s 33rd anniversary and its decades of service to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community during a Tuesday, March 17, meeting.
Project Hope for the Homeless was founded following a Feb. 14, 1993, meeting convened by the Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga counties, where leaders from churches, organizations and local governments gathered to address the growing problem of homelessness in the region.
Since then, Project Hope has served more than 10,000 individuals in need, according to a county press release.
“The Lake County Commissioners have always prioritized our neighbors in need,” Project Hope for the Homeless Executive Director Judy Burr said. “They know without providing those basic needs of shelter, care and guidance, our community at large would suffer. We thank them for the thousands of lives they saved in our organization.”
Project Hope for the Homeless serves as Lake County’s only homeless shelter, providing emergency shelters along with care and guidance to individuals and families seeking independence. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to meet the community’s changing needs.
During the past year, Project Hope served 361 guests and provided a total of 12,610 shelter nights, including support for 54 children. More than 79 percent of guests left the shelter and made a positive transition into a better living situation.
“Project Hope for the Homeless has been a vital resource for Lake County residents for more than three decades,” said Commissioner Morris W. Beverage III. “Their commitment to providing shelter, compassion, and support has helped thousands of individuals and families take important steps toward stability and independence.”
Over the past several years, Project Hope has developed five key programs to support those in need, including an overnight shelter for adults, a separate wing for families and children, an optional aftercare program, the offsite senior Hope House, and the newer Welcome Home Center.
“For 33 years, Project Hope has renewed hope and restored lives right here in our community,” said Commissioner John T. Plecnik. “Their dedication to serving those in need and helping people rebuild their lives is something Lake County is incredibly proud to support.”
“Organizations like Project Hope for the Homeless play an essential role in strengthening our community,” said Commissioner Morgan R. McIntosh. “The work they do to provide safe shelter, guidance, and opportunities for a better future makes a lasting difference for so many residents.”
“The Lake County Board of Commissioners extends its sincere gratitude to the staff and leadership of Project Hope for the Homeless for their 33 years of service and wishes the organization continued success in guiding members of the community toward safe, productive and independent lives,” a statement from the board read.
In other business:
The board approved payment of bills in the amount of $1,610,374.05 and purchase orders totaling $169,268.78.
In legislation:
• Advertising for bids for a road resurfacing project – a partnership of Lake County, Concord, Leroy and Painesville townships.
The engineer’s estimate of cost is $2.2 million to $2.6 million, according to the bid notice for the project.
Approving a final estimate and release of retainage in the amount of $16,478 with United Survey Inc. and accepting a three-year maintenance bond in the amount of $39,333.20 for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project in the Bellflower Road/Palmerston Drive area of Mentor.
Certifying unpaid sewer and water sums, plus administrative charges, to the Auditor’s Office.
The next regular session meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. in the fourth-floor meeting room of the Lake County Administration Building, 105 Main St., Painesville.
