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CSA Expands Men's Housing Initiative to 200 Men with $1.2M Grant

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 10:53 GMT by Cleveland Jewish News

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Cleveland Jewish News – Philanthropy Section
September 2025

CSA Enhances Housing Program to Serve More Men in Need

The Community Service Agency (CSA) of Cleveland has announced a significant expansion of its men‑focused housing program, a move that will allow the organization to accommodate a larger number of men experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The initiative, supported by new grant funding and strengthened community partnerships, reflects CSA’s long‑standing commitment to providing safe, stable housing and comprehensive support services to Cleveland’s most vulnerable residents.

A New Chapter for Men’s Housing

CSA’s “Men’s Housing Initiative,” launched in 2020, has already helped hundreds of men transition from the streets to supportive, supervised housing. The program’s core philosophy is the “Housing First” model, which prioritizes secure, permanent housing before addressing additional needs such as employment, mental health care, or substance‑abuse treatment. By removing the prerequisite of sobriety or employment, CSA has witnessed higher rates of long‑term housing stability among participants.

The expansion, announced in a recent press release, will increase the program’s capacity from 120 to 200 men per year. The new capacity will be realized through the acquisition of an additional property on Cleveland’s East Side and the renovation of existing facilities to meet updated safety and accessibility standards. CSA’s executive director, Dr. Elaine Ramirez, explained that the larger capacity is necessary to meet the rising demand for affordable housing among men in the region, especially those with histories of trauma and mental illness.

“We’re thrilled to welcome more men into a safe, supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives,” Dr. Ramirez said. “The new funding allows us to extend our reach and deliver the holistic services that our clients need.”

Funding and Partnerships

The expansion is made possible through a $1.2 million grant from the Greater Cleveland Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the area. The foundation’s grant specifically targets initiatives that address homelessness and affordable housing. In addition to the grant, CSA has secured a $300,000 contribution from the Lloyd & Harriet G. Foundation, which focuses on supporting nonprofits that serve men and veterans.

Further financial support comes from a matching donation program announced by the Cleveland City Housing Authority, which will match any donations received by CSA for the first year of the expanded program. This partnership ensures that CSA can maintain and grow its services without relying solely on one source of funding.

The program also benefits from a collaboration with the Cleveland Community Action Agency (CCAA), which provides additional case‑management resources and links participants to job‑placement services. Through the partnership, CSA can now offer on‑site career counseling and resume‑building workshops, a feature that has proven effective in helping former homeless men secure stable employment.

Comprehensive Support Services

One of the unique aspects of CSA’s Men’s Housing Initiative is its integration of services that go beyond basic shelter. Participants receive:

• Mental Health Counseling: Licensed therapists conduct individual and group sessions focused on trauma recovery and coping skills.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Access to a certified recovery program that includes detox, outpatient counseling, and peer‑support groups.
• Employment Assistance: Partnerships with local businesses and the CCAA’s career services provide job training, interview coaching, and job placement opportunities.
• Health Care Coordination: Participants are connected to primary care providers and, when necessary, specialists for chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
• Life‑Skills Workshops: Topics include budgeting, cooking, and navigating the public transportation system.

A 2024 evaluation of the program, referenced in the article, found that 73 % of participants who completed the program remained housed after 12 months, and 58 % had secured employment within the same period. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of a holistic, supportive approach to addressing homelessness among men.

Community Impact and Voices

The expansion is expected to benefit men from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, and men with disabilities. In the article, a testimonial from Alex, a former participant, highlighted how the program gave him “a place to breathe and a chance to work on my future.” Alex emphasized the importance of the supportive staff who treated him with dignity and respect.

CSA’s board member, Ms. Maya Patel, remarked that the expansion will strengthen the organization’s role as a “community anchor,” fostering collaboration between nonprofits, government agencies, and private donors. She added that the program’s success can serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.

Looking Ahead

With the new capacity, CSA plans to open a second, smaller satellite location in the Northeast side of Cleveland by the fall of 2026. This site will cater to men who prefer a more intimate, neighborhood‑based setting. Additionally, the agency is exploring a partnership with a local university to provide research and data‑collection services that can refine program delivery and secure future funding.

The Cleveland Jewish News article also points to the importance of continued philanthropy. The National Association of Homeless Women & Men (NAHHM), referenced in a linked resource, highlights best practices for addressing gender‑specific needs in housing programs. By aligning CSA’s approach with national standards, the organization positions itself to attract further grant opportunities and to contribute to a broader movement against homelessness in the U.S.

Conclusion

CSA’s enhanced housing program marks a significant milestone for Cleveland’s homeless‑men services. By leveraging new grants, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding its comprehensive support offerings, the agency is set to help a larger number of men achieve stability, health, and economic independence. The article underscores that sustained community investment and coordinated action are essential to solving the complex challenge of male homelessness—an issue that will continue to shape the conversation around philanthropy and social justice in Cleveland and beyond.