Cleveland Area Residents Receive Generous Donations

Residents at United Church Homes’ (UCH) South Haven Woods affordable housing community in Bedford, Ohio received much-needed support recently thanks to The Cleveland Foundation and the Greater Cleveland Rapid Response Fund.

UCH’s top priorities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have been limiting the spread of the deadly virus and keeping residents connected with family and friends. Doing so requires significant investments in cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment and technology for residents in all its communities, including affordable housing.

“We explored every opportunity for grant funding that would help us better support our residents,” said Alissa Clouse, director of advancement operations and major gifts.

“The Greater Cleveland Rapid Response Fund represented a great opportunity to help residents at South Haven Woods. Specific needs centered around expanded access to nutrition, cleaning supplies, WiFi and electronic tablets.”

The goal with the grant was to help residents shelter in place to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. A higher standard for sanitizing and cleaning common areas and residents’ apartments was essential to keeping everyone safe. Personal care items such as hand soap, hand sanitizer and laundry detergent were also needed to reduce the risk of infection.

“We were concerned about residents feeling isolated and wanted to ensure they had access to WiFi and iPads that would help them stay connected to friends and family,” said Service Coordinator Annette Archie.

UCH and South Haven Woods residents were grateful to receive $30,000 in Cleveland COVID-19 rapid response funding which allowed every resident that wanted WiFi access and an iPad to obtain them.

“It was such a nice surprise for our residents,” said Archie. “They were smiling from ear to ear. They used the iPads to stay connected with loved ones, but also for telehealth appointments with their doctors. They’re also grateful to have access to the many resources available on the internet.”

UCH is blessed to receive support from individuals and organizations to supplement its significant investments in COVID-related equipment and supplies, including various forms of technology used by residents and staff.

“We’re extremely grateful to our generous donors and organizations that provide much-needed grant funding,” Clouse said. “Their contributions allow United Church Homes to enhance its support of residents in all communities.”