BEDFORD, Ohio — A Bedford, Ohio, affordable housing community was one of 13 organizations that received funding from the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, the Cleveland Foundation announced in July.
South Haven Woods, which offers housing for those age 62 and older and people with disabilities, received a $10,000 grant for new and increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The community and its parent organization, United Church Homes, are facing significant financial pressure as they pivot toward a new way of serving the approximately 4,200 older adults who live in UCH senior housing communities.
South Haven Woods, which celebrated its 30th year in 2019, serves 56 income-qualifying older adults with affordable housing and supportive services. Eighty-four percent of the residents are African American. The pandemic has led to an increased demand for cleaning supplies, personal care items and enhanced nutrition to comply with recommended infection prevention and control procedures.
Staff members at South Haven Woods are focusing on a higher standard for cleaning than in typical times to minimize the chances of infection and spread.
The grant funded the purchase of supplies, personal care items and enhanced nutrition to help safeguard residents of South Haven Woods.
The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund coalition announced the final round of phase 1 grants to support the nonprofit community in July. In total, it awarded $900,000 to 13 organizations and groups serving Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Since the fund’s creation in mid-March, partners have granted more than $8.6 million to nearly 160 nonprofit groups and organizations.