Expanding Housing Solutions for International Newcomers

Northeast Ohio has long been a place of opportunity, diversity, and community. As the region continues to welcome newcomers from around the world, Global Cleveland works to ensure that the international newcomer community feels supported and connected to the services that can make their transition as smooth as possible. Over the years, our team has addressed the critical needs of immigrants and refugees, including connecting individuals with workforce and healthcare access, legal assistance, education, and social services. However, one need that unites everyone, regardless of background, is the fundamental need for a home.

Global Cleveland expanded its efforts in the past year to address the pressing need for stable, affordable housing for newcomers. Our organization has deepened its collaboration with community partners to create scalable housing solutions that not only provide newcomers with a roof over their heads but also offer a foundation for successful integration into their new home in Northeast Ohio.

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of successful resettlement, yet it can be a challenge for many newcomers to secure safe, quality housing where they can begin to establish their new lives. Global Cleveland has taken strategic steps to address this challenge by working closely with housing developers, resettlement agencies, and local stakeholders to create housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of immigrants and refugees.

One of our key initiatives has been exploring the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and helping developers navigate the process of accessing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). By doing so, Global Cleveland has enabled developers to include resettlement organizations in their housing proposals, creating a competitive advantage for these projects. In turn, resettlement agencies gain confidence knowing that the housing they refer newcomers to will be available, safe, and accommodating. This partnership approach is a win-win for both developers and resettlement agencies, as it ensures that some of the community’s most vulnerable international newcomer individuals and families can secure dignified, long-term housing.

An important part of Global Cleveland’s work in housing is bridging the knowledge gap between newcomers, private landlords, and housing developers. Understanding the intricacies of housing eligibility and the cultural considerations needed to create inclusive housing spaces is essential for ensuring that newcomers can truly feel at home.

To assist in this effort, Global Cleveland has developed the Newcomer Housing Guide. This guide serves as an educational tool for private landlords and developers, helping them understand the specific needs and eligibility of different immigrant groups. It also provides guidance on creating housing spaces that consider the cultural and economic needs of newcomers, ensuring their successful integration into the community.

By offering a clear overview of how newcomers access housing and begin their lives in the region, the guide fosters greater cultural competency and understanding. It levels the playing field for landlords and developers, enabling them to better serve the diverse populations arriving in Northeast Ohio.

Global Cleveland’s efforts to connect newcomers with housing opportunities have not been done in isolation. Our team has worked hand-in-hand with local partners to bring key stakeholders together and raise awareness of the housing challenges facing newcomers. These partnerships are essential in creating sustainable solutions that benefit both newcomers and the broader community.

One of the notable successes in this area is the collaboration between The NRP Group and The May Dugan Center, Cleveland’s newest resettlement agency. This partnership has resulted in the development of a new LIHTC project, which has already received approval and is scheduled to open in 2025 in University Circle. The project will provide much-needed housing for newcomers in a central, accessible area of the city.

In addition, Global Cleveland is currently working with developers Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation and Wallick Communities, alongside resettlement agencies Catholic Charities and USCRI, to bring two additional housing projects to life. These initiatives are still in the application phase, and Global Cleveland is optimistic about their success, as they will contribute to the region’s housing capacity and offer affordable housing options for international newcomers who need them most.

As the need for affordable, quality housing continues to grow, Global Cleveland remains committed to expanding its efforts. The organization is working to establish a Global Cleveland Housing Committee, which will bring together stakeholders to focus on long-term housing solutions for newcomers. The committee will promote further LIHTC opportunities, build capacity with private landlords, and explore new training programs for the building trades, allowing newcomers to actively participate in the region’s growth.

Through continued collaboration, education, and advocacy, Global Cleveland is working to create a region where newcomers can not only find a home but also thrive. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to providing the support and resources that will ensure that international newcomers have a place to call home in Northeast Ohio.