Community initiatives aim to tackle Cleveland’s home repair crisis

Homeowners in the St. Clair Superior area without the means to do their own home repairs can now lean on a public tool lending program for assistance.

Cleveland, a city rich in history and heritage, has neighborhoods lined with charming homes that whisper tales of a bygone era. However, behind the nostalgic facade lies a pressing issue: the dire need for home repairs. 

In these neighborhoods, where homes date back to the late 19th century, homeowners find themselves facing a challenge. Time has taken its toll on these homes, leaving them in desperate need of renovation and maintenance. Yet, for many residents, the barriers to addressing these issues are insurmountable.

Advertisement

To combat these challenges, St. Clair Superior Development Corporation (SCSDC) is gearing up to launch a tool lending library for their community, with help from sponsors Huntington Bank and Ace Hardware. 

With limited incomes and rising costs of living, allocating funds for home repairs often takes a backseat to more immediate needs. Additionally, the lack of access to tools and specialized knowledge further complicates matters, leaving some homeowners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn.

The tool lending library, made possible by a grant from Huntington Bank, offers a comprehensive selection of tools to suit a variety of needs. From hammers and screwdrivers to power tools and more specialized equipment, residents will find nearly everything they require to complete home repair and improvement projects.

“Our goal is to empower residents with the tools and resources they need to enhance their homes and neighborhoods,” reads a statement from the SCSDC. 

In addition to the Tool Lending Program, the SCSDC has also launched a home repair program that helps eligible homeowners with assistance in repairing their homes. 

“If it’s a small job, or a honey-do list, and you don’t have the tool or tools you need to get the job done right, give SCSDC a call,” said Roscoe Morgan, assistant director for real estate & placemaking at SCSDC. “Don’t spend valuable money on a tool we can loan you.”

The SCSDC has been actively involved in community development for over four decades, tracing its roots back to the establishment of two distinct community-based entities: the St. Clair Business Association and the St. Clair Superior Coalition. Recognizing the value of consolidating efforts and resources, these organizations merged in 1999 to form a single entity. This merger aimed to streamline operations, enhance coordination, pool resources and ultimately maximize the impact of community initiatives on the residents they serve. 

Their service area extends from East 30th Street on the western boundary to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard as the eastern boundary, south to Superior and Payne Avenues and north to the shores of Lake Erie. Covering areas like AsiaTown and Goodrich-Kirtland Park, the SCSDC continues to help communities who need it most. 

For more information about the tool lending program, give the SCSDC a call about your needs and concerns. Eligibility and requirements for the home repair program are listed below:

• Project must cost between $1,500 to $15,000 for materials and labor
• Scope of work must be presented upon application
• Work must be completed by a certified contractor
• Funding being used to match requested funds shall be put in escrow
• Home must be owner-occupied
• Taxes must be up to date or on a tax repayment plan
• Home must be in the St Clair Superior Service Area: East of E 30th, West of MLK Boulevard and north of Payne Avenue or Superior Avenue

Visit stclairsuperior.org for more details.