The Northeast Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) envisions a society where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home, where individuals can embrace their own power and dignity. Based in Cleveland, NEOCH has recognized since its founding in 1987 that to achieve this vision, it’s essential to confront the root causes of homelessness—namely, structural racism and the scarcity of affordable housing. This understanding drives their mission, which is centered on anti-racism, love, education, and collective grassroots organizing focused on safe, affordable housing and tenants’ rights advocacy. NEOCH collaborates with other groups to remediate neglected neighborhoods exposed to lead poisoning and other environmental injustices. They educate students, housing providers, and community groups on the harmful legacy of redlining and urban renewal, both as public health and ecological disasters. Engaging the most vulnerable populations, NEOCH empowers communities to understand these issues, engage in electoral processes, and advocate for sustainable, equitable policies.
The Homeless Congress, people with lived experience of homelessness in Cleveland, formed a Homeless Bill of Rights Committee in 2018 to uphold the importance of treating housing as a human rights issue. Like similar versions passed in other states, this work evolved out of tireless efforts and stories of many people who personally understood the violent and legal consequences that befall those who don’t have an address.
Mirroring Northeast Ohio’s diverse neighborhoods and demographics, NEOCH fosters trust and community-driven solutions. Their initiatives address homelessness and housing insecurity at both systemic and individual levels. NEOCH played a key role in preventing a jail from being built on a toxic site, and they helped pass the Cleveland Lead Safe Ordinance, protecting residents from lead exposure. NEOCH supported Euclid Beach Mobile Home Community residents in resisting displacement, leading to enhanced relocation packages and a proposed resident-owned eco-village. NEOCH also provides trauma-informed street outreach and educates the community on housing inequities. These successes highlight NEOCH’s commitment to not only providing immediate relief but also driving systemic change to eliminate its root causes. This work is done in collaboration with other service providers and volunteer groups, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness.