Mission Monthly Newsletter: May 2025 Edition
Youth Voice In Action: The Lotus
On April 25th, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Lotus—a new permanent supportive housing development in Cleveland created with young adults, for young adults by EDEN, Inc., CHN Housing Solutions, Enterprise Community Partners, The Centers, and the REACH Youth Action Board. The Lotus isn’t just a building—it’s a model for what’s possible when young people with lived experience are leaders in the solutions to youth homelessness.
Members of the REACH Youth Action Board—including Jakiah Moore and Anastasia Blake, who are also Youth Navigators at A Place 4 Me—sat at the table alongside housing developers, service providers, and funders to design the building and services.
Congratulations to partners, funders, and young adults who made The Lotus a reality!
Photography courtesy of Thom Sivo Photography.
Dispelling the Myths About Youth Homelessness
When it comes to youth homelessness, harmful myths and misunderstandings often get in the way of real solutions. At A Place 4 Me, we believe that facts—and the voices of young people themselves—must lead the way. Below, we break down some common myths and share the truth about what young people in Cuyahoga County are facing every day.
Myth: Youth homelessness isn’t a big issue in Cuyahoga County.
Fact: 500 youth experience homelessness here every year.
Many go unseen—sleeping on couches, in cars, or in unsafe environments. At A Place 4 Me, we know even one is too many.
Myth: Young people leave home because they’re rebellious.
Fact: Most are pushed out—not pulled away.
Family conflict, abuse, neglect, poverty, financial instability, and rejection—especially for LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color—are some of the causes of youth homelessness in our community.
Myth: Having a job means a young person is housed.
Fact: Employment doesn’t equal stability.
Many young people work or go to school while experiencing homelessness. High rents, low wages, and discrimination keep housing out of reach—even with a paycheck.
Myth: Youth homelessness isn't a big deal—they’ll figure it out on their own.
Fact: Homelessness in youth could lead to higher risks of long-term instability.
But when we invest early—in housing, mentorship, and opportunity—we change lives for good.
A Place 4 Me Staff Attended COHHIO's
Housing Ohio Conference
Earlier this week, members of the A Place 4 Me team attended the 2025 Housing Ohio Conference, hosted by the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO). Our team returned energized, equipped with new insights and tools to enhance our work in preventing and ending youth homelessness in Cuyahoga County. We are grateful to COHHIO for organizing this critical conference!
If you believe, like us, that youth and young adults in our community deserve a safe place to call home, we invite you to join us in this mission.
Your gift of any size helps create a pathway forward for young people experiencing homelessness. Last year, A Place 4 Me supported 490 youth and young adults—39% of whom were parenting a total of 271 children.
Despite this progress, too many young people in Cuyahoga County are still navigating housing instability alone. Your support helps us meet them where they are—offering housing navigation, emergency assistance, and the steady presence of a trusted advocate committed to their stability.
Other ways to support:
If you would like to give in a different way, such as through a Donor Advised Fund, check out aplace4me.org/donate!
An easy way to support is to share this email with someone you know who might be interested in our work.
Contact Zach at zmilini@aplace4me.org with any giving questions.