Haven Project

Our goal is not to simply shelter those experiencing homelessness, but to build a program that will empower every individual with respect, dignity and the tools they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

What’s happening?

• Neighborhood Alliance is currently undergoing a six-phase capital campaign to repair, renovate, and reimagine three separate service locations. 
• On September 7, 2023, Neighborhood Alliance broke ground on the 9,262 sq. ft. expansion to the existing Haven Center Emergency Shelter building located on East 30th in downtown Lorain. 

Why now?  

• There are only four (4) emergency shelter rooms for families in Lorain County, and they are all at Neighborhood Alliance.
• Haven Center is the only emergency mass shelter for couples or single women in Lorain County. (Genesis House only houses women experiencing intimate partner abuse.)
• Right now, 68 people (men, women, and children) share two (2) main dorm-style bath/shower rooms. 
• Seven (7) unfamiliar adults share one or four shelter rooms for singles.  

How will this project help the community? 

• Increase the available beds for families in Lorain County from just 12 to 36, including the ability to house larger families together. 
• Each new dorm room will also have its own bathroom and shower.
• Separate wing for families that “feels like home” including a kitchenette and living room space. 
• Secure courtyard and playground. 
• Study pods for kids attending online school or for individuals who need to have virtual medical appointments. 

What else? 

• The Haven Center also offers prevention services through our affiliation with the national organization, Family Promise. 
  • Prevention services help families from needing emergency shelter by providing services that help them find another housing solution. 
  • Diversion programming helps families come up with creative solutions that allow families to stay in housing, with family members, or in a temporary living situation until permanent housing can be secured. Neighborhood Alliance is the only provider of retention and prevention services in Lorain County.
• A separate entrance for the PATH program will be created with a drop-in center so unsheltered individuals can get a hot shower, a meal and supplies. Neighborhood Alliance is the only provider of homeless outreach in Lorain County.

What is the cost? 

• The total cost of the Haven Center Shelter project is $5 million.
• The first $3.2 million for the expansion has already been raised thanks to:
  • Lorain County Commissioners 
  • Mayor Bradley and the Lorain City Council 
  • Nordson Corporation Foundation
  • Nord Family Foundation
  • The Stocker Foundation
  • The Norton Family Foundation
  • Neighborhood Alliance Board of Directors AND staff
  • Ben and Jane Norton
  • 100 Women Who Care About Lorain County
  • Nordson Corporation and its employees
  • And numerous generous individual donors

How can I help? 

• Donate to the Haven Center Project – don’t forget to check if your employer has a matching gift program! 
• Connect us with your Employer’s Corporate Giving Program. 
• Book us to speak to your service club or association. 

For nearly 100 years Neighborhood Alliance has been compassionately caring for our community. We are helping our community grow stronger by caring for our clients’ most basic needs. We provide emergency shelter, homeless outreach, daily meal delivery, and nutrition services. This includes an emergency food pantry and socialization activities for seniors, childcare and child enrichment programs, and access to family support programs such as Help Me Grow. 

Our Federal Tax ID Number is #34-0714471. Gifts to Neighborhood Alliance are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law and 100% of your dollars stay in Lorain County. 

Thank You To Our Donors

“The Haven Center expansion will enclose the U-shaped building, creating space for a courtyard and playground. Families in the shelter will have a safe place to spend time outside, play and exercise. And because the courtyard will be enclosed, children will no longer have to endure the trauma of going outside through security and metal detectors” commented Alicia Foss, President & CEO, Neighborhood Alliance.

IN THE NEWS

On September 7, 2023, Neighborhood Alliance broke ground on the 9,262 sq. ft. expansion to the existing Haven Center Emergency Shelter building located on East 30th in downtown Lorain.

Neighborhood Alliance breaks ground on Haven Center expansion in Lorain

The $3.2 million, 9,262-square-foot expansion will bring the facility closer to the curb on East 30th Street, and will include a central courtyard and more rooms for families in need of housing, according to CEO Alicia Foss.

Neighborhood Alliance to break ground on $5 million Haven Center shelter expansion

A separate wing including a living room and kitchenette will be created just for families. The current L-shaped building will be enclosed to create a courtyard and playground for families and children to have a safe outdoor space, Foss said.

Lorain County Flood – August 2023

“Home was never a dream for homeless people as they used to have their homes. Living in a home was their reality. Now, we need to help them to find the lost reality again.”

-Munia Khan