If you or someone you know is in need of emergency shelter, please dial 2-1-1 from a landline in Lake County, Ohio, or call 440.639.4420 from any phone to reach 2-1-1 of Lake County, which handles reservations to stay at Project Hope for the Homeless, located at 25 Freedom Road in Painesville Township, Ohio.
Homelessness has long been a problem in Lake County, Ohio. In 1992, the Catholic Commission of Lake and Geauga called together a roundtable discussion of area churches and leaders to address the situation. Under the direction of the Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County, Inc., Project Hope for the Homeless has since been renewing hope and restoring the lives of thousands of homeless men, women and children.
Project Hope for the Homeless is the only emergency homeless shelter in Lake County, Ohio, and began operations in 1993. We are located at 25 Freedom Road in Painesville Township and have four programs, which include an overnight shelter for adults, a separate wing for families and children, an optional aftercare program, and our offsite senior care program at our Hope House.
The emergency shelter provides space for up to 50 adults and children each night, not only offering them a safe place to stay, but also giving them the basic needs and professional guidance to help them improve their quality of life. In 2024, 76% of our guests left the shelter for a better living situation.
Guests can also opt to participate in an aftercare program that offers regular home visits and phone calls, monthly support groups and in-kind help, as needed.
The Ecumenical Shelter Network of Lake County is the governing body of Project Hope for the Homeless. The network, which counts more than 100 concerned area residents, meets annually to elect members of the 12-person board of trustees. A minimum of two other yearly meetings provides them the opportunity to learn more about what Project Hope for the Homeless is doing in the community.