22 December 2004

Safe Haven III Receives Community Award

Safe Haven III residents accept an award on 30 November 2004 from the Metro North Block Club of Cleveland, Ohio. The award was presented for community leadership, after residents took the initiative to clean two neighborhood lots.   In the front row, from left to right, are Victor Iskiyayev, Stella Della Stinson (holding the award), and Marilyn Mack.  In the second row, from the left, are Leslie Hairston, Phillip Perry (behind Ms. Stinson), and Derek Smith.  In the back row, from the left, are Marty Blackwell, Ricardo Hunter (a staff member), Steven Hayes (largely hidden, behind Mr. Perry), and Antonio Peterson.

Victor's last "home" was an abandoned building. Leslie stayed for many years in the Flats and on the banks of the Cuyahoga River before she was beaten and taken to the hospital. Phillip has been on the streets and in shelters since the time of President Reagan's first inauguration. For all 12 of its residents, Safe Haven III is their first real home in many years. For some, it's their first home since childhood. It's one of five residential programs operated by MHS in Cleveland, Ohio. Safe Haven III is now their home. Cleveland is now their community. And taking care of home and community has become a matter of some importance to them.

In September, the residents of Safe Haven III became increasingly upset that a lot near their home was covered with debris and trash. Their distress was probably more keen because they had just cleaned a lot next door after a fire. With a newfound sense of responsibility for their community, they again went to work. With rakes, brooms, and plenty of trash bags, and joined by staff members, they spent the better part of a day cleaning the lot. When members of a neighborhood group noticed their efforts, they were impressed. In recognition, they gave Safe Haven III residents an award for their contributions to the community.

Christine L. Krosel, Chairwoman of the Metro North Block Club, presented the award to Daniel Wutsch, Safe Haven III Program Manager, at the Block Club meeting of 30 November 2004. The award citation states:

Steven M. Friedman, Ph.D., MHS Executive Director, was proud of the residents, and moved by the community's recognition.   "It has always been our aim to be a good neighbor," he commented. "Helping individuals to become valued members of their community, and helping them to nurture their community, are important goals of all our homeless assistance programs. We are honored that the work of these individuals has been given such thoughtful recognition."

Safe Haven III is a supportive housing program for people with long histories of homelessness.  MHS provides the supportive services to help program participants achieve and maintain stable housing. The Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc. (EDEN), a non-profit housing development organization, helps to maintain the physical site. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides support for program operations and services through the Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services.

Dan Wutsch is a Licensed Social Worker, and has managed the the Safe Haven III program since its move to the Metro North area.

Ricardo Hunter is a Residential Support Specialist. Other staff members are Tonia Elma, Aileen Lazuka, Kevin Murray, Anthony Thomas, and Victoria Niles.

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Copyright (c) 2005
Mental Health Services for Homeless Persons, Inc. (MHS)
All Rights Reserved.
MHS, 1736 Superior Avenue East, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-2944 U.S.A.
Voice - 216-623-6555 / TDD - 216-623-6540

Julie Rittenhouse, President, Board of Trustees
Steven M. Friedman, Ph.D., Executive Director

MHS is a contract agency of the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board, and a partner agency of United Way Services. The MHS website is at http://www.mhs-inc.org