History
Community Service Alliance – Our History
That there is currently a homelessness crisis in Cleveland, Ohio is a certainty to those talented and caring individuals who work with the homeless, and to the homeless themselves. To those not directly affected, or who think they are unaffected, it is generally an “unknown” phenomenon – something that happens away from me, my family, my life. It is “out there”.
There are, of course, exceptions. Some homeless people seem to accept their lot, although it is generally accepted that no one wants to be homeless. And some people who are not homeless seem to know that they are affected by it and they also seem to know that we, as a people, a society and a culture, are only as human as all of those around us are allowed to be. It is on these principles that Community Service Alliance was based.
Approximately half of local shelter residents are supported once they leave that environment by family members, Social Security and/or Veteran’s benefits, disability insurance, etc. The other half need some form of support to get out and stay out. It is at this point in a person’s needs for which Community Service Alliance was founded.
Through the blessings and richness of God the Almighty, and the hard work, patience and perseverance of several founding members, Community Service Alliance celebrated its inauguration with an Open House on July 28, 2005.
Two months later, on September 15, 2005, the first resident entered Procop House. Others followed, and by year-end we had 15 residents. Since our first resident came to Procop House, many others have come and gone. Some have moved into their own apartments; others returned to the shelter; while still others relapsed or violated a rule of the house. And since those humble beginnings, more than 100 men have benefitted from the programs, services and support of Procop House.
Community Service Alliance is engaged in a process focused on service and leadership. Within an approach that values Choice, Change, Contribution, Commitment, Community, Conciliation and Charity, participants are involved in a transition dynamic that provides access to targeted training, subsidized low-rent housing, and transitional job opportunities. The business of CSA is to provide ongoing consultation to and oversight for a community building transformation process, while also serving as a catalyst of strategic alliances that focus on structuring opportunities for homeless individuals and providing a context where ongoing challenges of all partners can be mutually addressed.
This brief history of our unique organization is meant only to whet your appetite, as well as to generate other questions that will hopefully be addressed in the pages of this web site. Most importantly, it is intended to get you to act – learn more about us … make a donation … volunteer your time and talent. With God’s help, we know you will figure out how you can help and what part you will play – now and in the future!
