Almost 50 years ago Mother Mary Blossom had a vision to come to Cleveland and feed the poor and hungry. She teamed up with Fr. Gregory Reynolds, who had a similar vision to create St. Herman House of Hospitality. They purchased the house at 4410 Franklin Boulevard and started serving their neighbors on September 27, 1977. As they established themselves as a place of refuge and hospitality, their ministry grew to serving three meals a day.
Mother Mary would start preparing meals in the humble beginnings of a kitchen. They had a few tables and a dozen chairs. While Mother was preparing meals, Fr. Gregory would go into the community to find hungry neighbors to fill those chairs. This continued for several years, but Mother Mary had bigger dreams. She wanted to create a monastery-type environment where men could have their basic needs met and access to resources to help them get back on their feet.
For more than 45 years, St. Herman’s House of Hospitality has been a place of refuge, community, and renewal for men experiencing homelessness in Ohio City, a near west suburb of Cleveland. Every day, 100’s of community members find meals, shelter, support, and the dignity of being known by name. FOCUS North America acquired St. Herman House in 2013 and has continued the amazing work of Mother Mary and Fr. Gregory.
But to meet the growing needs of our community—and to serve with excellence—we must renew and expand our facilities. We’ve aptly named this endeavor the Mother Mary Capital Campaign. With a renewed passion of our founders, our goal for this campaign is to strengthen the heart of our mission through critical renovations and expansions that will ensure hundreds of men and community members are served for decades to come.
Across Ohio, the housing crisis is placing immense strain on the most vulnerable members of our communities. Nearly half of the state’s 1.6 million renters now spend more on housing than they can reasonably afford, and experts estimate that 266,000 additional affordable housing units are needed statewide to meet the demand. In Cleveland alone, the shortage is estimated at 54,000 affordable homes, leaving many working families and individuals with few stable options.
For the lowest-wage workers, rent often consumes most of their income—leaving little for food, healthcare, or unexpected expenses. One setback can quickly lead to housing instability or homelessness.
For decades, FOCUS Cleveland – St. Herman House has faithfully responded to these challenges through daily ministry, accompaniment, and practical support for neighbors in need. Now, as the need grows, the ministry must grow as well.
The Mother Mary Capital Campaign marks the first capital campaign in the history of FOCUS Cleveland – St. Herman House—a testament to the ministry’s longstanding operational stability and faithful stewardship. After years of proven impact, this moment represents an opportunity to strengthen and expand this vital work for the future.
The campaign will fund four major projects that touch every corner of our ministry. You can download our case statement here.
Project 1: Transitional House II (Valaam Commons) Renovation – $600,000
(Already $200,000 committed)
This is the anchor project of the campaign. Renovations to our newly purchased property containing eight (8) apartments that will expand our transitional housing program and free up emergency beds at the main house.
Impact: More capacity for emergency and short-term shelter, more pathways to stability for men and creating opportunities as they work towards recovery and independence.
Project 2: Renovation of Existing Transitional House – $450,000
The current long-term transitional house is well-loved, rundown and outlived expectations. Renovations will include:
Impact: A dignified, safe, functional home environment where men can truly begin rebuilding their lives. The transitional house has proven to be one of the best paths for permanent housing and independence for individuals who are committed to regaining their independence and renewing their livelihood.
Project 3: Garage/Storage Facility and Fence– est. $350,000
Our vehicles and equipment are currently exposed to weather, animals, theft, and vandalism. A new garage and fence will:
Impact: Better stewardship of resources and improved safety, as well as maximize and beautify the yard that will improve the outdoor meal service.
Project 4: 15 Passenger Transportation Vehicle – $100,000
Our current van has been well used for transporting men, picking up food bank orders, helping our residents move into new living spaces and picking up donations. Transporting several residents becomes difficult because we are constantly removing and installing the bench seats. We are in need of a new 15 passenger transport vehicle that will:
Impact: Safe and reliable transportation for our staff and residents to and from festivals, Jobs Program/work opportunities and social activities.
Donating stock or closely held securities is a tax-efficient way to support FOCUS. By giving appreciated assets directly, you can avoid capital gains taxes while deducting the full fair market value of your gifts, allowing them to make a larger impact at a lower cost. This method of giving benefits both you and FOCUS.
You can find all of the necessary information for wire transfers by clicking below!
A Donor-Advised Fund is a charitable giving account that allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution, grow the funds tax-free, and recommend grants to FOCUS over time. DAFs provide flexibility and simplicity, making it easier to support FOCUS.
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the official workplace giving program for federal employees and retirees, allowing you to support FOCUS through payroll deductions or one-time donations. Click below to learn how to select FOCUS as your charity of choice.
Corporate matching gifts are donations made by your employer to match your charitable contributions to FOCUS, often doubling or even tripling the impact of your original gift.
QCDs allow individuals aged 70½ or older to donate directly from your IRA to a qualified charity such as FOCUS, excluding the amount from taxable income. QCDs are a tax-smart way for retirees to support causes they care about while potentially reducing their taxable income and meeting required minimum distributions.
A planned gift to FOCUS North America leaves a legacy of hope and compassion, providing lasting support to those most in need. By including FOCUS in your will or estate plans, you ensure that critical services—such as hunger relief, job training, and emergency aid—continue for future generations in communities across America. Your foresight and generosity empower communities to build resilience, offering a brighter future to those facing hardship.
FOCUS Cleveland is a program of FOCUS North America
FOCUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FEIN: 26-4427803
