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Westside Catholic Center tells council committee ARPA funds expanded housing navigation; navigator placed 25 people into housing
Summary
Westside Catholic Center outlined use of ARPA funds to sustain its resource center, support shelter services and create a dedicated housing navigator who has housed 25 people; the center also reported a 76‑family coordinated‑intake wait list across three family shelters and said a prior plan to acquire 14 housing units is on hold.
Michael Bernat, executive director of the Westside Catholic Center, briefed the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services and Aging Committee Wednesday on how ARPA funding has supported the agency’s resource center, shelter and housing navigation work.
Bernat said the center — a 47‑year nonprofit based in the Ohio City neighborhood — used ARPA funds primarily to shore up its resource center, which provides meals, day‑shelter services, showers, mailing services and social programming. “We serve all who come in need of food, shelter, clothing, advocacy, and a path to self sufficiency,” Bernat said.
Bernat told the committee the center operates Mariah House, a 34‑bed family emergency shelter; seven beds are designated for female veterans through VA placements. He said the…
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