Health and Human Services Aging Committee approves extension, funding cap for Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry men’s shelter contract

The Health and Human Services Aging Committee approved Resolution R2025‑0129 on April 2, 2025, authorizing an amendment to the county’s contract with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) for operations and case management at a 400‑bed men’s emergency shelter at 2100 Lakeside Avenue in Cleveland. The amendment extends the contract period to Oct. 31, 2025, updates the budget (Exhibit 3) and provides additional funds not to exceed $4,591,000, effective upon signature of all parties.

County Director David Merriman and Marcos Cortez of the Office of Homeless Services described the change as a time‑and‑funding extension tied to funding availability and operational needs. "This is the first year in my experience that we have not needed to use overflow for men," Merriman said, citing the 2020 Lakeside expansion as helping the system avoid days beyond capacity. Cortez said the amendment adds roughly 10 months because of how funds became available and that staff intend to return with an additional amendment to align contract end dates per council request.

Why this matters: the contract funds shelter operations, meals, showers and case management intended to link residents with employment and housing. LMM officials said the 2020 Lakeside improvements created semi‑enclosed "pods," lockers, power outlets and more accessible beds, and staff are looking to use remaining ARPA dollars for further site upgrades.

Marcos Cortez confirmed the contract is funded by county levy dollars. In response to a question from Council President KLA Miller, staff replied, "The contract is 100% funded by levy dollars," and that no federal funding is included for this contract. LMM’s chief program officer, Michael Serringham, and Erin Cray, LMM director of housing and shelter, described the program as a low‑barrier model: about 75% of guests may remain in the facility during the day while roughly 25% use it for emergency overnight shelter, with typical overnight arrivals processed in the afternoon and departures after breakfast.

A council member asked whether demand for beds has changed. LMM staff said COVID‑era counts fell significantly and have been rising toward pre‑COVID levels; they added that length of stay has increased slightly, which can raise nightly occupancy even if annual totals remain lower than some prior years. Director Merriman said about 16% of coordinated‑entry referrals arrive from outside the county and suggested organizing site tours so council members can view the renovated spaces.

Administration asked that the resolution be approved upon suspension of the second reading. The committee moved, seconded and the chair called a voice vote; members responded "Aye," with no opposition announced. The chair declared Resolution R2025‑0129 approved. Staff said they will return with an additional amendment to extend the contract further and to align year‑end contracts to a March 31 schedule per Councilwoman Conwell’s request.

The committee adjourned after brief miscellaneous remarks.