Weekly News from LMM
Congratulations, Chopping for Change Graduates!
Congratulations to this outstanding cohort of Chopping for Change students who graduated on July 12th, 2022!

Of the 18 students, 3 earned Therapeutic Certificates, 6 earned Culinary Training Certificates, and 9 earned their Associate's of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and Hospitality.

LMM could not be more proud of this group of graduates and we look forward to what these women accomplish moving forward.

Thank you to Karin Mckenna for the wonderful photos.
Be Who You Are.. We'll Meet You Where You Are
Join LMM for a fun-filled morning in celebration of being your unapologetic selves, speaking your truth, seizing new opportunities, joy and following what lights your fire. Click here to register to run the 5k or walk a mile at the event.

LMM is looking for volunteers to assist with hosting at A Run In Living Color. Click the button below to email us and let us know you're interested in volunteering!
Creating Vibrancy at Coventry House II
Working With Nature Landscaping recently donated their services at LMM's recently launched Coventry House II, an affordable housing opportunity for individuals exiting the Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside.

The Working With Nature team rototilled and amended the soil at Coventry II in preparation for more volunteers from St. Christopher's and St. Paul's Episcopal Churches to plant shrubs this weekend.

As Men's Shelter Volunteer Coordinator Lydia Bailey puts it: "Good people all around helping out." Thank you, volunteers!
Advocacy in Action with Gloria and Morgan
LMM's Community Engagement Coordinator, Gloria Craig and Advocacy Intern, Morgan Edwards, recently took to social media to share the importance of your voice and your vote. Gloria and Morgan shared voting tips, helped out with voting plans, spoke with LMM staff, and sat down with a State Representative to discuss the importance of being civically engaged.

Give us a follow on social media to check out Gloria and Morgan's Advocacy in Action videos and to stay up to date with our Civic Engagement and Voter Empowerment campaign!
LMM Launches New Website
LMM is proud to announce that we have launched a new website! Visit www.lutheranmetro.org to explore the new site, learn more about LMM's programs, get involved with volunteering and more.

Thank you to our partners and friends at Gas Mark 8 for building the new site!
One-Year Anniversary of the Hotel Hubs Project
A little over a year ago, following a temporary shelter project in Independence, LMM worked with community partners to launch the hotel hubs project which provided safe shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are a few results of the hotel hubs project and new developments in LMM's Housing & Shelter world since it closed:
  • Deconcentration of the Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside via the hotel hubs led to a low COVID positivity rate of less than 5%.
  • A Housing Fund was put in place to provide $600 to individuals experiencing homelessness, enabling 400 people to move out of shelter. Early results show a 90% success rate.
  • The U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs dedicated $1.25 million for small, private Veteran units to be built in the Men's Shelter.
  • Cuyahoga County acquired the property at 2020 Lakeside to allow for a 50% expansion of shelter space to help with deconcentration and resident privacy.
  • Cuyahoga County has awarded $4.5 million in ARPA funding to further renovations at the Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside to curb any future congregate living challenges, like those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Choolaah 30% Fundraiser
Head to Choolaah in Ohio City on Friday, August 19 from 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM to support LMM. 30% of your purchase will be donated to LMM when using the code LUTHERAN in the Choolaah app or by letting your cashier know you're here to support LMM.