Mission Driven
Established in Cleveland, Ohio in 2020, DNA RISING seeks to bring single mothers and veterans out of homelessness by providing safe, renovated permanent housing upon completion of education, job training and recovery programs in partnership with organizations like City Mission: Laura’s Home, ADAMHS, United Way, East Cleveland Growth Association, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and Supportive Services for Veterans.
The Motivation
Danielle Acosta, Founder and Executive Director, was shocked by the glaring, overwhelming needs while working as an educator of low income and homeless students, and as a real estate investor and property manager. Although there are more than 80K vacant housing units in Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District reported 2,972 homeless students in 2018. Danielle quickly realized that affordable, safe, clean housing is in short supply as student parents, tenants, social workers, and contractors described the heartbreaking rejection by rental owners who don’t accept housing vouchers, the several year, several hundred people long wait lists in order to enter the county housing voucher lottery (not guaranteed to receive one), slum lords who don’t make repairs or have allowed the water to be turned off, and the limited choices from roach and mice ridden rental property options in high crime areas. These are just a few of the challenges some must face while attempting to locate and secure a home for their families. Danielle was inspired to affect change.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -Edmund Burke
Values
Dignity: A safe, clean place to call home
Tangible results: Quality renovated housing
Commitment: Building community
Serving Is in our dna
The How of it all:
The mission of DNA RISING is to provide housing for, and thereby enhancing the lives of those community members who are striving to rise out of homelessness. We will accomplish this mission by acquiring donated properties from various sources such as the Cuyahoga County Land Bank, private owners looking to transfer an inherited or unwanted property, or owners needing assistance to alleviate tax liens. The properties will then be inspected and assessed by partner inspectors, appraisers and project managers in order to determine the renovation plan and budget. Local tradesmen will renovate the properties for the purpose of renting or resell to formerly or currently homeless veterans or single mothers. The vision for DNA RISING is to actively contribute to the renovation, improvement and rebirth of Cleveland’s inner city and first ring suburbs, while supporting the underserved populations of this magnificent city by providing affordable rental, and ultimately purchase options.
The Vision
Our renovated properties will serve the purpose of long term permanent rental housing following completion of education, job or recovery programs. Residents will be encouraged to pursue options to purchase, and transition from tenant to homeowner, dependent upon the resident’s life stage and financial status. DNA RISING is committed to becoming a stable and dedicated servant of the community as we combat homelessness and work hand-in-hand with other community service partner organizations towards a common goal: Renewing Cleveland one home at a time.
Volunteer Opportunities
* Demolition
*Clean Out
*Residential Tour Assistant
*Yard Clean Up
*Completed Project Cleaner
*Social Media Maintenance Assistant
*Communications Assistant
*Public Relations Assistant
DNA RISING
The DNA RISING Blog is where you can find news, details on our upcoming projects, and important items about life in our community.
What's the big deal?
According to The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless:
Individual and Family Statistics
• NEOCH estimates that there were about 23,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2018 in Cuyahoga County
· The Office of Homeless Services estimated that only 7,000 of these people entered a shelter for housing. 80% of these residents were people of color.
· Cleveland public schools recorded 2972 homeless students in 2018.
· Family homelessness has increased 35% to 2572 individuals.
• In 2018, the minimum wage in Ohio was $8.30/hour. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a single individual would need to make $15.25/hour while working 40 hours a week to afford a two bedroom apartment. A single mother would need to work 73 hours a week under current minimum wage to afford a two bedroom apartment.
• 4,667 adults and 1,631 children were screened at the Coordinated Intake Center in 2018.
• · There are only 710 units of permanent affordable housing in Cleveland.
• Cleveland shelters have 906 beds for single individuals and 287 beds for families. The number of available beds has decreased by 444 units in the past decade
• · 618 people have reported staying in a dangerous place before entering the shelter system.
• · NEOCH estimates that there are 77,000 people who need subsidized affordable housing
Unitedwaycleveland.org: 2019, There are an estimated 390 homeless families (with children)
Veteran Statistics:
Dayton Daily News.com Estimated 676 Homeless veterans in the state of Ohio as of 2019
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless: Cuyahoga county estimate, there are currently 250 homeless veterans
Let's DO Something together!