Cherry Street Mission Ministries has long served as a lifeline for individuals facing homelessness and poverty in Toledo, providing more than just emergency shelter. With a comprehensive approach to support—including housing, health, and community integration—Cherry Street also addresses the root causes of homelessness, helping individuals rebuild their lives.
In 2024, Cherry Street received a $30,000 grant from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation to fund a vehicle, enabling them to transport clients to various appointments, interviews, housing locations, and facilitating other essential services. The vehicle will significantly enhance their ability to meet client needs, scale programs, and further fulfill its mission of eradicating poverty in the community.
A Mission-Driven Partnership
“Cherry Street’s mission resonates deeply with the Foundation's focus on investing in individuals in disadvantaged situations, making the partnership a natural fit,” said Mike Deetsch, executive director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. Cherry Street’s approach goes beyond providing temporary shelter; it integrates programs to help clients find long-term housing, establish income, and foster connections within the community. This alignment allows Cherry Street to tackle immediate needs while creating pathways toward sustainable stability and well-being.
“The Foundation’s commitment aligns closely with our own values. We don’t just serve the homeless; we aim to restore dignity and create new beginnings,” said Katie Frye, vice president of development and marketing at Cherry Street Mission Ministries. This shared vision has fostered a meaningful relationship, one in which Cherry Street feels recognized and supported, not only as grant recipients but as key players in a broader effort for community betterment.
Addressing Transportation Challenges: A Foundation-Funded Vehicle for Cherry Street’s Fleet
Before receiving the Foundation’s grant, Cherry Street lacked accessible transportation for their guests. For many individuals, reaching essential health appointments, social services, or community engagement events was a significant challenge.
The Foundation’s support of client transportation has been transformative, addressing these critical gaps. The vehicle enables staff to assist guests with essential tasks, such as moving into stable housing, delivering meals, and even facilitating participation in civic duties like voting. This added mobility has allowed Cherry Street to help more people overcome logistical obstacles to accessing the resources they need.
Scaling for Greater Impact
In recent years, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, homelessness in Toledo has surged, presenting new challenges for local agencies. Because Cherry Street makes up 82% of the single emergency shelter beds in the community, the organization’s Ready for Life Program, which integrates secure housing, income support, and community connections, has become even more critical. The Foundation’s funding empowers Cherry Street to not only maintain but expand these offerings, positioning the organization to meet community needs more effectively.
Candace Buckley, vice president of programs and services at Cherry Street Mission Ministries, highlighted the professional yet personable nature of the Foundation, stating, “The relationship goes beyond transactional support. The Foundation understands our goals, creating an environment where we feel empowered to focus on our mission.” This professional camaraderie has been invaluable, allowing Cherry Street to make the most of the grant to strengthen its reach and impact.
Lasting Outcomes
The partnership between Cherry Street Mission Ministries and the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation demonstrates the profound impact of focused, mission-driven support. The Foundation’s grant has been instrumental in reducing access barriers, expanding services, and setting Cherry Street on a sustainable path for the future. As Cherry Street continues to address the complexities of homelessness with an inclusive, holistic model, the support from the Foundation underscores the power of community-focused collaboration, creating ripples of positive change throughout Toledo.
A Year of Impact:
- 1,867 individuals served in 2023
- 48 days - Average length of stay
- Over 1,200 volunteers
- Over 180,000 meals served in 2023
● $4.21 to provide a meal for an individual experiencing homelessness