Mission: Grounded in our Catholic faith, with love and respect for those we serve, we assist refugees who come in need of shelter and a path to self-sufficiency, and help those in need in our neighborhood community.

Joseph House is a 501(c)(3) that began in 1997 to meet the housing needs of refugees resettling in Cleveland. Over the past 22 years, the ministry has expanded to include a clothing bank that serves refugees and Cleveland neighbors in need. We are located in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, an area with a poverty rate of 49.5%.

Staffed by volunteers, our clothing bank has provided much-needed clothing and shoes to over 1,400 local neighbors and over 1,400 refugees from 29 different countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Many of these families come with just a bag or suitcase full of possessions, and have to start over completely. Especially during brutal Cleveland winters, this can be especially challenging. Our clothing bank provides clothing and shoes free of charge, giving hope and assistance to families who are struggling.

We operate four apartments that provide refugees with a safe, stable, affordable home, and a place to become self-sufficient. Currently our apartments are home to a single mother and her children and grandchildren, three young men who do not have any family here, a mother and father with small children, and a young married couple.

Over the past 22 years, 118 refugees from Sudan, Burundi, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus, Tanzania and Congo have lived at Joseph House. It is a joy to celebrate victories with these families: learning English, enrolling in school, getting a job, becoming a citizen, and finding peace in a new country.

All of these amazing ministries are overseen by one part-time staff member, with all remaining labor being provided by volunteers. The Board of Directors is active in oversight of the small budget, and board members regularly volunteer and donate funds to further the Joseph House mission. We invite to you to support our refugees and our clothing bank.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Matthew 25: 34-40

Find out more about Joseph House:

Visit our website:

Josephhouseofcleveland.org

Northeast Ohio Catholic Magazine:

http://faithdigital.org/Cleveland/CLE0918/#?page=18

The Plain Dealer:

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/04/joseph_house_clothes_shelters.html

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/07/joseph_house_clothing_bank_ser.html