To provide families facing the crisis of homelessness with a safe place designed to engage, inspire, and guide them toward a future where they feel empowered to control the course of their lives.


Family Promise of Greater Cleveland was formed in 2011 through the merger of two long-standing homeless services providers. In 2013, these approaches were fully integrated into a single temporary housing program, with a new emphasis on providing individualized support to younger families.

In 2015, the shelter underwent a major renovation that increased capacity, improved operational efficiency, and consolidated services under one roof. In mid-2020, the Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that launched a trauma-informed organizational culture, expanded programming, and introduced Behavioral Health Services to better meet the complex needs of families.

In April 2025, the Board approved a refreshed strategic plan focused on deepening community partnerships, expanding employment initiatives, and advancing innovative approaches to supporting family stability and long-term success.

Family Promise of Greater Cleveland is an affiliate of National Family Promise, a network of more than 200 independently operated nonprofit organizations across the United States dedicated to serving families experiencing homelessness. While each affiliate is a separate 501(c)(3) organization designed to meet local community needs, all are connected through shared research, best practices, advocacy, and policy leadership that strengthen the collective impact for families nationwide.

Locally, Family Promise of Greater Cleveland is an active partner in the Cuyahoga County Continuum of Care, working collaboratively with the Office of Homeless Services, the community’s Coordinated Intake system, and other providers committed to preventing and ending homelessness for individuals and families across Greater Cleveland.

Our History

Family Promise of Greater Cleveland was created by the merger of two organizations, New Life Community and Interfaith Hospital Network. Both non-profits served the local, homeless population of Greater Cleveland.

New Life Community

In the summer of 1990, four families moved into their apartments in a building on Kinsman and East 154th Street as part of a pilot project called New Life Community. New Life Community had been shaped gradually over two years through an ecumenical prayer group organized by Tom and Grace Uhle. Tom was awakened in the night with a clear sense of a call to provide a transitional housing program for the homeless families of Cleveland. New Life was modeled after a program in Dallas called Interfaith Housing Coalition.

In 1992 the founders of New Life Community bought the St. Cecelia's Parish School building for $1 from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, and raised the money to renovate the interior into 14 apartments with offices and program space on the lower level. Today this space still offers shelter to homeless families on the upper two floors; and houses agency staff and programs on the lower level.

Interfaith Hospitality Network in Cleveland

IHN was always a family affair for Kay Bork, founder of Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland. While living in Cincinnati, Kay's two young sons loved to volunteer with IHN.  After moving to Cleveland, her sons asked when they could once again play with their IHN friends. Kay learned that IHN had not yet come to Cleveland. National IHN encouraged her to take action and start a local affiliate.

Kay's enthusiasm for IHN and her passion to help homeless families was contagious. Soon enough churches and synagogues had agreed to host. After much hard work, the first host week occurred in July 1998 at Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights. Families welcomed warmly by host congregations told her they never knew that so many people cared. IHN opened new doors for homeless families. Over the years the congregation network grew to over 60 "host" and "support" churches and synagogues that provided meals and overnight accommodations to homeless families throughout the community.

Our Team

Officers

  • Nicholas Doljac President

  • Andrea Bucci, Vice President

  • Loretta Stevens, Treasurer

  • Jessica Ison, Secretary

Board of Directors

  • John Beer

  • Mary Bright

  • Andrea Bucci

  • Bradley J. Diedrich, Esq.

  • Phil Fogarty

  • Vanetta Jamison

  • Michael J. Kaczka, Esq.

  • Robert Kissling

  • Jennifer Koch

  • Julie Mayock

  • Traci Sage

Emeritus Directors

  • Beverly Coen

  • Timothy Panzica

Senior Staff

  • Jacqueline Salter, EMBA, MFT, PCC-S, Executive Director

  • Michaella DeAlexandro, LISW-S, Director of Programming and Project Management

  • Tiarra May, LSW, Housing and Supportive Services Manager

  • Michael Starlin, Maintenance Manager

Check out what our National office is up to! https://familypromise.org/