Plans for a youth drop-in center aimed at helping young people experiencing homelessness in Cleveland have encountered a major setback. While Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LLM) received approval from the Cleveland Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to build the center at the Lutheran Family Services building on Franklin Boulevard, a Cuyahoga County judge reversed the decision.

Judge Brian Mooney ruled that the area was “clearly” intended to be a residential neighborhood, although he acknowledged the city's need for a youth drop-in center. He suggested that LLM could build the center in another neighborhood zoned for such activity.

LLM President and CEO Maria Foschia strongly disagrees with the ruling and filed an appeal on Dec. 31. She emphasized that youth in need of services should not be placed in impoverished or industrial areas. “Young people should not receive services in impoverished or industrial sites. They deserve to be in a diverse neighborhood with all types of people and services,” Foschia said.

Neighbors have voiced concerns about safety, but LLM has a comprehensive safety plan in place, including gates, surveillance cameras, and safety officers, to address those worries.

The drop-in center is part of an initiative by A Place 4 Me, a youth and young adult homelessness organization. It will be operated by LMM in partnership with the REACH Youth Action Board. Kayy Morgan, a member of REACH, shared his personal experience of homelessness and how such a facility would have benefited him.

The city of Cleveland has also filed an appeal in support of the project, with the city’s Law Department stating that defending zoning decisions is part of its routine responsibilities. The case remains ongoing.