A Journey of Faith
THE LONG-AWAITED LAUNCH OF BHITC’S HOMES AT HOPE COMMONS
W. 56th St. in Stockyards was alive with the vibrant energy of a Carnival Block Party in September. Colorful balloons and tablecloths danced in the breeze, the scent of buttery popcorn lingered, and children raced toward the bounce house. On the lots sitting next to the carnival, one group of youth chased a football. Another pair tossed bean bags onto a cornhole board. Thanks to the vision of Maria Rodriguez, this Rally CLE project promoted a time of togetherness and fun for the neighborhood.
Just days later, a significant milestone took place on the same lots—BHITC officially broke ground on its first of two campuses for below-market, supportive housing on the Near West Side. With plans to welcome tenants by next summer, Homes at Hope Commons represents not just new homes, but a broader vision for community revitalization and holistic care that BHITC has been cultivating for over six years. Rooted in unwavering faith and perseverance, Jeff Stredney, Director of Good Neighbors Housing, has been a driving force behind this project’s completion.
“Years ago, we stood on this lot with a blighted property and several vacant lots with significant challenges to acquisition,” Jeff recalls. “We also had no idea how to even begin engaging in the process of new construction, let alone multi-unit development. But this is where faith and hope in our God become powerful allies! Through prayer and exploration with trusted partners and friends, years of work, and dozens of committees and plan approvals and revisions, we are getting to see, together, God’s faithfulness in this effort. Watching these buildings come under the roof is a practical witness to the truth of Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
While housing is an important piece of community development, BHITC is also committed to tenant care, urban farming, youth enrichment programs, and other community improvement projects. This approach aims to champion residents, providing them with the tools and resources they need to pursue their own path of neighborhood renewal.
Current tenant Reggie Davis, who has been living in one of BHITC's restored rental properties since February 2024, shares his journey: “Four years ago I was homeless and in and out of sober houses. Being sober for three and a half years now, I’ve turned my life over to Jesus. I get a piece of serenity when I’m in this house. This is God’s house.” Reggie has been known to the BHITC community since 2020 through various partner organizations, including Bridge CLE. Through collaboration with referral partners, BHITC gains insights into the specific needs of individuals seeking housing, ensuring a right fit between our tenants and the housing options we provide.
The progress we’ve made is a testament to the power of prayer and the incredible support from our friends and partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to organizations that share BHITC’s vision for affordable housing, including Community West Foundation, Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County Land Bank, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, U.S. Bank, Grace CMA Church, Royal Redeemer, Thatcher Family Fund, Reinberger Foundation, Jochum-Moll Foundation, and many FLOURISH campaign supporters. We also thank our build partners and advisors—Ryan Bodine and Caliber Building Company, Gary Naim and Petros Homes, and Don Dreier and Independence Construction—as well as our city and civic leaders: Jasmin Santana, Kerry McCormack, Joyce Pan Huang, City of Cleveland, and MetroWest CDC. Finally, we give our heartfelt thanks to the Lord Jesus, for without Him, none of this would be possible, and with Him, all things can be achieved.
The future is bright as BHITC takes this monumental step forward, however the project still needs more partners and prayers. If you’re interested in financially contributing to the second phase of construction for Homes at Hope Commons, which will build another 14 housing units in the neighborhood, contact Jeff Wright, BHITC’s Senior Manager of Donor Partnerships, at jwright@buildinghopeinthecity.org.
