CLEVELAND — The non-profit organization Project Save is inviting families out of the cold to learn more about the services it provides. 

What You Need To Know

  • Project Save is inviting families to learn about its services

  • The nonprofit helps those battling homelessness

  • Some people who previously used Project Save’s services are now helping give back

The group is based in the Friendly Inn Settlement in the central neighborhood of Cleveland, where 95 percent of residents live below the poverty line, according to Project Save founder Carl Cook.

“I always say, ‘How do we love thy neighbor?’” Cook said. “Well, this community is our neighbors and I want to show them love and peacefulness, you know, so I can spread that onto them.”

He said Project Save’s mission is to build relationships and trust with the community to provide needed resources to prevent homelessness. 

“We really need to help structure our brothers and sisters, because if you don’t know how to be better, we want to teach you how to be better,” he said. 

Friday, the group hosted its first “It’s a Family Affair Black History Month Event.” Several organizations set up tables with information and giveaways. 

“It means a lot,” said Osha Richmond. “Because a lot of people don’t have stuff and they can come up here and get stuff that they need.”

Volunteers also handed out free clothes and winter wear to those who attended the event. 

“I like helping people, and I believe that if you help people, that people will help you,” said Carvell Sawyer. 

Volunteer Jeffery Tucker said he had a personal reason for volunteering his time.

“Because one time I was homeless, and I didn’t have no help,” he said. “I didn’t have nowhere to go.”

He said Cook helped him get back on his feet. 

“It was basically the finest of the fit,” he explained. “If you can make it, you can make it. If not, most of them were committing crimes and going to prison. But, I didn’t give up.”

Now, he helps with Project Save, lending a hand to others facing a difficult time. 

But, people didn’t just leave the event with new clothing. Free household items and haircuts were also provided, in addition to a warm meal.  

“Most of my friends, they like staying at home, playing video games,” said Rodney Cuthbertson. “Kid stuff, basically.”

But, the 14-year-old was packing lunches and learning that giving to others is a gift in itself.

“Me helping makes me feel like I did something nice today,” said Cuthbertson. “Basically, an achievement, basically.”