Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Announces “Pope Leo Village”
Fifteen Affordable Homes on Elwell Avenue in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, September 15, 2025 — On the birthday of Pope Leo XIV (September 14), Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity (GCHH) announced Pope Leo Village, a project to build fifteen affordable single-family homes in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood of Cleveland.
The project is sponsored by the generosity of an anonymous donor inspired by Pope Leo’s vision and commitment to serve others. Pope Leo Village will give families the opportunity to build and purchase homes with affordable mortgages, while also honoring the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
This Cleveland initiative joins similar Pope Leo Village campaigns launched by Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country, including in Chicago and Cincinnati with more cities expected to join. Together, these efforts highlight the importance of safe and affordable housing while inviting communities of faith to live their values through prayer, service, and generosity.
“Habitat was founded on the belief that faith in action can change lives,” said John Litten, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. “Pope Leo Village is a chance to live that out in Cleveland. Families, youth, and faith partners of all traditions will join us in building a neighborhood rooted in stability and hope.”
Work on Elwell Avenue is already underway. With support from the City of Cleveland and ARPA funding, 11 homes are scheduled for completion in 2026, with the remaining homes to be completed by 2027.
Habitat’s Mission and Faith Foundation
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry that believes everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. Since its founding, Habitat has sought to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Greater Cleveland Habitat continues that mission locally by partnering with families, volunteers, donors, and youth to transform lives and neighborhoods.
Youth Involvement
A central part of Pope Leo Village will be engaging youth and young adults from high schools, colleges, and faith communities. Through build days, fundraising campaigns, and outreach, young people will be invited to take an active role in shaping this neighborhood and carrying forward the spirit of service to others.
How to Get Involved
Greater Cleveland Habitat invites the community to:
- Pray for the families who will move into these homes
- Volunteer at individual or group build days (dates to be announced soon)
- Support fundraising efforts through parish, school, and congregational campaigns
- Follow progress through social media and newsletters as Pope Leo Village develops
To support Pope Leo Village with a gift, please visit https://www.clevelandhabitat.org/news-events/popeleovillage/
Dedication Ceremony
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity will host a dedication ceremony on Elwell Avenue to celebrate the naming of the new builds as Pope Leo Village and to honor the individuals and families involved. The event will bring together community members, faith leaders, volunteers, and supporters to bless the in-construction homes and mark this milestone.
About Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
Since 1987, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families and communities to build and rehabilitate more than 300 homes across Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Families work alongside volunteers to build their homes and purchase them with an affordable mortgage, creating stability and opportunity for future generations.
Media Contact:
Allison Lipinski
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
Phone: 216-970-0467
Email: alipinski@clevelandhabitat.org
Website: www.clevelandhabitat.org
