When a parent faces a medical emergency, housing crisis or other unexpected hardship, finding safe care for a child can become an urgent concern. For more than four decades, Providence House has helped Northeast Ohio families navigate those situations while keeping children safe.

Founded in 1981 by Sister Hope Greener, Providence House provides free, temporary shelter for children from birth through age 12. Children stay at the crisis nursery while parents and caregivers receive support to address the circumstances that brought them there.

Those circumstances vary widely. A family may be facing eviction, a shutoff of heat or water, homelessness or an unsafe living environment. A parent may need hospitalization or medical treatment and have no trusted person available to care for their children.

At Providence House, children receive personal necessities, supervision and nurturing care from trained staff in a home-like setting. Children with medical or developmental needs may also receive specialized services and therapies.

Equally important is the work done with their families. Child advocates help parents connect with housing resources, parenting support, substance-use treatment, mental health services and other community assistance. Providence House works with a network of local agencies to help families create safer, more stable circumstances before reunification.

The organization began in a three-room house on Cleveland's West Side and later established its Ohio City campus on West 32nd Street. Its facilities include Leo's House, a traditional crisis nursery, and Elisabeth's House, which serves children with medical needs. An additional nursery at Buckeye Road and East 118th Street expanded access for East Side families, including those in Lake and Geauga counties.

Families seeking assistance can contact Providence House directly. Even when nursery space is unavailable, staff can help connect parents with resources and referrals.

The goal is straightforward: protect children through a family crisis, support parents through it and help families return home together.

For more information on how you can help, visit www.provhouse.org or call 216-651-5982.