Tiffin, Ohio – November 22nd, 2024 – In a historic move to continue their mission of providing housing for the homeless and at-risk individuals and families, the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin have entered into a long-term cooperative agreement with New Housing Ohio (NHO). This partnership will allow the Sisters to continue their 155-year-old mission of serving the most vulnerable members of society, while enabling NHO to leverage its expertise in specialized housing to create sustainable solutions for homelessness and disabled populations in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, NHO will begin utilizing the building that once housed the St. Francis Spirituality Center as Phase I of a multi-phased approach to address community housing needs. The project is set to begin in July 2025 and will unfold gradually over the next several years, with plans to expand services and increase capacity to serve more individuals and families in need.
A Partnership Built on Compassion and Commitment
The Sisters of St. Francis have long been dedicated to the care and support of those who find themselves without a home. Today, the need for housing and support services for the homeless and disabled has never been greater, with more than 100 students in our local schools meeting the standard of homeless. By partnering with New Housing Ohio, the Sisters ensure that their founding mission will continue to evolve in response to the growing challenges facing homeless populations.
"We are thrilled to partner with New Housing Ohio to expand our efforts in providing housing to those who need it most," said Sister Joanne Lammers, Community Minister and President of the Sisters of St. Francis. "This partnership will allow us to continue our mission and provide shelter, dignity, and hope to those facing homelessness and disabilities. Together, we are building a future where everyone has a place to call home, while continuing the legacy of the last 155 years at this location."
"At New Housing Ohio, we believe that building communities means not only creating safe, affordable housing but also helping people rebuild their lives," said Scott Boone, President & CEO of New Housing Ohio. "This partnership with the Sisters of St. Francis is a wonderful opportunity to honor their long-standing commitment to those in need, while bringing our expertise in housing and community revitalization to Tiffin."
A Future of Hope and Stability
By July 2025, NHO expects to begin welcoming guests and providing shelter and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Over the next three to four years, the project will expand to offer more housing options, as well as supportive services designed to help residents regain stability, improve their mental health, and transition to long-term self-sufficiency.
"The partnership between the Sisters of St. Francis and New Housing Ohio is a transformative step in addressing the critical need for housing and support services," said Mayor Wilkinson. "The Sisters have been a beacon of compassion and service in our community, and this collaboration ensures their mission continues to meet the growing challenges of homelessness, preserving a legacy of care while creating sustainable, impactful solutions that will change lives and strengthen Tiffin for generations to come."
A Vision for the Future
This partnership reflects a shared vision for the future – one in which people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can find not just a roof over their heads but the support they need to rebuild their lives. As the project develops over the coming years, the Sisters of St. Francis and New Housing Ohio will continue to work together to provide not only housing, but also the services and resources that enable individuals and families to thrive.
"Today marks a pivotal moment for Tiffin and Seneca County,” said Aaron Montz, President & CEO of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership. “Years from now, people will look back on this day and recognize it as the day our community truly came together to tackle the critical issue of homelessness. This partnership will not only help individuals and families find stability and a place to call home, but it will also play a key role in supporting our local economy. By offering housing and services to those in need, we will create a pathway for people to rebuild their lives, which in turn helps fill jobs at businesses across our county. The ripple effects of this collaboration will be felt for generations."
About the Sisters of St. Francis
The Sisters of St. Francis, based in Tiffin, Ohio, have been dedicated to a life of service for more than 155 years. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition of caring for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, the Sisters’ mission has always been to live out the Gospel by offering care, compassion, and justice to those in need.
For more information on the Sisters of St. Francis, please visit www.tiffinfranciscans.org
About New Housing Ohio
New Housing Ohio is a nonprofit developer and provider of specialized housing solutions, focused on supporting individuals who are mentally ill, developmentally disabled, recovering from addiction, or experiencing homelessness. With a strong track record across multiple Ohio communities, NHO’s mission is to create sustainable, supportive housing that revitalizes neighborhoods and strengthens communities. They focus on repurposing older buildings, breathing new life into them, and creating spaces that promote stability and healing for the people who live there.
About Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership (TSEP):
Started in 1983 as the Seneca Industrial and Economic Development Corp. (SIEDC), the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving positive economic, downtown, and community development in Tiffin and Seneca County, Ohio, which consistently ranks among the top communities nationally for economic development. Learn more about the great things going on in Tiffin and Seneca County at www.tiffinseneca.org.
Contact Information:
For the Sisters of St. Francis:
Sister Joanne Lammers – Community Minister & President
419.447.0435
jlammers@tiffinfranciscans.org
www.tiffinfranciscans.org
For New Housing Ohio:
Scott Boone – President & CEO
boone@newhousingohio.org
www.newhousingohio.org
