MMHA reports Next Step Up shelter has housed 304 people since opening
June 22, 2026 | Medina City Council, Medina City, Medina, Medina County, Ohio
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Medina — Tom O'Connell, speaking for the Medina Metropolitan Housing Authority (MMHA) and its Next Step Up shelter, reported to City Council on June 22 that the shelter has served 304 people since opening in February 2025 and that more than half of those guests came from the city of Medina.
O'Connell said Next Step Up has averaged 23–24 of 27 beds used each night through mid-June and that the average length of stay at the shelter is 33 days. "Since opening in February of '25, Next Step Up has served 304 people," he told council. He added that 68 guests have secured employment since opening (34 in the current calendar year) and that 53 households have exited into lease agreements, 21 of them to permanent housing in the city of Medina.
The shelter includes a small pet kennel to accommodate residents with animals; MMHA reported it has sheltered 26 dogs and 12 cats. O'Connell also said 35 children have stayed at the shelter during the period he reviewed and that two cribs have been used.
O'Connell described MMHA project updates: an 11-unit permanent supportive housing project on Lafayette Road is more than 60% complete and now expected to finish by mid-September after winter weather delays; Northview Manor, an 85-unit affordable housing property, is moving toward financing close with CHN (Cleveland Housing Network) and is expected to begin an approximately 18-month renovation that will require an internal relocation plan.
The shelter’s operations have been supported by local contributions, O'Connell said, including a $50,000 contribution from Medina City leadership this year. He thanked council for the support and said MMHA looks forward to continuing collaboration as projects advance.
The update ended with council and staff thanking MMHA and recognizing ongoing demand for shelter services and the need for more permanent housing capacity.
O'Connell said Next Step Up has averaged 23–24 of 27 beds used each night through mid-June and that the average length of stay at the shelter is 33 days. "Since opening in February of '25, Next Step Up has served 304 people," he told council. He added that 68 guests have secured employment since opening (34 in the current calendar year) and that 53 households have exited into lease agreements, 21 of them to permanent housing in the city of Medina.
The shelter includes a small pet kennel to accommodate residents with animals; MMHA reported it has sheltered 26 dogs and 12 cats. O'Connell also said 35 children have stayed at the shelter during the period he reviewed and that two cribs have been used.
O'Connell described MMHA project updates: an 11-unit permanent supportive housing project on Lafayette Road is more than 60% complete and now expected to finish by mid-September after winter weather delays; Northview Manor, an 85-unit affordable housing property, is moving toward financing close with CHN (Cleveland Housing Network) and is expected to begin an approximately 18-month renovation that will require an internal relocation plan.
The shelter’s operations have been supported by local contributions, O'Connell said, including a $50,000 contribution from Medina City leadership this year. He thanked council for the support and said MMHA looks forward to continuing collaboration as projects advance.
The update ended with council and staff thanking MMHA and recognizing ongoing demand for shelter services and the need for more permanent housing capacity.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
