Emerald Development and Economic Network, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) agency. EDEN is a contract agency of the Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County.

Mission Statement: EDEN, Inc. exists to develop, provide, and encourage the availability of safe, decent, affordable housing and housing support services for persons who are low-income, mentally ill, and/or disabled.

Vision Statement: Recognizing that all people need a place to live and call home, EDEN, Inc. will efficiently operate housing and related programs which will enable individuals who are disabled to maximize their full potential, exercise a degree of choice, maintain their membership in the community and their right to privacy. In a collaborative partnership with government, agencies, individuals, businesses and other community resources, EDEN will be the core agency for developing, maintaining, managing and advocating for the availability and accessibility of affordable housing units for the disabled in Cuyahoga County..

History: In 1991, EDEN received initial funding from the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board. EDEN purchased and renovated their first building, a 12-bed Adult Care facility for the elderly in Cleveland Heights. EDEN also assumed ownership of 11 buildings and 22 housing units. It all started with a staff of only 3 people. As years passed, EDEN continued to purchase and renovate properties. Currently, EDEN owns nearly 90 properties throughout Cuyahoga County. 

Two years after its opening, the County received a HUD grant for the program Shelter Plus Care (S+C) to provide rent subsidies to homeless persons with disabilities and contracted with EDEN to administer this grant.  This program continues to grow and today Shelter Plus Care is the County and Eden’s largest housing program. It serves over 1,600 individuals and families.

EDEN made history in 2003 when it broke ground for the development of Emerald Commons, a 52-unit project, located next to the EDEN’s headquarters.  This permanent supportive housing project was the first of its kind in Cuyahoga County.  The basis for this project is the Housing First model.  Currently, EDEN owns 4 supportive housing projects with a fifth project breaking ground in 2010 and slated to open in 2011. For more information on our Housing First projects please click here.

EDEN continues to grow and now employs over 80 people who work in over 25 programs and 6 locations, including our main headquarters. EDEN is proud of our growth and accomplishments and hopes to continue serving the community in the years to come.