Frequently Asked Questions

A: EDEN provides long term and temporary subsidized housing; emergency one-time-only funds for security deposits, rent to avoid eviction, utility assistance to avoid disconnection; one-time only furniture assistance, moving expenses and emergency housekeeping to avoid eviction. EDEN also owns and manages nearly 90 properties throughout Cuyahoga County, including our “Housing First” Permanent Supportive Housing programs. (back to top)

Q: How does someone qualify for assistance through EDEN?

A: For most of our programs, individuals (or members of their family) must have a documented disability and have low or no income to qualify. EDEN’s programs have different sets of eligibility criteria. Please see our Program Descriptions for more information. (back to top)

Q: What qualifies as a disability?

A: Each of our programs have different disability requirements, which must be documented by appropriate professionals. In some cases, applicants need provide proof that they receive SSI or SSDI. EDEN’s mission is to serve individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to chronic and severe mental health disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse disorders and HIV/AIDS. Please see the Program Descriptions section for more information. (back to top)

Q: How can someone apply for assistance through EDEN?

A: Applications for most of our programs are available on our Applications page on our website. For most of our programs, applicants will need to obtain assistance from their case managers regarding completing and submitting the application(s). (back to top)

Q: Are any documents needed along with applications?

A: In most cases, applications require copies of the following documents for all household members: birth certificates, social security cards, proof of income (or notarized statement of no income), photo identification, and documentation of disability. See our Program Descriptions page for more information. (back to top)

Q: Can someone come to EDEN to pick up or drop off an application?

A: In most cases, applicants should complete and submit their applications through their case manager who will then submit them to EDEN through their agency. (back to top)

Q: Do you have a waiting list?

A: Most EDEN programs have waiting lists. It can take up to five years or longer to access some programs depending upon the program and funding availability. Some programs may be available immediately. Please see the Program Descriptions section for more information. (back to top)

Q: Do participants need a case manager or social worker in order to qualify for your programs?

A: Yes, most EDEN programs require a case manager and some programs are only offered through specific agencies. Please read the Program Descriptions section for more information. (back to top)

Q: Can case managers from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) refer their clients for EDEN programs?

A: No, case managers from ODJFS do not refer clients to our programs. See our Program Descriptions page for more information. (back to top)

Q: How much rent do clients pay when they are accepted into an EDEN subsidized housing program?

A: For most of our programs, clients pay between 30-40% of their adjusted gross monthly income (which includes SSI, TANF, employment, child support, etc.) towards rent and utilities. (back to top)

Q: Do you accept someone into your program if they have no income?

A: Yes, but EDEN needs to verify this information. Clients must sign a notarized statement of no income and, for some programs, EDEN performs 3^rd Party Verification checks. Please be aware that most EDEN programs require clients to work towards self-sufficiency goals, which means clients must apply for all eligible income sources and/or entitlements or be involved in an educational or training program. (back to top)

Q: Where can participants live if they have a voucher for an EDEN program?

A: For most of our programs, clients choose their own housing unit from a private landlord in Cuyahoga County who accepts a housing subsidy. EDEN also owns nearly 90 scattered site properties located in the city of Cleveland and in the suburbs on the Westside and Eastside. (back to top)

Q: Can a landlord refuse to accept a rental subsidy program?

A: Yes, every landlord has the right to not accept rental subsidy vouchers. However, EDEN works with nearly 1,000 landlords throughout Cuyahoga County who accept EDEN vouchers and who will lease to tenants in our programs. (back to top)

Q: Are landlords allowed to inquire about a person’s disability?

A: No, Fair Housing Laws forbid landlords from asking or discriminating against people with disabilities. For more information regarding Fair Housing Law please click here. (back to top)

Q: Can a significant other (not a spouse) live with someone enrolled in an EDEN program?

A: Yes, clients may request to add a significant other adult to their household, however, this will not increase their approved number of bedrooms. The added tenant’s income will be counted toward the rent payment. For household composition and income requirements, please refer to our Program Descriptions page. (back to top)

Q: Does EDEN offer any rent to own programs, or can EDEN help someone buy a home?

A: No, EDEN does not have any services to assist in purchasing a home. If you are interested in home ownership, you may contact Cleveland Housing Network for more information. (back to top)

Q: Are there other housing resources available in Cuyahoga County?

A: Yes, please see our Links section for more information. (back to top)

Q: What can I do if I have a complaint or concern about an EDEN employee?

A: If you are a client currently enrolled in an EDEN program, please click here to find out more information about Clients Rights. All others may contact our main office at #216-961-9690 and ask for the appropriate supervisor. (back to top)

Q: I am a case manager…Can I send my client to EDEN to fill out a housing application?

A: No, case managers should assist their clients with completing and submitting all housing applications. If a client needs to come to the EDEN offices, EDEN appreciates that appointments be scheduled with the appropriate staff. (back to top)

Q: What happens when a participant’s income changes?

A: Rent portions are effected by both increases and decreases to a household’s income. EDEN must be informed immediately (in most case, within 14 days) of any income changes. Clients may be subject to retroactive paybacks or termination if income increases are not immediately reported. (back to top)

Q: Can a client be hospitalized or incarcerated without losing their EDEN subsidy?

A: It depends upon the program, but generally a client can be hospitalized (or admitted to an inpatient treatment center) for up to 90 days or incarcerated for up to 30 days without losing the EDEN subsidy. (back to top)

Q: Do units subsidized by EDEN have to be inspected?

A: Yes, most EDEN programs require initial and annual inspections. EDEN only subsidizes units that can pass HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS), which are minimum requirements. Tenants cannot move into units or sign a lease until a unit passes HQS. In addition, tenants must attend annual re-certification appointments and must provide information about family composition, income, assets, and allowances and deductions in order to remain eligible for the program. (back to top)

Q: What if a landlord isn’t properly maintaining the unit or is neglecting his or her duties as a landlord?

A: Please refer to Cleveland Tenants Organization’s website for information regarding landlord’s duties regarding property maintenance. Tenants need to put the complaint in writing and submit it to the landlord (and submit a copy to EDEN). Landlords have up to thirty days to make all non-emergency repairs. If the landlord has not satisfactorily made the repairs after thirty days, a complaint inspection can be scheduled by calling EDEN. For emergency issues, such as no heat, no hot water, no electricity, a broken door or window or infestation of rodents or insects, tenants must contact their landlord immediately. If there is no response by their landlord, tenants must contact EDEN immediately. (back to top)

Q: What if a tenant isn’t properly maintaining the unit or is neglecting his or her duties as a tenant?

A: Please refer to Cleveland Tenants Organization’s website for information regarding tenant’s duties regarding property maintenance. Landlord’s should contact EDEN immediately if there are issues with tenant’s maintaining their unit. (back to top)

Q: Can clients transfer their services to another case manager and/or agency?

A: Yes, EDEN must be updated on all service transfers and cancellations. (back to top)

Q: Where can I find more information about EDEN?

A: Please feel free to browse our website and if you should need more information, please e-mail us at info@edeninc.org or call #216-961-9690 and ask for our Housing Resource Specialist. If you are a service provider and are interested in having EDEN give a presentation to your agency, please contact our Housing Resource Specialist. If you are a landlord, please visit our Landlord Info page for more information. (back to top)