St. Francis partners with New Housing Ohio

TIFFIN — It was announced Friday that the Sisters of St. Francis will partner with New Housing Ohio (NHO) in a long-term cooperative agreement to help address homelessness. According to a release, "the partnership allows 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." NHO will be utilizing the building that once housed the St. Francis Spirituality Center as Phase I, according to the terms of the agreement. The project is a multi-phased approach in order to address community housing needs, according to the release. This project is set to begin in July 2025. Over several years, plans are to expand services and increase capacity to serve more individuals and families in need. In an email sent out in July, the Sisters of St. Francis Leadership Team announced the closing of the St. Francis Spirituality Center in June 2025. According to the email, "After many years of discernment, research and evaluation, the Sisters of St. Francis have determined that it is time to close St. Francis Spirituality Center. The change will go into effect at the end of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2025." Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson said in a release: "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." Scott Boone, president and CEO of New Housing Ohio, said, "At New Housing Ohio, we believe that building communities means not only creating safe, affordable housing but also helping people rebuild their lives," "We are thrilled to partner with New Housing Ohio to expand our efforts in providing housing to those who need it most," Sr. Joanne Lammers, community minister and president of the Sisters of St. Francis, said in the release. "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." The partnership, according to Boone, "... is a wonderful opportunity to honor (Sisters of St. Francis') long-standing commitment to those in need, while bringing our expertise in housing and community revitalization to Tiffin." According to the release, NHO expects to begin welcoming individuals by July 2025, providing shelter and supportive services. "Today marks a pivotal moment for Tiffin and Seneca County," said Aaron Montz, president & CEO of the Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, in a release. "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."