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Cincinnati officials have proposed helping Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) purchase St. Francis Seraph Church and the adjacent St. Anthony Center in Over-the-Rhine to preserve homeless services. The proposal would allow nonprofit providers to continue operating at the site while the city develops its planned Center of Care. If approved, 3CDC would also assist the city in identifying and developing a permanent location for the future centralized service hub.
Cincinnati officials have unveiled a proposal to preserve homeless assistance in Over-the-Rhine.
They plan to partner with Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) to purchase the St. Francis Seraph Church and the adjacent St. Anthony Center.
The plan aims to prevent interruptions to services that many residents experiencing homelessness rely on. Meanwhile, city leaders continue work on a larger, permanent support campus.
Mayor Aftab Pureval announced the proposal as part of the city’s broader effort to improve access to housing assistance, behavioral health care, medical care, and case management. The partnership would allow existing providers to remain at the current location. Meanwhile, Cincinnati develops its long-term Center of Care initiative. According to WVXU, city officials believe maintaining operations at the church property will prevent gaps in support during the transition.
The proposal reflects the city’s latest step in addressing homelessness, after announcing the Center of Care initiative earlier this month. The long-term project would bring multiple nonprofit organizations together under one roof. This would create a centralized location where people can receive a range of services without traveling between agencies.
Why the homeless services proposal matters
The proposed purchase centers on two longtime community properties in Over-the-Rhine:
- St. Francis Seraph Church
- St. Anthony Center
The facilities have served as important locations for outreach and assistance programs for years. City leaders said preserving those operations remains a priority while a permanent solution is designed.
According to WVXU, the city would help 3CDC acquire the properties from the Franciscan owners. The agreement would keep nonprofit providers operating in the buildings during the planning and development of the Center of Care.
Officials said the arrangement offers a bridge between current services and the city’s future vision. Rather than relocating providers immediately, organizations could continue serving clients at familiar locations until the new facility is complete.
Mayor Pureval has said the Center of Care will provide a coordinated approach to homelessness by placing essential services in one location. Support would include housing navigation, health care, behavioral health treatment, and case management. It would also include other social services designed to help people move toward stable housing.
The administration has argued that consolidating services will improve access. Moreover, it will reduce barriers that often prevent people from receiving consistent assistance.
How homeless services fit into the Center of Care plan
The proposed acquisition builds on the Center of Care initiative announced earlier this month. The city, 3CDC, and local nonprofit organizations all contributed to the announcement.
Under the broader initiative, Cincinnati plans to establish a permanent daytime resource center. This center expands beyond the services currently available at the church complex. According to city officials, the future facility would coordinate multiple agencies under one roof. This coordination would make it easier for individuals to receive comprehensive support.
As part of the proposal, 3CDC would also assist Cincinnati in identifying and developing the permanent Center of Care location. The nonprofit development organization has led several redevelopment projects throughout downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine. It would contribute its experience in property acquisition and project management.
The city has not announced a final site, construction timeline, or complete operating budget for the permanent center. Those details are expected to be developed as planning continues.
Earlier reporting from The Cincinnati Exchange covered the city’s announcement of the Center of Care initiative and its plan to centralize homeless support services. The publication also reported on Cincinnati’s broader efforts to coordinate housing assistance and behavioral health resources across multiple nonprofit organizations.
Multiple organizations support the transition
Several nonprofit organizations that currently provide assistance at the St. Anthony Center are expected to continue operating during the transition period. Officials have emphasized that maintaining uninterrupted services remains one of the primary objectives of the proposal.
The city said preserving existing operations allows providers to continue serving vulnerable residents while long-term planning moves forward. Officials also believe continuity will reduce disruptions for clients who already receive housing assistance, health care referrals, meals, and case management through the existing network.
According to reporting by WVXU, the proposed agreement also expands 3CDC’s role beyond purchasing the properties. The organization would work with city officials on selecting and developing the permanent Center of Care campus.
Other local media outlets, including the Cincinnati Business Courier, have also reported on Cincinnati’s broader homelessness strategy and the city’s efforts to consolidate services through the planned Center of Care. Those reports noted that city leaders view centralized services as a way to improve coordination among nonprofit providers. This strategy would also create a more consistent experience for people seeking assistance.
What happens next for homeless services
The proposal still requires approval through the city’s legislative process before the transaction can move forward.
If approved, 3CDC would purchase the church and St. Anthony Center. Current service providers would continue operating at the site. Meanwhile, Cincinnati would continue planning the permanent Center of Care. Officials say this center will expand access to housing assistance, medical care, behavioral health treatment, and other support services.
City leaders have not announced when the permanent campus could open. Additional details regarding funding, property selection, and project timelines are expected as planning progresses.
For now, officials say preserving existing homeless services remains the immediate priority. The city works toward a long-term solution designed to strengthen Cincinnati’s response to homelessness.
FAQs
Why does Cincinnati want to help 3CDC purchase the church property?
The city wants to prevent disruptions to homeless services currently provided at St. Francis Seraph Church and the St. Anthony Center. Officials say keeping providers at the site will maintain continuity while the permanent Center of Care is planned.
What is the Center of Care?
The Center of Care is Cincinnati’s proposed centralized facility for daytime homeless services. It is expected to bring together housing assistance, behavioral health services, medical care, case management, and other support under one roof.
What role will 3CDC have under the proposal?
If the proposal is approved, 3CDC would purchase the church property and help preserve existing services during the transition. The organization would also work with the city to identify and develop the future Center of Care site.
Has the proposal been approved?
The proposal must still move through Cincinnati’s approval process before the purchase can proceed. City officials have not announced a final timeline for completing the acquisition or opening the permanent Center of Care.
