Welcome To Tender MerciesMission Statement
Tender Mercies provides housing and related services to homeless persons with histories of emotional and/or mental disabilities.
Vision
Tender Mercies is a vibrant community that. . .
- Maintains affordable permanent and transitional housing which promotes residents' comfort and makes a positive contribution to the neighborhood
- Provides support to residents allowing them to live independently as an integral part of their community
- Is financially secure and professionally managed
- Is a model of mutual respect and dignity in which individuals hold each other
accountable for their actions and behaviors
Organizational Goals
Tender Mercies is committed to the goals of security, dignity, and community, with and for its residents
- Security means a housing environment where residents' personal safety is a
priority;
- Dignity means a housing environment that allows residents to develop personal, social and economic strengths;
- Community means a regular, predictable housing environment with a sense of belonging, family and affirmation of individuals.
Related Services
In addition, Tender Mercies offers related service to its residents to insure a dignified way of life by:
- procuring benefits for residents
- offering social and recreational opportunities
- serving as an advocate for additional services needed or entitled to its residents.
History
Since 1985, Tender Mercies has been providing housing for homeless people with chronic mental illness. Three clergymen created the organization after two women with a history of mental illness became victims of a violent crime.
The women had spent years in various mental hospitals and ultimately ended up living on Cincinnati's streets. The clergymen found the women a place to live on Race Street but someone broke into the building, assaulting both women and murdering one. It was painfully clear something had to be done. That something... was Tender Mercies.
Funding
Tender Mercies receives partial funding from the Hamilton County Mental Health Board, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, United Way, and the City of Cincinnati.
Although the money received from the above sources is significant, it is not enough to keep our doors open. Tender Mercies relies heavily on the generosity of the Greater Cincinnati community to meet our budget needs.
Each year it is necessary to raise more than $500,000 from individuals, foundations and corporations to balance our operating budget.
Since five of Tender Mercies' buildings are more than 100 years old, our capital needs are also great. Again, we rely on generous donations from individuals, foundations and corporations to keep our buildings more than up to code.
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