CLEVELAND — It’s a time for giving, and a local initiative is doing that in a big way for one family in need this holiday season.
Its called Home for the Holidays: The Victoria Edition.
The Real Black Friday is teaming up with several other local organizations to give a single parent family a one-bedroom apartment rent free for an entire year.
The apartment, located on Cleveland's East Side, will be fully renovated and furnished with a refrigerator filled with food, just in time for the holidays. The family will also get a shopping spree to get gifts they want for Christmas.
In addition, the Real Black Friday will deposit $250 into a savings account for the parent. They will also get one year of free financial and credit counseling to help them get back on their feet.
Organizers say there’s been an outpouring of support from the community that’s allowed them to double their efforts.
“There are so many people in our community that are dealing with poverty, that are without a home, that don’t have a key to their own place,” said LaRese Purnell, founder of the Real Black Friday.
“Showing the community that if we stay together and work together, we can make a change. And to see that happen in such a short period of time is just amazing. And it reminds us of the goodwill that we do have as a community,” said Stanley Jackson, managing partner at Cochran Cleveland.
Anyone interested in being chosen or who knows someone in need should submit a one-page letter explaining why they are deserving. Letters can be forwarded to therealblackfri@gmail.com by the deadline of December 10.
Tenant Requirements:
- Must be employed (entire year)
- Attend financial and credit counseling
- Save $250 per month (one year will have $3250 saved to assist with transition)
