The COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to rethink their priorities, their work environments, and career choices. As more workers head toward gig work and freelance work-from-home jobs, employers are looking for new ways to attract and retain workers in a dwindling workforce. 
 

Neighborhood disinvestment and quality housing are two of the top reasons why racism is considered a public health crisis. But residents in some Black Cleveland neighborhoods are investing time and effort to make their neighborhoods safe, bright, and beautiful.

The Allen-Sullivan House, one of the last houses remaining on Millionaires' Row before it was torn down in 2021, has a colorful history of owners and uses. Architectural historian Angelina Bair chronicles its history and its fate.

For more than a dozen years, Jan Ridgeway has dedicated her time, and her own money, to Garden Valley Neighborhood House to feed and provide services to the residents living in one of Cleveland's poorest neighborhoods. 

The St. Clair-Superior Development Corporation and Famicos Foundation tout the assets of this cultural melting pot of a neighborhood with community events like IngenuityFest, Ignite! Neighbor Nights, and the hands-on Bal Fundraiser.

Long Covid causes a myriad of health problems that can last weeks, months, or even years—keeping two million to four million Americans out of work. Multi-disciplinary teams of medical experts at three of Cleveland's major hospital systems are working to alleviate the ailments of long-haulers with Long Covid clinics.

Two recent Baldwin Wallace University graduates have landed their dream jobs with the national touring company of “Les Misérables.” Actor Eden Mau is in the ensemble and is an understudy for protagonist Cosette. Ethan Rogers portrays a member of the downtrodden working class and a revolutionary student fighting for freedom as a member of the ensemble. 

LGBTQ+ Business Enterprises are part of an intentional effort to create jobs, provide opportunities and build equity. But why aren't LGBTQ+ companies signing up for the certification?
 

More than 1,000 runners competed on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Canalway's Towpath Trail marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured this year's event in this photo essay. 

There are many efforts are underway at farms, community gardens, markets, social service organizations, and public agencies to nourish communities like Cleveland—the nation’s poorest big city—where food deserts are common and healthy foods are not the cheapest, most affordable, or most accessible options. 

Many immigrants are often hesitant to access the American healthcare system—primarily because many American providers don't understand their cultural backgrounds. One Nigerian-born pharmacist is trying to remove the  barriers in Cleveland's refugee community with IKON Health Foundation.

IngenuityFest made a roaring return last weekend, with entertainment, information, and celebration of World's Fairs. FreshWater's McKenna Reiss and managing photographer Bob Perkoski offer perspective on the weekend. 

The Student Conservation Association Cleveland Metroparks Trail Corps program gets students and young adults involved in parks and land conservation efforts while they learn about environmental issues, build and repair trails along the Emerald Necklace, and spend a summer in the parks system.

In this second part of our two part series on affordable housing and racism, we look at the efforts the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, nonprofits, and neighborhood CDCs are making to improve affordable housing options and how to ensure safe and affordable housing is not discriminatory.

Affordable housing is one of the most critical basic needs of everyone. But Cleveland is lacking in affordable, quality housing, experts say, and the Black population is most impacted. While Cleveland and many neighborhood CDCs are working to improve affordable housing options, the need—especially in Black communities—is still great.

The 26th Head of the Cuyahoga takes place this weekend, with more than 2,000 people from 15 states and Canada descending upon the Flats. It seems like a good time to reflect on the river's progress in the past 53 years, as rowing and other water recreation, business, and environmental stewardship grows.