Programs and Services Offered by
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp.

• Cleveland Employer Assisted Housing
• Cleveland Empowerment Zone
• Community Organizing
• Fairfax Computer Training
• Home Weatherization Assistance
• Housing Development
• Lead Abatement & Education
• Safety and Crime Prevention
• Ward 6 Yard Light
• Wealth Building

Cleveland Employer Assisted Housing Program (CEAHP)

FRDC administers the CEAHP Program, which provides forgivable loans to first time homebuyers for employees of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and University Hospitals. Each year the employers set aside funds to encourage homeownership in Fairfax and other Cleveland neighborhoods. Hospital employees must make the home their primary residence in order to qualify. The loan is forgiven after twelve months as long as the homebuyer remains an employee in good standing with the organization providing the loan. For information please contact Wyonette Cheairs at (216) 361-8400.

Cleveland Empowerment Zone Programs

As an Empowerment Zone (EZ) Community Development Corporation, Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC) continues to market EZ loan products, services and tax incentives to existing business owners. FRDC also continues to work with business owners who have either secured or who are in the process of applying for EZ loans. For additional information about the City of Cleveland's Empowerment Zone, click HERE.

FRDC Economic Development staff provide business owners with a wide range of technical assistance services including: project feasibility analysis; zoning research and compliance; site selection and land bank requests; business plan review and assistance; business financial analysis; construction loan packaging; construction bidding assistance; architectural design review; construction monitoring; and governmental compliance (both construction and financial).

For economic development questions, contact Anthony Whitfield, Economic Development Director at (216) 361-8611

Community Organizing

FRDC works with residents of the Ward 6 area to facilitate the development of street clubs, provides street club training and works with groups to identify sources of funding for community projects. FRDC also coordinates volunteers and helps obtain resources to complete neighborhood beautification projects. FRDC also works to organize residents on issues affecting the quality of life in the community. If interested please contact Wyonette Cheairs at (216) 361-8400.

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Fairfax Computer Training Program

With support from Allstate Insurance, the Cleveland Foundation and Councilwoman Patricia J. Britt, FRDC offers free computer classes (introductory, intermediate & advanced) to area seniors. Classes are also available for adults, ages 18 years and older.

Linda Cobb helps computer student.

Held in FRDC’s state-of-the-art computer lab, the classes are six to eight week long sessions and are offered on either Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings or Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Check the Events page for dates.

For computer training information, contact Linda Cobb, Communications and Technology Specialist, at (216) 361-8616.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

The Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services fund this program to assist income eligible homeowners and tenants in weatherizing their homes. Services include safety inspections; repair of heating units; attic and sidewall insulation; electrical upgrade when necessary; air leakage reduction; and repair/replacement of water heaters. For additional information about HWAP, click HERE.

For home weatherization assistance, contact Monica Martello, Weatherization Coordinator, at (216) 361-8594.

Housing Development Programs

FRDC co-develops new construction housing in partnership with other nonprofit and for profit developers. FRDC works with prospective homeowners to obtain financing, including identifying resources for credit counseling when needed, as well as identifying vacant land for new construction activities and processes requests for down payment assistance for prospective homeowners from the City of Cleveland. FRDC also assists with design review and identifies sources, both financial and in-kind, to complete new construction projects.

FRDC acquires single-family and two-family homes, renovating them for resale to low-to-moderate income families. Interested buyers are assisted with loan pre-qualification, site selection and design review.

FRDC also acts as developer in developing new homes for low to moderate income persons. These projects are completed in conjunction with many partners and result in quality affordable housing for area residents.

If interested in new construction please contact Denise VanLeer, Community Development Director at (216) 361-8400. For rehabilitated housing, to either sell a home or purchase a rehabilitated home, please contact Debra Wilson , Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator, at (216) 361-8400. For quality affordable housing please contact Debra Wilson as well.

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Lead Abatement & Education Program

Through the City of Cleveland Department of Public Health, homes in Ward 6 and the surrounding area that have been identified as having a lead poisoned child (0 to 5 years old) or homes built before 1978 with children 0 to 5 years old, may be eligible to receive financial assistance in abating lead hazards. Contact Carla Moody, Community Development Assistant at (216)361-8400 for additional information.

FRDC also works with area schools and daycare centers to provide educational materials on the hazards of lead. Lead screening is also available. Contact Carla Moody for additional information.

Safety and Crime Prevention Program

FRDC, in partnership with the City of Cleveland’s Fifth District Police Department, works to make the Fairfax neighborhood a safer place to live. In conjunction with safety forces, FRDC conducts crime watch sessions for street clubs. FRDC also acts as the eyes and ears for the neighborhood reporting crime and working with safety forces to address safety concerns as identified by neighborhood residents. FRDC also works with the City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing to conduct code enforcement activities throughout the area.

Ward 6 Yard Light Program

FRDC markets the Yard Light Program to residents in Ward 6, who receive a 50% discount on the purchase and installation of an exterior security yard light. For additional information, contact Wyonette Cheairs, Housing and Programs Specialist, (216) 361-8400.

Wealth Building Program

KeyBank contributed $500 to FRDC to facilitate the development of an investment club for Fairfax residents. The contribution made it possible for FRDC to cover administrative costs associated with forming the club, known as Dollar and Sense Investment Club. The Club, incorporated as a nonprofit, became a member of the National Association of Investors Corporation and made its first investments during 2003. FRDC staff member - Wyonette Cheairs is Vice President and two KeyBank employees attend the club’s monthly meetings. If interested contact Wyonette Cheairs at (216) 361-8400.

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