News / Events

Mar 13, 2024

From Akron Beacon Journal by Kelsie Horner- Through a flood and financial challenges, an Akron nonprofit has continued to provide end-of-life care and companionship for people who might otherwise die alone.

Since opening its doors 1½ years ago, Grace House has cared for 66 residents during their final days.

Located at 475 N. Howard St. in Akron, Grace House is one of only three organizations in the nation to provide free, “non-barrier” end-of-life care for people who are unhoused or alone.

Being with patients during their last moments can be tough, but it is better than the alternative of people dying alone, co-founder and Executive Director Holly Klein said.

"A lot of people often ask me, ‘How can you do this? How can you be around people who are dying and sad?’ I know the alternative. That's much worse," Klein said.

The house has a non-barrier entry policy, meaning it imposes few to no restrictions for admission, making Grace House unique among other organizations assisting the homeless.

“We focus on serving the poorest of the poor, and we are unique in the fact that we have a low to no barrier for entry,” said annual fund manager and Director Amanda Novelli. “So there is, of course, an income requirement … but we take your pets. You can smoke. You can drink alcohol. We get you mental health treatment if you need that. Whereas many other places say no, you cannot come here if you have certain kinds of history. That makes us quite unique as a model.”

Generosity of donors, volunteers keeps Grace House open

Grace House relies on volunteers and donors to provide end-of-life comfort and care for individuals who are enrolled in a hospice care program but cannot afford a caregiver.

The program provides residents with shelter, food, water, clothing and 24-hour caregiving. Grace House then works with 12 outside hospice providers to assist their residents through their stay.

Each hospice provider works with a social worker who can help access services for mental health, familial support and more. 

Grace House is fully funded by the community through donations and fundraisers. 

Wayside Furniture, a local furniture company, recently made a donation of furniture for Grace House’s reflection room. 

“Our logo is ‘keeping it local since ‘37,’” Wayside Furniture President John Ferrato said. “There's no better way of keeping a logo than trying to help as many community organizations as we can. It's mostly just to feel good. It's the right thing to do for us.”

Grace House staffs close to 200 volunteers who have collectively helped the organization save $130,000 in expenses, Klein said. The house provides nine volunteer roles ranging from housekeeping to dog walking. 

“We literally would not be open, we would not be operating, we would not be helping people if it wasn't for the community,” Novelli said. “And I do want to say, too, that it hasn't just been about the money. The community has been an incredible cheerleader for us. They have championed our success and every corner they have talked us up, they have volunteered when we needed them, they just have really pitched in, in every possible way."

Grace House overcomes flood, other challenges

Since opening, Klein said one of Grace House’s biggest challenges has been working with a complex group of patients.

Grace House staffs close to 200 volunteers who have collectively helped the organization save $130,000 in expenses, Klein said. The house provides nine volunteer roles ranging from housekeeping to dog walking. 

“We literally would not be open, we would not be operating, we would not be helping people if it wasn't for the community,” Novelli said. “And I do want to say, too, that it hasn't just been about the money. The community has been an incredible cheerleader for us. They have championed our success and every corner they have talked us up, they have volunteered when we needed them, they just have really pitched in, in every possible way."

Grace House overcomes flood, other challenges

Since opening, Klein said one of Grace House’s biggest challenges has been working with a complex group of patients.

How to help

Grace House will be hosting two upcoming fundraisers. Community members can purchase tickets for their “Walk for Grace” event June 22, a zoo walk and scavenger hunt from 9-11 a.m. at the Akron Zoo.