Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Acosta
Hi Danielle Acosta, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Danielle Acosta, Founder and President, was shocked by the glaring, overwhelming needs while working as an educator of low income and homeless students, and as a real estate investor and property manager. Although there are more than 80K vacant housing units in Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District reported 2,972 homeless students in 2018. Danielle quickly realized that affordable, safe, clean housing is in short supply as student parents, tenants, social workers, and contractors described the heartbreaking rejection by rental owners who don’t accept housing vouchers, the several year, several hundred people long wait lists in order to enter the county housing voucher lottery (not guaranteed to receive one), slum lords who don’t make repairs or have allowed the water to be turned off, and the limited choices from roach and mice ridden rental property options in high crime areas. These are just a few of the challenges some must face while attempting to locate and secure a Bridge (between temp shelter and permanent) home for their families. Danielle was inspired to affect change. Established in Cleveland, Ohio in 2020, DNA RISING seeks to bring single mothers and veterans out of homelessness by providing safe, renovated Bridge Housing upon completion of education, job training and recovery programs in partnership with various community organizations that serve them. We are the only Northeast Ohio non-profit that provides support and a bridge to stability for up to 36 months.
Why DNA you ask? DNA is defined as genetic instructions for the development and function of living things. Here at DNA Rising, we want to provide an essential component and building block for a healthy and happy life which is ‘The Foundation of Home’
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! We have persevered with blood, sweat and tears as we sought to build trust in the community and secure funding for our renovation projects. As a young, small non-profit, it was very difficult to establish partnerships and locate avenues necessary to achieve our goals of renovating abandoned homes for our target populations. We have overcome disappointment, rejection, broken promises, and low budget and have risen!
We’ve been impressed with DNA RISING, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our renovated properties serve the purpose of long term, stable rental Bridge housing following completion of education, job or recovery programs. Residents will be encouraged to pursue options to purchase, and transition from tenant to homeowner, dependent upon the resident’s life stage and financial status. DNA RISING is committed to becoming a stable and dedicated servant of the community as we combat homelessness and work hand-in-hand with other community service partner organizations towards a common goal: Renewing Cleveland one home at a time. What sets us apart is the fact that we are the only Northeast Ohio non profit that offers up to 36 months of support (typical is 12 months).
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Our organization is built upon risk. The population that we serve has experienced a great deal of challenges such as unemployment, incarceration, eviction, financial hardship which make them undesirable to most landlords, but we give second chances by offering a hand up through various opportunities, most importantly stable housing.
Pricing:
- We operate within the parameters of donations, in kind labor, and partner services
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dnarising.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dnarising/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/266835971921432/?ref=share_group_link
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dna-rising-234273253/
- Twitter: @DNARising_NP
- Email: contact@dnarising.org
- Other: dnarising.org@gmail.com
