Four Decades of Compassion and Change at Tender Mercies

 As we commemorate Tender Mercies' 40th anniversary, we reflect on four decades of unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of homeless adults with mental illness in Greater Cincinnati. Since our inception in 1985, we have provided security, dignity, and community to over 2,500 individuals, offering them a place they can truly call home.  

 A Journey Rooted in Compassion  

In 1985, Cincinnati faced a significant challenge: the defunding of psychiatric institutions forced many individuals with mental illness onto the streets, without little-to-no housing or support. Recognizing this crisis, Father Chris Hall and clergymen Randy LaFond and Edward Slater took decisive action. They began by assisting two women, Betty and Maude, who had been released from the care they received in a psychiatric facility with nothing but cab fare to a shelter. Tragically, within months, one was brutally raped, and the other was murdered. Determined to prevent such horrors from befalling others, the founders became building managers, saving the lives of 12 more women. With the help of city leaders and community members, Tender Mercies was founded. 

As Tender Mercies expanded, it grew alongside the community. Despite economic fluctuations in the 1990s and 2000s, the organization established buildings in Over-the-Rhine, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Cincinnati community. Through times of expansion and change, Tender Mercies continued transforming the lives of people facing homelessness. 

Fr. Chris Hall at Dana Hotel.

 Expanding Our Reach  

Over the past 40 years, Tender Mercies has grown from managing a single apartment room into seven buildings located in Over-the-Rhine and the West End. Each year, over two hundred homeless men and women with mental illness rebuild their lives within our supportive community. Our services extend beyond providing safe and affordable housing; we offer wellness and recovery programs, training of living skills, social and recreational experiences, GED and vocational support, counseling, workshops, and aftercare services. These comprehensive programs address the root causes of homelessness, preventing a return to the streets for our region's most vulnerable individuals.  

 A Legacy of Transformation  

Transforming lives has always been the goal of Tender Mercies, but when physical space has become limited that hasn’t stopped us from furthering the vision of our founders.  

 The 821 Flats in the West End, opened in 2019, provides 47 units of housing. The $10 million project has been designed to foster a comfortable and calming environment with features like an enclosed courtyard garden and engaging community spaces. 

 

In 2022, we broke ground on Slater Hall, a new Permanent Supportive Housing apartment complex in Cincinnati's historic West End neighborhood. Named in honor of co-founder Edward Slater, this $13.5 million building includes 62 units of affordable housing, featuring private rooms and bathrooms, modern laundry facilities, 24/7 staff support, on-site services, and case management.  

 “This building is more than bricks and mortar; it is a means of reminding people of their humanity,” said Tender Mercies CEO, Russell Winters.  

 

All told, both buildings provide over 100 units of desperately needed housing for people who have survived homelessness. The 821 Flats and Slater Hall represent the future of Permanent Supportive Housing, expanding our ability to meet the growing needs of the people we serve.  

 Stories of Hope  

The true impact of Tender Mercies is best illustrated through the stories of our residents. Take Cheryl, affectionately known as "Miss Sunshine." After battling addiction for over 40 years, Cheryl found a haven at Tender Mercies. With our support, she completed an outpatient addiction recovery program and now works diligently to better herself. "I'm not gonna let [my past] defeat me," she says. "Thank God I'm in a safe place."   

Then there’s Edson, a resident since 2007. Moving into his new apartment at Slater Hall gave him independence and mental clarity crucial to his continued recovery. "Tender Mercies has given me a home, and a community and stability, rather than the chaos I was used to," he shares. 

Kandy, a resident known for her expressive and palpable joy, is a victim of domestic violence and other traumas; she values the security she experiences at Tender Mercies. “This is my home,” she says. “Tender Mercies gave me the stability to work on me. It gave me structure.” 

 While many stories share common threads, each journey is unique. In 2023, Tender Mercies updated its mission statement to focus on meeting the individual needs of its residents so that they can reach “their highest level of well-being.”  

 A Community Effort  

Our achievements over the past 40 years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Individuals like Joe Feldhaus, who began serving meals at Tender Mercies shortly after our founding, have become lifelong champions of our mission. In recognition of his decades of service, Joe was honored with the Sister Kathleen Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2024, Mr. Feldhaus passed away, leaving a legacy of compassion to which each volunteer and staff member strives. 

 Looking Ahead  

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our vision: to be the premier provider of permanent supportive housing for homeless adults with mental illness. The challenges are ever-present, but with the continued support of our community, we are confident in our ability to transform lives for decades to come. 

Pardon Our Dust: Tender Mercies Breathing New Life into Spaeth & Kelly Hall

As you may have noticed if you’ve visited one of our buildings on 12th Street, two of our buildings are undergoing major renovations. In a move which will convert 55 small dormitory-style rooms into 30 spacious housing units with dedicated kitchens and bathrooms, Tender Mercies is quickly approaching its 40th anniversary with an eye on expanding services, serving more people, and transforming the everyday lives of the people we serve. 

Historic Building

This renovation aligns our strategic 10-year plan with our founding goal of providing more than just housing but a true sense of home for all who come here. Spaeth & Kelly Hall, situated just half a block from Washington Park hold historic significance not just for the neighborhood, but for Tender Mercies as well, having been on the first buildings purchased and rehabilitated by our organization.

Spaeth & Kelly Hall was originally constructed as an office building in 1915. As with many of the buildings in Over-The-Rhine, the building was not immune to the ups and downs of our city’s history. By the time Tender Mercies acquired the building in 1988, it was a shell of its former self. Our young, fledgling nonprofit purchased the building for $43.00 from the city with the promise of renovating the building into a space which could providing dignified housing to those struggling with mental illness and homelessness.

Today, the building is named for former Tender Mercies CEO Marcia Spaeth-Kennedy and former resident case manager Sister Kathleen Kelly (1924-2021), both of whom dedicated their lives to the mission of Tender Mercies for decades.

Modern Upgrades in a Historic Context

The renovation strikes a balance between restoration and modernization. Local preservation experts at New Republic Architecture and Model Group collaborated to ensure the building retained its original charm. High ceilings, large windows, and exposed brick walls will be carefully restored, celebrating the craftsmanship of Cincinnati’s architectural history.

Simultaneously, the project introduces much-needed modern amenities. The 55 small, 80-square-foot units that existed before the renovation will be  completely remodeled and afford residents their own personal bathrooms, allowing  residents to cook meals in their own homes rather than a shared kitchen. The building itself will feature upgraded HVAC systems, private entrances for Resident Support Workers, additional security measures, and renovated office spaces on the basement floor. Communal spaces will include a resident dining room and lounge, free laundry facilities, and a kitchen for volunteer meal groups.

Impact Beyond the Walls

This project is about more than just the physical building—it represents Tender Mercies’ commitment to uplifting the entire Over-the-Rhine community. By providing stable housing and supportive services, Tender Mercies empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, contributing to the revitalization of the neighborhood as a whole.

The renovation has also created opportunities for local partnerships, including:

Looking Ahead

Spaeth & Kelly Hall has always been a space dedicated to the security, dignity and community that Permanent Supportive Housing provides. Residents who have previously struggled with housing stability have developed a natural support system by living among a network of people with shared experiences.

Renovations should be completed by December of 2025, marking a significant step towards our goal of serving over 400 residents a year by 2032. The end-of-year opening follows the 2024 opening of Slater Hall in Cincinnati’s historic West End community, and signals a commitment to continued growth, collaboration, and innovation in service to our community, blending the richness of the building’s history with a vision for the future. Together with our partners, we are proving that compassionate care and preservation can go hand in hand, creating spaces that inspire hope, healing, and community. This renovation is not just about a building — it’s about building lives.

 

Taking the Next Step

“I feel lucky and motivated to be alive,” says John, a Tender Mercies resident since 2020. Last October, John was in a harrowing motorcycle accident at 60 years old, resulting in a broken spine and a hospital stay that lasted until February. After months of rigorous adherence to physical therapy, John can walk again and feels minimal pain today. John has fought his fair share of physical and mental battles, but for much of his life he was fighting alone.

Back in 2018, John moved to Cincinnati to be near his sister, who knew of his mental health struggles. John first obtained shelter with local organizations Caracole, and then Gospel Mission, before coming to Tender Mercies in 2020.

At first, it was a “really hard change” for John to acclimate to the new environment and face his mental illness head-on. Just as he was settling into his new apartment, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. John, like all of us, felt “extremely isolated” during this time. It was hard to stay hopeful.

As pandemic restrictions lifted, John began to see the importance of community in his life. “It means so much more when we can all get together,” says John, and he is extremely grateful for “each and every thing” staff does, from hosting Pride celebrations to pitching in to buy food for his emotional support dog, Jackson. Tender Mercies has given John the resources and community he needs to thrive: He now sees a therapist and doctors regularly, and he notes that “if you need something, you will get it” at Tender Mercies. Having this security in his life makes it much easier to set and achieve his goals. “I was really afraid to address those mental health issues,” John says. But, “I’ve made so much progress.”

John is looking forward to moving on and finding a new place to live independently. Both his creativity and handiwork are notably unmatched at our 821 Flats building, and he is excited to fill his next home with intricate custom-made furnishings. Despite the challenges that come with finding housing, John is determined and optimistic. He recently secured his social security, which is a huge step in the right direction for him. “I have to be my own advocate,” states John, who hopes to secure a job and stay active in his community.

“When your worry is about where you’re going to live, and what it’s going to take to make it, it’s very difficult to get your life on track”

Now that John has the resources necessary to live and cope with his mental illness, he can look ahead to a brighter future. Tender Mercies has faith that John will continue to grow and thrive wherever he goes.

This interview and more are available in our 2024 Annual Report.

2023 Financial Report: Words from Rocky Coppola

From the 2024 Annual Report.

As the Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Tender Mercies’ Board of Trustees, I would like to share with you our 2023 financial successes and upcoming challenges we face as an organization.

In 2023, Tender Mercies grew total net assets to $21.6 million, a 3.2% increase from 2022.

You may ask, “What are net assets?” Our net assets consist of three primary items:

  1. Cash, cash equivalents, and cash reserves ($5.6 million)

  2. Endowment funds ($4.0 million)

  3. Property and equipment, net of depreciation and current/long-term notes payable ($13.9 million).

In 2023, net assets were positively impacted from increases in the equity markets that increased the endowment portfolio balance by approximately $552,000 before endowment withdrawals.

As you can imagine, the financial life blood of most non-profit organizations is cash flow. From a cash flow perspective, our cash flow balances remain strong and within our cash-on-hand policy as established by the Finance Committee and reviewed with the Board.

Moving forward, Tender Mercies is well positioned to execute the Strategic 10-year plan it has developed; however, emphasis will need to be placed on sustainable ways of securing additional and diverse funding sources. This is nothing new for any nonprofit, and Tender Mercies is fortunate to operate with an emphasis on financial efficiency.

During the last two calendar years we have kept management and general expenses below 10% of total support and revenue, and program expenses have been approximately 84% of total. Most organizations that monitor nonprofits look for 75%-80% of total expenses to be spent on program expenses (DWD CPAs & Advisors). Our financial efficiency speaks to the great work being done by our Tender Mercies’ staff.

I want to thank our Partners of Hope, donors, volunteers, and Board of Trustees for their commitment to Tender Mercies. By giving your talents, time, and/or treasures, you are helping to make our community a better place.

Tender Mercies 2023 Financials

The proper stewardship of the donations we receive is among he highest priorities for Tender Mercies. As evidenced above, we are committed to stretching every dollar as far as we can to help those in need.

We invite you to join the thousands of donors who support the work we do by donating to our work today.

Meet Miss Sunshine, Meet Edson

The following profiles are part of Tender Mercies’ ongoing profile series, which seeks to give a face to the stories we tell and the lives Tender Mercies seeks to change. Content may include details that some may find triggering or challenging. It is our intention to tell stories of the residents of Tender Mercies with sensitivity and dignity and truth. These are real people who have overcome real challenges, and we hope they inspire you to act and advocate.

Meet Cheryl

“I’m not gonna let [my past] defeat me.”

Just over seven months ago, Cheryl learned something new: how to ask for help. Addicted to drugs for over 40 years, “Miss Sunshine,” as she’s known around her building, is a grandmother, a graduate of First Step Home’s outpatient addiction recovery program, and a resident of Tender Mercies.

“I used to believe my life’s mission was to be an example of what not to do,” says Cheryl. “Now, I want to leave a legacy.”

Today, you can find Cheryl working diligently to better herself. Because of the supportive housing Cheryl received, she has been able to recover from her addiction in security while building and maintaining her sense of self-respect.

“I’m not gonna let [my past] defeat me,” she says.

Your donation will ensure the best possible future for people like Cheryl – people working to grow from their past and achieve their highest level of independence.

“I’m so glad God got me to Tender Mercies. Thank God I’m in a safe place.”

Meet Edson

“Tender Mercies is a community of people who are caring and understanding.”

Edson has a slight frame and a meek voice, as well as an incredible spirit and wonderful sense of humor. He has been a resident of Tender Mercies since 2007 but most recently has made important, meaningful progress in his journey to independence since moving into his new apartment at Slater Hall.

The new space has been a breath of fresh air. The additional independence that comes from not having to share a bathroom and kitchen with 20 neighbors has afforded him a mental clarity critical to his continued recovery. His room is cleaner, his outlook is more positive, and he’s even considering part-time work for the first time in a long time.

“Tender Mercies has given me a home, and a community and stability, rather than the chaos I was used to,” says Edson.

Tender Mercies is honored to be the premiere provider of permanent supportive housing in our region. The wrap-around services we provide have ensured Edson has access to social security benefits, medication, and, above all, dignity.

“Tender Mercies is a community of people who are caring and understanding,” he says.