Tender Mercies 40th Anniversary blog post
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.
