BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF OPPORTUNITY
Hope is Where Home is.
Smart Development Inc strives to continuously spread our message of opportunity, hope, and equity. When communities struggle, it is our duty to focus on not only short-term but long-term recovery for more diverse, equitable communities we call home. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly transform lives.
We are committed to seizing each and every opportunity to build sustainable communities with vibrant economies filled with beautiful housing options, employment opportunities, and supporting those in need to lead sustainable lives with equal access and ability to thrive. We believe equity is truly achieved when each and every individual, especially those who face additional barriers due to their race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status has options and opportunities in where they live, work, and play. With collaboration and partnership true change can occur, and we believe we are the leading advocates for communities of color and for those who are under-represented. We will continue to create and refine our services that empower and inspire, and to build relationships that support and sustain our mission. We will cultivate a spirit of neighbor caring for neighbor that will give the community back to the people with hope for a brighter future.
ABOUT US
Smart Development Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization committed to providing services, programs, and resources to meet the needs of the ever growing diverse residents of Greater Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County. We focus our efforts in the following program areas: Housing First and Communities First. Housing First focuses on revitalizing our neighborhoods through housing rehabilitation and development services, while also aiding individuals and families in reaching financial stability and leading them to a pathway toward financial freedom. Our housing portfolio ranges from single family homes, to multi-family units that remain affordable and suitable to low-income and working class families. It is our true desire to bring a more holistic approach to community revitalization and building strong neighborhoods with options.
Communities First focuses on the additional needs within our communities that enable families and individuals to feel empowered and be able to lead lives with opportunities and the resources they need to survive. Wrap-around services are critical for whole family-stability. To help residents lead healthy, secure and dignified lives, we’ve developed a full spectrum of services that foster continued growth and empowerment for our residents, their families and their communities including workforce readiness and job development services, case management, language translation, and connecting residents to products and services they need with trusted community partners. We provide Arabic and Farsi language service assistance in conjunction with English as we serve as a trusted-voice and community representative for the Arabic-speaking, Immigrant, Refugee, Ethnic Minority, and Muslim community. Although we serve all individuals of all walks of life, Smart Development Inc as comprised of immigrants, first-generation Americans, and individuals of diverse backgrounds, ensuring communities of color are no longer under-represented is critical.
We take pride in continuing to remain a grassroots organization regardless of how large in size or impact we grow to be. By not allowing community lines hold us back from aiding all neighborhoods in need, we zone in on areas that have been left out of community revitalization and residents who traditionally are under-served and under-represented to offer our programs and services. We ensure communities are given the proper attention and time they deserve, as partnership and collaboration are key to true transformation.
We are committed to positively impacting communities by bringing together resources in ways that make a sustainable, long-term difference. We partner with businesses, banks, foundations, community stakeholders, and other nonprofit organizations that share our beliefs and have an inherent desire to invest in social change to transform communities.
Smart Development Inc is a proud member of Ohio CDC Association.
MISSION & VISION
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create, nourish, and build sustainable and vibrant communities through community-based services, affordable housing, and wrap-around supportive services ensuring all individuals and families can thrive while maintaining and celebrating diverse cultures, values and people.
OUR VISION
We look to transform neighborhoods into more safe, clean, healthy, diverse, and engaged places residents can call their own. By partnering with residents, community stakeholders, and those invested in ensuring future sustainability for all, shaping neighborhoods of choice is key. Our goal is to build a just and equitable society with the full participation of Refugees, Immigrants, Ethnic and Racial Minorities and all under-represented individuals and families.
WHO WE SERVE & WHAT WE DO
We Help all in need, regardless of background. While we serve all, we emphasis our work to uplift Refugees, Immigrants, Ethnic and Racial Minorities, Low-Income Families and children, Seniors, and Limited-English speakers who need Arabic language assistance.
78% of our clients are at or below 200% the Federal Poverty Guidelines with an a average family size of 4.
30% of our clients are limited-English or Non-English Speakers.
10% of our clients are seniors.
84% of our clients are either: first-generation immigrants, Second-Generation, refugees, or identify as Arab, South-East Asian, Black, or Latino/Hispanic.
COMMUNITY FIRST SOCIAL AND WORKFORCE SERVICES:
Donation of Basic Needs Items
Case management and Referral Services
Culturally-competent food-boxes
Assistance in applying for benefits/filling applications
Job placement/Job search, career planning, and skill self-assessment tools
Employability skills workshops, i.e. resume writing, interviewing and other related topics
Job Club and supportive environment
Basic Adult Education
Resources to funded trainings/educational programs
Community and democracy building/Civic Engagement activities
Volunteer opportunities
HOUSING AND FINANCIAL STABILITY SERVICES:
Housing Revitalization and Development
Minor Home Repair Program
Financial Literacy/Consumer Education
Home-buyer education and counseling
Connect individuals and families to public resources and entitlement benefits
Emergency services
Translation/interpretation services
Prescreen clients for eligibility
Help gather all supportive documents
Coaching assistance for individuals applying for tax credits
Join us in making a real difference.
KEY LEADERSHIP
Committed to the Cause
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals as apart of our board, supportive staff, and volunteer base are always involved and working, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of Smart Development. We’re always pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to perfect and grow our programs and services.
MUSTAFA ABED
Executive Director and President
NAIEM ELKHATIB
Program Manager
ANOULAK PHENGRASUETH
Housing Coordinator
MUNA HASSAN
Case Manager
KHADEJA NAJEH
Social Worker
CHRISTIAN FALLS
Maintnance
GET INVOLVED
You Can Make a Difference
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Volunteer Your Time and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help.
MAKE A DONATION
This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we doat Smart Development Inc. Get in touch with any questions about how you can Make a Donation today.
PARTNER WITH US
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Partner with Us and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help.
We work diligently to continually enrich the lives of those we serve. Providing the housing and connecting our communities to the services we do would not be possible without dedicated volunteers and generous partners. Together everything is possible.
RESIDENT RESOURCES: COVID-19 UPDATE
The Board of Directors and staff of Smart Development are recommending to all who are affiliated with us stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19: Novel Coronavirus outbreak, available on the World Health Organization website and other reputable sources along with the national and local public health authorities. COVID-19 is affecting people in our community and around the globe. We recommend that you take precautions to remain safe and healthy as we continue to do the work of Smart Development. Any adjustments to our program and services schedules will be announced on an as needed basis.
Be in the know of all the resources available to residents of Cuyahoga County here.
World Health Organization (WHO) HYPERLINK https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) HYPERLINK https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Expand your business with the available resources in Cuyahoga County today here.
CONTACT SMART DEVELOPMENT INC
1192 E 40th Street Cleveland, OH 44114
216-309-0833