“I love that FrontLine is so integrated in the community, and that we truly meet people where they’re at to make sure they get the services that they need in the way that best suits them. I care about this work because everyone deserves someone to truly support them and help them achieve what is important to them, even if it doesn’t look the way we want it to.”

Nicole Knepper is Associate Director of FrontLine’s Community Health Services Department and has been with the agency since 2013.

FrontLiner ProfilesCarly HaufeApril 16, 2025housing, Rapid Rehousing, homelessness

FrontLiner Profiles: Shyanne Urban

“I love that FrontLine is so integrated in the community, and that we truly meet people where they’re at to make sure they get the services that they need in the way that best suits them. I care about this work because everyone deserves someone to truly support them and help them achieve what is important to them, even if it doesn’t look the way we want it to.”

Shyanne Urban is the Traditional Rapid Rehousing, and Domestic Violence Rapid Rehousing Program Manager and has worked at FrontLine since 2022.

FrontLiner ProfilesBruce WaltonMarch 10, 2025housing, Rapid Rehousing, homelessness, Shyanne Urban

FrontLiner Profiles: Nicki Blade

“I don’t think people understand how hard it can be for someone, especially a vet, to ask for help so the fact that they do means they have already completed half the battle to getting themselves back on track.”

Nicki Blade is a Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Manager and has worked at FrontLine for 13 years.

FrontLiner ProfilesBruce WaltonNovember 11, 2024SSVF, Veterans, homelessness, housing, Nikki, Blade, Nikki Blade

Program Spotlight: Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Sev wakes up on the couch in his cousin’s house, checks his phone, and leans back, looking at the ceiling. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and groans, stretching. He knows he’s lucky to have a few friends and family members who have been able to offer him a temporary place to stay for a week or two, but couch surfing for the last four months is getting pretty old…

Program SpotlightBruce WaltonNovember 11, 2024veterans, ssvf, homelessness

Program Spotlight: Coordinated Intake

Parents are always thinking of their children: how to feed, clothe, teach, and comfort them. That pressure exponentially increases when you are also fleeing from an abusive partner with no support system.

Jess needs somewhere to stay after living out of her car with her three children. The seats make uncomfortable beds, and she can only keep the heat running for so long before her battery runs out. It’s difficult to feel safe in a parking lot or garage, but it feels much safer to her than living another night with her abusive partner.

Program Spotlight: Art Workshops

On a bright but frigid Thursday afternoon, residents at Harper’s Pointe, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) site, gather in the community room to begin their monthly art workshop. Art instructor and local professional artist, Guy Vincent, introduces the activity of decorating small paper craft boxes, offering coloring supplies, old magazines, glue, and scissors to decorate the boxes however they like.

Program Spotlight: Permanent Supportive Housing

The road to mental health recovery is not a straight line. It takes many twists and turns, with success looking different for every person. When an individual’s condition changes, FrontLine staff do not give up but look for additional ways to support those who are struggling.

FrontLiner Profiles: Macayla Dowling

“I have been extremely fortunate to have stable housing and a strong support system throughout my entire life. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to have safe housing where they truly feel at home.”

Macayla Dowling is a case manager for Permanent Supportive Housing and has worked at FrontLine Service since June 2022.

Program Spotlight: Forensics Team

David considered the end of his 30-year prison sentence a starting line rather than a finish line.

After his release, David struggled to live in a world he hadn't seen in decades. He felt completely lost filling out online applications for jobs and housing and navigating the Internet and smartphones. However, he felt determined to rebuild his life after incarceration without relying on others.

Program SpotlightBruce WaltonFebruary 5, 2024homelessness, incarceration, Forensics Team, Diana Warman, Nikki Knepper

FrontLiner Profiles: Tara Gower

“Many of our clients have literally hit rock bottom, ended up unhoused, and were resilient enough to rebuild their lives. It’s an honor to serve them, cheer for them, and support their journeys.”

Tara Gower has been a Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager since February 2023.

FrontLiner ProfilesBruce WaltonSeptember 7, 2023Tara, Tara Gower, Gower, Permanent Supportive Housing, homelessness

Safe Havens: The Houses of a Thousand Chances

If you have ever walked by someone lying on a grate on your way to a Cavaliers game, that person might now be a Safe Haven resident.

The Safe Havens are home to adults who have lived on the streets for years, plagued by hallucinations and other symptoms of mental illness.

For more than 25 years, the Safe Havens have encompassed two sites, an 8-bedroom house in Slavic Village and a 12-bedroom house in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood.

Program SpotlightBruce WaltonMarch 21, 2023Safe Haven, homelessness

FrontLine Service News

FrontLine Service

Our Services

Get Involved