From Darkness to Light has temporarily stopped services while its Cleveland facility is without power, disrupting its work to address and prevent homelessness in Greater Cleveland. The nonprofit was founded in November 2006, according to a profile of executive director Michelle Russell.
Damage has halted services
The outage followed six break-ins over a couple of weeks, including several in the most recent week, News 5 Cleveland reported. The station said the incidents damaged wiring, electrical boxes and copper piping. The building has been without power for nearly three weeks, and the damage may require a complete rewiring, according to News 5.
Ohio's scrap-metal rules
Ohio law includes cable, wire and electrical components used in providing utility service among “special purchase articles” subject to scrap-metal transaction rules, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
The nonprofit offers free clothing, shoes and household goods to people in need, including people experiencing homelessness, News 5 reported. Services are suspended while volunteers secure the property and consider how to proceed.
Repairs add to existing costs
Russell told News 5 that the organization lacks the funds to cover the additional repair work. Before the break-ins, it was preparing for roof repairs estimated at approximately $250,000 because of ongoing leaks, the station reported.
News 5 reported that the nonprofit is asking nearby residents and businesses to review security-camera, doorbell-camera and dashcam footage from recent weeks. Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact Cleveland police at 216-621-1234.
The organization is also preparing a raffle to raise money for repairs. Tickets are expected to cost $5, with televisions, electric bikes and computers among the prizes, according to News 5. The station reported that donations are also being sought to help the nonprofit address the damage and work toward restoring services.
