Since 1977, the West Side Catholic Center has offered hot meals, hospitality, clothing and household goods, emergency services, advocacy, a women and children's shelter, and a housing solutions program to those in need at no charge, regardless of religious affiliation. The West Side Catholic Center was established in 1977 by several area churches that saw a critical need within the community due to extreme poverty. We are a unique, private, not-for-profit agency with Catholic roots, independent of the Catholic Diocese and Catholic Charities. Our Mission Grounded in faith, hope, love and respect for those we serve, the West Side Catholic Center assists all who come in need of food, clothing, shelter, advocacy and a path to self-sufficiency. 33% of Cleveland's residents and almost half of Cleveland's children live in poverty. Cries for help include: food and medication, heat and water, homelessness, help in search of a job, lack of transportation ....these are just some of the critical needs that we address at WSCC each day. Our Programs respond to the needs of men, women, and children in Cleveland, regardless of their religious affiliation, and WSCC has no geographical limits on its service area. All services are provided free of charge. Trauma-Informed Human service systems become trauma-informed by thoroughly incorporating, in all aspects of service delivery and the physical setting, an understanding of the prevalence and impact of trauma and the complex paths to healing and recovery. In 2010, the West Side Catholic Center began training all staff and volunteers to become "trauma informed" integrating this philosophy into every program we offer our clients. Building on key principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment, trauma-informed services are designed specifically to be welcoming and hospitable for all individuals.