Breaking New Ground

In 2019, the Cleveland Browns donated $100,000 to the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM)'s Breaking New Ground affordable housing initiative as a reflection of the NFL's Inspire Change movement.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) is a 50 year-old non-profit providing innovative social enterprise job-training, civic engagement strategies and safety net services for the city of Cleveland and across northeast Ohio. Breaking New Ground was established to provide affordable and stable housing for families exiting homelessness, particularly those impacted by the criminal justice system. The organization’s innovative rental model is structured through the purchasing and renovation of up to 20 homes in Cleveland's St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, supported by affordable rents and connections to support services to families in need.

During the past few years, we have met with players to discuss and coordinate community engagement opportunities with organizations supporting social justice. LMM was the organization chosen by Browns players in 2019 to receive support through the NFL club matching grant program, joining the City of Cleveland Recreation Centers; EDWIN’S Leadership & Restaurant Institute; and Toward Employment. We are proud to work with Cleveland Browns staff and players to support these organizations doing vital work to enhance social justice in Cleveland.