Update 09/6/2017: New developments regarding the Harbor Light facility flooding again and misconduct regarding staff: The Harbor Light Saga – New Footage
For many, Harbor Lights is viewed as another opportunity, a second chance and a fresh start. Some people attend Harbor Lights for substance abuse treatment and others are released from prison to the half-way house. When new-comers arrive for the first time, all sense of hope & excitement is quickly dashed as the decrepit facility echoes death & despair all the way to the bone.
Over the course of the past decade, Harbor Lights has continued to go down hill. No money is being recirculated back into the building, the bathrooms haven’t been upgraded in almost 20 years, the common areas and bedrooms are all extremely dilapidated. Infestations are running rampant throughout the walls, there is mold within the facility, it has a constant pungent smell, security is weak, programs lack and the inspiration and hope that thrived in many, has died.
Two days ago, Jerry McCloud (https://www.gofundme.com/rip-jerry-mccloud) of Cleveland, Ohio, fatally overdosed within the Harbor Lights facility. His death resulted in a total lockdown of Harbor Lights and a nightmare for Mr. McCloud’s family & friends. Questions are being raised as to how this man was left alone for such a long period of time, how he obtained the drug within the building and why someone didn’t help him when he was overdosing? Those answers may go forever unanswered, but the underlying issue is related to extremely poor security, incompetent staffing & lackluster monitoring of substance abuse & half-way clients.
2017 Harbor Lights Security & Safety Grade FAILING, INCOMPETENT STAFFING
Virtually all of the individuals who currently reside at the Harbor Lights facility have said that the food is really good. The number one complaint is roaches. Every single client has complained about roaches scattering through the housing units, day rooms and food areas. The second highest complaint is followed by the facility falling apart.
2017 Harbor Lights Sanitation Grade FAILING, ROACH INFESTATION
2017 Harbor Lights Dietary Grade PASSING
Harbor Lights was just recently inspected by the State. Somehow the facility continues to pass, which is an interesting fact. An inspection is when a quality control effort is made, to ensure that the facility is falling within various housing guidelines and regulations. Those regulations are fairly standard across all State institutions, whether they be prisons, half-way houses or rehabs. The trick to a facility such as Harbor Lights passing is this. Prior to the inspectors arriving a notice is sent to the administrators. Those administrators then inform the clients to “chop chop” before the inspectors arrive. In most cases, the inspection date is known days or even weeks in advance.
Inmates/clients are then required to clean excessively, and begin a masking procedure to hide the nightmare in which they are residing. They do this by moving things around, dressing things up and spraying excessively. The truth is that the facility probably still fails, but the inspectors being part of the State or an independent firm hired by the State, continuously give them a pass. After all, who cares about drug addicts and convicts, right?
2017 Harbor Lights Inspection Grade FAILING, MANIPULATION & TIP OFFS
Images From Within Harbor Lights
These images of the Harbor Lights bathroom above are typical of what you would expect to see within a county jail or prison institution. For inmates to be released to a half-way house with standards such as this actually being WORSE than what they were faced with while in prison is simply unacceptable. Half-way houses are supposed to be a step in the right direction, towards more comfortability and a re-introduction into society, not the other way around. Keep checking back, more images from within the facility are being compiled.
COBRA Says: I would refuse to go to this location. If they are trying to send you there, request to go somewhere else – unless it’s your absolutely last resort.
Readers Note: The Salvation Army / Harbor Lights complex has been in business for more than 50 years. The facility offers a host of services ranging from Alcohol & Drug addiction services and programs such as P.A.S.S., Community Corrections, Electronic Monitoring, the Zelma George Family Emergency Shelter & more.
The operating expenses for the fiscal year ending in 2014 totaled $23,426,425. Of which more than 10% of that money was spent on Management & Fundraising activities. This means, that precisely $2,500,000 went into pockets of others that were not in need, this money could have been used to upgrade the facility and bolster it’s much needed programs. There is also evidence of possible skimming that could be noted within the contradictory FAQ’s provided on the Salvation Army’s website and the Total Operating Expenses chart.
According to the chart above, 5% of the budget went towards management/administration. Yet on the FAQ page this number is off by 8%, stating that only 87 cents of every dollar goes to programs, while 13 cents goes to administration. That’s 13%… Even when combining the Management & Fundraising categories we only reach 11% which leaves a 2% differential. 2% of $23,428,425 might not sound like much, but is $468,568 unaccounted, misplaced & missing money. Money that is much needed elsewhere…
SCUMBAGGED Tip: Harbor Lights is making enough income yearly to invest back into their facility. What’s happening is a severe misappropriation of funds, culminated with skimming and heavy pocket loading. If the administrators of this facility can’t figure out how to remove infestations, upgrade facilities and make an environment that is conducive for the client, then they should be removed from their post. Immediately. There should not be blatant overdose deaths occurring within this facility. It simply shouldn’t happen. Nor should the multitude of other issues still be present with the amount of income that is received on a yearly basis.
References:
http://neo.salvationarmy.org/northeastohio/faqs
http://neo.salvationarmy.org/northeastohio/ClevelandAnnualReport2014
this just happened to my father on june 26th 2017. he did survive the “overdose” in serious condition with many serious medical injurys and brain damage. he cant remember much of anything. and in the halfway house he sat there dying for 30 hours give or take. and the staff didnt even contact us i had a friend my age in around the same time as my dad he called me and told me. the halfway house refuses to answer any questions and his phone records are very fishy not to mention i was in contact with my father everyday he was there up to the 20th. i went to visit him there everytime i could up untill fathers day.there’s ALOT THAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS for us. id love to help bring this abusive AND disgusting place down. if there is anyway i can help please contact me.
I need answers ASAP
Sorry to hear about your brother, we’re all hear for you man!
You get them billy cuz if i have to keep at it i damn well will not sleep at nite till i do!!! This is UNCALLED FOR!!!! PLEASE LET YOUR DAD IF HE NEEDS TO TALK…I AM HERE N IF HE DOESN’T WANT TO TALK HERE I AM MORE THAN WILLING TO MEET HIM ANYWHERE…THE LAKE IS A PERFECT SPOT TO JUST HEAR THE WATER CRASHING N ITS JUST SOO PEACEFUL…I HAVE BEEN A GOOD LISTENER MY ENTIRE LIFE!!
440 494 4685
riddle.jordan.1120@gmail.com
if you would like to talk and bring this place down contact me
I lived in harbor lights for 1 years. The director John was my case worker and he help me tremendously. The people living there are responsible to get out of bed go to group or work and meeting etc. I can assure u that at least half of the people were refusing the help being offered. U should go down to 2100 and u would be so great full that ur able to stay at harbour light. They searched u every time u came into the building. And I actually got kicked out the 1st for drinking. I had to go back to 2100😵 For 2 weeks the biggest thing was the bed bugs. They were everywhere. The other major issue was that the county or state refused to give money to help. The ARC wants any better. The night staff sucked. They didn’t care at all. Sleeping on job. The main issue was letting people who are court ordered stay there who don’t want help. That’s the issue. Why did this dude die at a rehab Well he didn’t want help that’s why People in prison get crazy amount of drugs in there. So why the hell so u think a rehab wouldn’t have some one who doesn’t want help. Bring drugs in there ass and sneak it up. And when they drug test you while watching. They kick U out. Over all John and this program helped me it actually saved my life the only reason why is Cause I was a drug addict who was helpless and got help and hope from certain people and I helped my self. I’ve seen so many people shoot dope in there rooms. And. Atheism there. U can’t blame the staff. Blame the guy who doesn’t want help who took a bed away from some who really wanted help
I FIND IT KINDA MESSED UP THAT THEY WANT TO SEND PEOPLE WHO NEED SERIOUS DRUG TREATMENT TO THE PLACE WHERE EVERYONE EVEN LOCALS GO TO GET THEIR DRUGS FROM, THAT VERY BUILDING? ITS SETTING ANYONE IN THE SYSTEM UP FOR FAILURE . PEOPLE WHO DO DRUGS CLEARLY HAVE A ……….DRUG PROBLEM WHY SEND EM TO THE MANUFACTURES DOOR STEP??
You saying my brother didn’t want help? Dickhead ass dude you don’t know shit
You are the problem
Read the shit before comment
If they search you. As a client or inmate. Then that means staff is bringing the drugs in is that what your saying Kevin !! Jerry Mccloud did not do drugs if they take a hair sample from him or test his tissues it will show he did not use drugs. U can get drugs faster in. Lock up then u can in the street!!
you give a guard a 20 dollar bill and they let you bring whatever you want
[…] The Harbor Lights Nightmare – Death, Despair & Dilapidation (Cleveland, Ohio) […]
I was in the family shelter befor they moved right next door.. There were ambulances almost everyday. Thats all we heard about were people dying! At least 3 people passed away in a 2 month span! And believe me the security was not all that great!!! The place was dirty and roach infested!! They Definetly made you know you were homeless!!! So sorry to any of the families that lost a loved one!
They don’t even search your bags when you come in for treatment. Anyone could have brought drugs in with no problem at all!!
My son is there. He got sick immediately. There is so much mold in the bathroom that he ended up having to go to a doctor, which they are making him pay for and get antibiotics for a sinus infection He said he puts cotton in his ears at night because of cockroaches that just walk down your bed when you are laying there. He is on the 2nd floor (court ordered) There is a woman there that only likes the black men, she goes by “Mrs. T”. She actually told my son she was gone to get someones cane and bust his knees with it. My son said he was told there were 19 overdoses the two week before he got there. Now they are making it mandatory IOP when you are released. So not only are they collecting over $30,000 per client, they will collect additional money after release. I believe the whole program is a joke. You can’t get better in 43 days for what it took 14 years to develop. The whole system is corrupt, including the judicial system. They are setting you up to fail and then they just keep collecting money. It makes me sick that this is my sons life they are toying with!
No matter how much they search u it’s still easy to bring drugs in lol y’all sound dumb. But for Jerry, R.I.P. he was a great man, everyone likes him, idk what took place but it hurt a few ppl I can name personally. I’m sorry for your loss. He was a great guy!
If you’d like to talk please send a message
My son was at this wonderful place back in January and a young man there asked for three days to go to the hospital he had known heart problems and they wouldn’t take him my son found him on this nasty bathroom floor He had died there from a heat attack they didn’t notify this boys family for hours my heart still aces for his family we need better programs ran by better people
i was there as well u have to help yourself and make them help you barber lights a piece a shit man!!
Im very sorry to the family of Mr. McCloud I didnt know him I live in Harbor lights now and I seen him around before. Im truly sorry for your lost. He didnt deserve to die like that. I truly do believe alot of things in this place need to be investigated but alot of us keep our mouths closed because we dont want the risk of being shipped back to prison but the way they have us living and the way some of the staff treat us is wrong and i mean wrong beyond means. At times there are clients who pay off staff to bring in these drugs and you have staff that are just as corrupt as some of the clients that are hopused here. Im a client who actually wants to change my life and i face danger here everyday. i witness people using and selling dope everyday i first hand watched others overdose. This is a serious problem and something needs to be done. The living conditions they have us in is so gross. Nobody should ever have to live the way we live…..Honestly its beyond disgusting
i dont know you , but with what happened to my father i know how bad it is in there!
i am doing my best to help get this place shut down for the fact the it is killing more people than helping. im and only 23 years old but i am 6 years clean from heroin. i went threw the whole nasty addiction, so when i tell you if you need help , i promise to do whatever i can from my spot, to help you even if you just need to talk .
440 494 4685
riddle.jordan.1120@gmail.com
I cant help my son they killed him. I prey and hope that this DEATH will change things and maybe from here on out JERRY can save peoples life I WILL NOT BOW DOWN FOR THE SYSTEM I AM GOING TO PUT THIS PLACE ON THE SPOTLIGHT I AM ASKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SON AND ANY INFORMATION ON ANYTHING THAT GOES ON IN THIS FACILITY AND I PROMISE I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO HAVE THIS PLACE INVESTIGATED TOP TO BOTTOM JERRY LOST HIS LIFE AND NOW WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLACE JERRY CAN REACH OUT AND MAYBE SAVE SOMEONES LIFE AND GET THIS HELL HOLE TURNED AROUND I AM WRITING LETTERS SENDING EMAILS IM MAKING PHONE CALLS IM NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL THIS PLACE GETS INVESTIGATED AND IF THAT DOESNT WORK THEN WE WILL PROTEST OUTSIDE TILL WE GET ANSWERS AND CHANGE AND MAYBE START A PETITION TO HAVE THE PLACE INVESTIGATED I AM NOT ASKING FOR CHANGE IM DEMANDING IT ANY INFO PLEASE SEND GENE.MCCLOUD@YMAIL.COM I WILL NOT SHARE WHO I GET INFORMATION FROM ANY AND ALL INFORMATION IS WELCOME IF YOU ARE IN THE FACILITY AND YOU NEED HELP IF I CAN HELP PLEASE NOTIFY ME …THANK YOU
Our son died of an overdose in late June. We thought he looked great and was doing well. He visited us every couple weeks for a few days at a time. Harbor Lights would call randomly to see that he was still at our home and staying sober. I really liked that idea of keeping track of him when he was out of the facility. So I can’t fault anyone as far as that goes.
Then came a time when he was to come and visit again on a Friday morning. He called us and said he was not able to be picked up that morning because HL messed up his paperwork/ release for the weekend but he thought he would be able to get released that night. We told him that we didn’t want to come downtown at night to pick him but would get him Saturday morning. Then came the fateful knock at the door around midnight Friday. It was a couple police officers bring the terrible news that our son had died of an overdose. It was devastating to say the least especially having great hope that he may have finally turned the corner. On Sunday of that weekend, my two daughters and I went down to pick up my sons belongings. While we were there, my daughter asked one of the people in charge if they knew what might have happened since the police on Friday night couldn’t give us any specific information. To our surprise, Friday morning during the period when my son called to say he couldn’t leave, my son was actually down in the office being requested to take a drug test. This was brought about because apparently a couple of his friends told this person in charge that my son was acting abnormal. So he called him down to the office and requested him to provide urine for a drug test. We were told he sat in the office for hours trying to provide the sample. He finally produced the sample after about four hours. The person we asked about what had happened, was also the same guy that tested him. He told us he tested for Meth and Opiates.
So my question is, if they knew he was doing drugs, especially these very harmful drugs, why was he found dead in his room with apparently no one monitoring his activities? Now that I have read the above article about the Horrors at Harbor Lights, I believe there are more questions to be asked. Is anyone who has had similar results such as the McCloud family considering seeking legal action? If so, we would be interested in joining their efforts in bringing this facility to justice. Please contact us.
See Gene Mcclouds comment above, his email isnlisted & his family has hired an attorney
I just took my husband there yesterday because he has a horrible drug problem now I am certainly regretting my decision, I hope to god he will be okay we just lost our child in may I cant lose my husband as well. I will wig the F out if something happens to my husband in THIER care!!!! this should be a place where people with these problems can go and feel safe and no have to worry about their lives being in danger, or getting sick from the conditions of the building. someone needs to get this place shut down, its not safe for anyone it sounds like. god im praying he will be okay.
How is your husband doing ? My Daughter is going their when a bed open up.