Celebrating 40 Years Of Service In Summit County!

From our humble beginnings at St. Bernard Catholic Church in downtown Akron, to our current location on West Market Street. ACCESS has served the needs of our community by supporting women and children experiencing homelessness. In our 40 year history, we have served more than 23,000 residents on their journey toward the attainment of permanent housing!

PHOTO SOURCE: Akron Beacon Journal

There’s No Place Like Home

Our Beginning

Following an Akron Catholic Commission survey that discovered there was a lack of shelter beds, especially for women, and women with children experiencing homelessness, ACCESS was formed as part of a grassroots effort.

Our original shelter opened in September of 1984 in the former convent buildings of St. Bernard’s Church.

PHOTO SOURCE: Akron Beacon Journal

Our New Home

Outgrowing the space at St. Bernard’s and needing to meet the growing need in the community, ACCESS moved to our current facility on West Market Street in 1996. The new location increased the availability at our shelter by 43%.

Today, ACCESS currently has 15 rooms for residents who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter also includes a kitchen and dining room, where residents are served breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Lotus Lounge, where residents can decompress, a health clinic and more.