Riverside House

Supporting second chances. Riverside House exists to guide offenders to become productive citizens through support programs, housing, job training, counseling, and spiritual development.

Riverside House is a private, non-profit organization that has been a cornerstone of community support in East Little Havana for over 40 years. As a co-ed residential reentry facility, we provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. Our vision is to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate as productive, educated citizens with strong family and spiritual values, contributing meaningfully to a safer and more vibrant community.

We offer five core programs designed to support our mission: Residential Reentry, Homeless Emergency Shelter, Non-residential Support, Community Partnerships, and Spiritual Development. For more than four decades, we’ve been building stronger families and communities, and we couldn’t do this without your generous support.

“Everyone makes mistakes in life, but it doesn’t mean they have to pay for them for the rest of their life. Sometimes good people make bad choices. It doesn’t mean they are bad. It means they are human.”

How Your Donation Helps:

Your gift will ensure we can continue to offer comprehensive, 24/7 support to those in need, including:

• Housing: Provide residents with a safe temporary home during their transition.
• Job Training: Provide participants with job skills training, search and placement.
• Spiritual Growth: Holistic, non-denominatio also provide  services offering prayer groups, bible study groups, life skills training (budgeting, resume assistance, etc.), and community referrals (church, jobs, food and housing.) 
• Nutritious Meals: Three healthy meals per day for each resident.
• 24/7 Staffing: On-site staff to ensure the safety and well-being of every resident.
• Transportation Assistance: Help with travel for work, medical appointments, and required programs.
• Essential Resources: Access to clothing, hygiene products, laundry facilities, and computers for job searches and family reunification.
• Counseling and Support: Individual and group (family) therapy to address addiction, trauma, and support recovery. We also provide courses such as a fatherhood program.  

Meet our Executive Director, Mr. Cleveland Bell

In 1977, Cleveland Bell III stepped into the role of Executive Director at Riverside House. But he wasn’t just leading an organization; he was walking the very path he now helps others navigate.

As a former ex-offender himself, Mr. Bell brought leadership, understanding, compassion, and lived experience. He knew the weight of starting over… and he’s spent nearly five decades making sure others don’t have to carry it alone.

His journey is proof that second chances aren’t just possible, they’re powerful. Thousands of lives have been impacted by his unwavering belief in restoration, dignity, and hope.

Client Testimonial: In His Words

I am so grateful for what God has allowed me to experience. I truly believe that “all” things are working for my good. When I look back on all my hardships and failures, I can see God’s hand on my life.

He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. – Psalm 72:13

This verse describes the mercy God had on my life. I feel this way because there was a time when I felt strong doing things from my own power and will, but I was actually weak. Without God, I was in my weakest stage of living. Thank God that he saved me from death. He saved me when I was spiritually dead. Continue reading here.