About Us
This is our story.
Off The Streets Findlay started with a simple conversation in a warehouse—and a shared desire to help others.
While volunteering with Off The Streets Toledo, Bruce Schroeder struck up a conversation with fellow volunteer Mike Liskai about woodworking and furniture repair. Mike had developed a creative way to repurpose oversized tables, cutting them in half to create two functional tables for families in need. What he needed was someone to build the table legs.
That need led to Jay Schroeder, Bruce's cousin and a woodworker in Ottawa, Ohio. Soon the two cousins were spending every other Wednesday together building table legs. As they worked side by side, their conversations naturally shifted to something bigger: How can they help more people? How could Off The Streets Toledo expand its impact into other communities?
What began as casual brainstorming quickly turned into a vision.
Initially, thoughts were of starting a chapter of Off The Streets in Putnam County, but as more family got involved—including cousins Jeremy Kuhlman and Wil Schroeder—the conversation quickly moved to collecting furniture donations in Ottawa that they would bring to Toledo.
Around the same time, another opportunity emerged.
Greg Schaffer, the president of Off The Streets Toledo, invited Bruce to participate in an Off The Streets USA expansion team. With a professional background in launching hospice programs, Bruce felt the familiarness of the building something new.
Then came what many involved describe as a moment of confirmation.
During a November 2025 Saturday morning furniture delivery that included Bishop Daniel Thomas, of the Diocese of Toledo, a conversation turned toward expansion. Bruce and others believed the Off The Streets could eventually reach communities across Ohio under the mentorship of the Toledo chapter through partnerships within the Catholic dioceses. Bishop Thomas encourage first focusing efforts within their own diocese.
That conversation helped make the next step clear. The cousins' vision for an Off The Streets chapter would come not in Putnam County but in Findlay where Wil lived and a greater need existed. Wil, who was recently retired, agreed to lead the endeavor.
The group connected with Father Adam, pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay, who showed immediate interest and support. From there, momentum began to grow. Conversations with deacons and local service agents revealed something encouraging—organizations throughout Hancock County already worked closely together to support individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Off The Streets Findlay could find its place within that network.
While many agencies provided housing support and essentials services, there remained an important need: helping people turn housing into a home. Off The Streets Findlay stepped in to provide furniture, household items, and security deposit assistance, partnering closely with local organizations to help individuals and families into stable housing with dignity.
Informational meetings, board formation, volunteer recruitment and a generous donation of warehouse space from Ohio Logistics followed. By early March 2026, Off The Streets Findlay made their first delivery for two neighbors.
One especially meaningful partnership developed with the City Mission homeless shelter in Findlay. Residents staying at the shelter are encouraged to participate in community service, and many began helping with furniture deliveries. What started as volunteer support quickly became something more — an opportunity for purpose, connection, and hope for everyone involved.
Like many good things, Off The Streets Findlay came together through relationships, shared purpose, and a series of moments that seemed to happen at just the right time — a conversation, a woodworking project, new partnerships, and doors opening when they were needed most.
Looking back, those involved say simply that it was meant to happen — guided by the Holy Spirit, faith, community, and a shared commitment to helping neighbors move from homelessness to home.
For more, visit our Facebook page to see how Off The Streets Findlay is living out the gospel message and changing lives.
