Carleton “Cleve” Cleveland III believes life is meant to be lived with a higher purpose. The former financial advisor learned at a young age that working for the benefit of others makes the whole world feel like home.
Greater Naples Leadership named Cleveland the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his significant contributions to affordable housing. At GNL’s Annual Meeting on March 23, he was honored for his work as chair of the development committee for the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA).
“When I got to Naples, it really came home to me what was needed,” Cleveland said. “With Immokalee, it was not like I was getting involved in an existing charity. IFHA was the start of something brand-new.”
With statistics in Immokalee reflecting a severe lack of affordable housing for working families, Cleveland and the IFHA team knew they faced a major challenge. In Immokalee, 31.7% of residents live below the poverty level, and 97% of students are considered economically disadvantaged.
“The need was obvious,” Cleveland said. “These people get up and go to work, the children get up and go to school, but they were returning to substandard living situations.”
Many families had been living in overcrowded trailers or shacks with mold, broken appliances, and unsafe conditions while paying more than 60% of their household income toward housing. IFHA set out to change that by building modern apartment communities with quality furnishings and appliances, while ensuring rent remained affordable. Families now pay no more than 30% of their household income for housing.
“Making a difference by starting something brand-new was very exciting to me,” Cleveland said. “I had both the desire and the talent to start making changes.”
So far, 45 apartment units have been completed and are now home to working families. In total, IFHA plans to build 128 apartments, with a long-term vision that also includes a community center and future expansion into neighboring properties.
Cleveland credits much of his passion for service to the example set by his father, who volunteered with Habitat for Humanity while Cleve was growing up.
“I was brought up with the notion that you need to be doing these things on a volunteer basis for the good of your fellow man,” he said.
That mindset followed him throughout his life. Even as a Boy Scout, Cleveland remembers participating in charitable projects and learning the importance of giving back to others.
After a successful career at Merrill Lynch, Cleveland now dedicates much of his time to volunteer work and philanthropy. In addition to his leadership with IFHA, he has mentored students through the Guadalupe Center, served as a leader at First Presbyterian Church of Naples, and been recognized as a distinguished volunteer honoree by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Collier-Lee Chapter.
Those closest to the project say Cleveland’s impact extends far beyond the buildings themselves. Tammy Richelieu, chief development officer at IFHA, described him as “the salt of the earth” and praised his commitment to improving lives through affordable housing.
Cleveland also sees the broader effect the project has had on the surrounding community. The development has created jobs, sparked conversations among donors and residents, and brought renewed pride to the neighborhood.
“We take potential donors out there for tours,” Cleveland said. “People are interested. It generates conversation. We also utilize the local workforce to do the work. We are putting people to work.”
For Cleveland, the project is ultimately about creating stability and opportunity for families. He believes safe, affordable housing gives children a stronger foundation for success in school and allows parents to become more engaged in their lives and community.
“You see people tending to their flowers now,” he said. “You see little kids riding bikes. It’s a neighborhood. We can make a difference.”
By M. Melanie Pefinis – Naples Press