How You Can Help Today!
Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has!” In that spirit, AHACO creates a monthly quick guide to help neighbors get involved in housing advocacy… no experience needed! We carefully select a variety of trending events and topics so that there’s a little something for everyone. It’s a great way to grab a friend and change our little part of the world!
Downland & Share the January’s “How to Help” here, or check out the details below!
January: Advocate!
On January 26th, Cbus City Council will consider the “Columbus Growth Strategy” that basically says we need to keep housing affordability and good jobs a top priority as the region grows. If you want to share your thoughts (AHACO says “yey!”), you can submit written testimony here.
The “T-HUD” bill just dropped! This is the massive federal funding bill for the U.S. Dpt. of Housing and Urban Development, which funds all kinds of vital programs in Central Oh (like rent assistance, permanent supportive housing, senior housing services, and more). This is a boost in year-over-year funding (in a year when we need it badly!). Read the analysis here, or check out the national housing coalition’s “take action” section at the bottom of this page.
What’s the deal with the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act? Well, it didn’t make the final cut for 2025 (womp womp). But it’s still got life! A House version (the Housing for the 21st Century Act) passed committee on December 17th on a hugely bipartisan 50-1 vote (shout out to Central Ohio’s Joyce Beatty and Southwest Ohio’s Rep. Davidson!). Keep sharing your opinions, you’re moving the needle!
January: Donate!
Here’s some cool news... on March 4th, AHACO will host our first ever full-day conference! Called “From Prayers to Pro Formas: a Housing Crash Course for Faith Leaders” the free event brings together experts from across our community for a day of learning and fellowship. Sponsorships are welcomed! Contact our Executive Director for more information and to talk about a donation that makes the most sense for you.
January: volunteer!
Join the Community Shelter Board on Thursday, January 22nd for the annual Point In Time (PIT) Count, the annual homeless census. It is an important and reflective process that informs our community’s response to homelessness. Time slots are available throughout the day to conduct ground surveys and coordinate with resource distribution centers.
We need beta testers to try out a new app called “Better Said” that’s designed to simplify rental repairs and boost productive landlord-tenant communications. Follow this link to test drive the app (just create an imaginary housing repair need), then send your feedback here.
January: Engage!
Are you a multi-hyphenate artist? A handmade Etsy super star? A content creator extraordinaire? Then you know that owning your home means owning your studio space, bringing both personal and professional stability. But the road to a mortgage can be challenging for nontraditional earners. Join Bloom614 on January 14th at Maker’s Social for a conversation on the Creative’s Journey to Homeownership.
From January through March, the Franklin County Auditor is hosting free Board of Revision mobile filing events to help homeowners answer questions on property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect. See all the locations on our calendar!
