Responding to High Acuity Challenges in Supportive Housing (2-part series)
Over the past several years, providers and communities across the country report facing increased challenges in providing supportive housing for people with the highest acuity needs. Through interviews, focus groups, and discussions with community partners, CSH has identified core challenges in both our systems-level and provider-level responses, as well as promising practices for addressing these challenges. This two-part webinar series will discuss pain points for providers supporting individuals with high acuity needs and highlight creative solutions identified by community partners. Part 1 will focus on themes including: What constitutes high acuity/who are the individuals with high acuity concerns, addressing significant medical and ADL challenges in supportive housing, and responding to workforce challenges and post-COVID impacts. Part 2 will address high acuity behaviors impacting safety, such as violence, hoarding, and fire-setting, as well as behavioral health challenges like chaotic substance use and psychosis. Both webinars will include presentations from providers, a moderated panel discussion, and open Q&A for audience questions.
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
Please join the National Alliance to End Homelessness for a monthly webinar every fourth Thursday at 1pm EST to collectively build our advocacy skills!
February 26: How to Build Local Power to Influence Members of Congress
March 26: How to Build Long-Term Relationships with District Staff & Local Electeds
April 23: Using Economic + Public Safety Arguments with Moderate and GOP Offices
May 28: How to Host a Successful Member of Congress Site Visit
MORPC Housing Resource Fair
Speak to several community partners, attend workshops, and learn more about:
-Housing Resources & Programs (Weatherization, Home Repair, etc.)
-Home ownership & down payment assistance
-General contractor opportunities
-Eviction prevention and tax foreclosure
-Landlord & tenant rights
At 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus OH 43215.
Developing in Rural Ohio
Join OCDCA, Tiffaney Shaver of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Sam Miller, and the Ohio Department of Development for an informative webinar designed to connect you with the funding resources, programs, and partnerships needed to support rural and community development across Ohio.
Our three expert presenters will cover a range of timely topics critical to rural housing and community development professionals, local leaders, and nonprofits working on the ground:
Developing in Rural Ohio: Learn strategies for tackling rural housing challenges, including how to layer multiple funding sources to maximize impact. Explore creative approaches to cost savings, capacity building, and the power of on-the-ground collaboration to create sustainable rural housing solutions.
Appalachian Ohio Funding Opportunities: Get a comprehensive overview of the funding available for community development projects in Ohio's 32 Appalachian counties, and learn how your organization can access these resources.
New Programs from the Ohio Department of Development: Hear directly from ODOD about two new state programs: the Residential Economic Development Districts (REDD) program and the Residential Development Revolving Loan Program (RDRLP), and what they mean for rural communities across the state.
Learn more at: https://web.ohiocdc.org/atlas/events/rural-funding-resources-in-ohio-1095/details
Women of Achievement
For 40 years, YWCA Columbus has proudly celebrated extraordinary leaders who embody the essence of women’s empowerment. These individuals transform their professions, uplift their communities, challenge inequities, and inspire generations to fight for a more just and equitable future. Women of Achievement 2025 marked four decades of honoring the courage, compassion, and dedication of those driving meaningful change in our Columbus community and beyond.
Women of Achievement
Learn more at: https://www.ywcacolumbus.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/woa
FRANKLIN COUNTY WILLS CLINIC
FRANKLIN COUNTY WILLS CLINIC
A free legal clinic for low-income adults ages 60+
Meet with an attorney to get help preparing:
• SIMPLE WILLS
• DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY
• HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES
• TRANSFER ON DEATH AFFIDAVITS FOR REAL ESTATE
SIGNING UP AHEAD OF TIME
IS REQUIRED
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Prairie Township Community Center
5955 W Broad St.
Galloway, OH 43119
Call to Sign Up: 614-737-0121
Rent Escrow Clinic
Attorneys will be available to give advice on rent escrow and will answer questions like: Is the case ready to file? What are the next steps after filing?
Franklin County Municipal Court 3 floor, outside of the rent escrow clerk window
2026 Healthy Homes Annual Conference
Join us for the 2026 Annual Conference of the Ohio Healthy Homes Network. This informative event will unite public health officials, community leaders, property owners, and health, professionals in the fight against lead poisoning.
Learn more at: https://www.ohhn.org/2026-annual-conference/
Coffee & Whatever (Copy)
Coffee & Whatever
First Fridays at Noon
Have a wild idea you want to soundboard? Looking to vent (fair, TBH)? Seeking a new nerdy housing friend? Want to give & get book recommendations? Just enjoy espresso and good company? Join AHACO’s Coffee & Whatever for unstructured fun.
We’ll meet on the first Friday of each month at noon at a local coffee shop. May 1st is at Restoration Roastery at 66 East Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215. It’s super easy to get to on COTA, parking can often be found on High/Broad or along Gay, but if all else fails the Statehouse’s underground parking deck usually has spots open.
No gilded invites, no RSVPs, just swing by and grab a coffee. Conversations are always free, but drinks are on your own dime.
Homebuyer Workshop
Are you thinking
about buying a home?
Our $15,000 grant makes the dream more doable!
Please join us for a free, informational homebuyer workshop in a
relaxed setting. Doors open at 5:00 and we’ll serve light refreshments
before our presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes1 will be given
away, too!
Park’s community home lenders will discuss:
• Park’s new $15,000 home loan grant program2
• 100% financing options
• The homebuying process
• Managing, building and improving your credit
• What it means to prequalify and how to do it
Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-national-bank-homebuyer-seminar-may-6-2026-tickets-1984970406921
2026 Webinar: Mortgage Revenue Bonds 101 (not free)
Are you new to the mortgage revenue bond program or in need of a refresher?
MRBs are the state housing finance agencies’ primary means of financing affordable home purchase loans. Join NCSHA on May 14 for this virtual workshop as top bond counsel, seasoned financial advisors, and HFA leaders delve into MRB program requirements, bond issuances, structuring, and post-issue compliance.
Register by April 29 to take advantage of the early-bird discount!
Agenda
All times Eastern
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Background and Basics
During this MRBs primer, we’ll cover federal program requirements including the first-time home buyer requirement, income and purchase price limits, targeted areas, and maximum allowed mortgage rates.
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm | Issuances, Strategies, and Operations
Gain a better understanding of pre-issuance planning, market timing, different bond structures, how to attract investors, and how MRBs compare with other single-family lending financing sources as we delve into the MRB-issuance process.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm | Post-Issuance Compliance and Requirements
In this session, explore the ongoing regulatory requirements HFAs must satisfy after an MRB is issued, including reporting, proper use of bond proceeds, the 10-Year rule, recapture tax, and how to avoid rebates to the Internal Revenue Service. Learn what obligations HFAs owe to MRB investors and how they can be fulfilled.
Trainers
Thomas Bryan, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Victor Chiang, Vice President | Caine Mitter & Associates Incorporated
Nicholas Koontz, Partner | Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
Benjamin Madorsky, President | cfX Incorporated
Erwin Tam, Director of Financing | California Housing Finance Agency
John Wagner, Partner | Kutak Rock
Realtor Lunch & Learn
Enjoy lunch while hearing from a panel on Downpayment Assistance Programs
Have lunch on us as well as earn 2 hours of CE credit while hearing from a panel on Downpayment Assitance Programs. Enter to win a door prize at the check in table*!
Doors will open a 11:00 a.m. with lunch immediately available.
Introduction and drawing for door prize will be at 11:30 a.m. followed by panel discussion.
* One entry per person. Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.
CH|CR Celebration RSVP
CH|CR Celebration RSVP
Event Date: Wednesday May 20, 2026 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Location: Dave & Buster's 3665 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026
Contact us at (614) 418-7725 option 7 or info@creativehousing.org
Creative Housing is turning 35 this May! Please join us at Dave & Buster's to celebrate. As a token of our appreciation, CH|CR Residents can enjoy a few games on us and cupcakes and water will be provided. Additional food and beverages are also available for purchase from the Dave & Buster’s menu.
Love to play games? Pre-purchase a CH|CR Fundraiser Power Card to use the day of the event.
When you purchase a Dave & Buster’s Power Card from our fundraising page, 50% of your order directly supports CH|CR! We plan to use the donations to replenish the Rafter Legacy Fund.
Can't attend? We are asking for your support to help us in 2 ways
Buy a power card to donate to the Rafter Legacy Fund, and
Provide game tokens for folks coming to the event by gifting your Power Card to Creative Housing at info@creativehousing.org at time of purchase.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
We're excited to be celebrating this milestone together!
LSS Faith Mission’s 60th Anniversary Prayer Gathering
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL
Prayer Gathering
in honor of LSS Faith Mission’s 60th Anniversary!
You are warmly invited to join us for a special prayer gathering as we give thanks and reflect on the impact of LSS Faith Mission over the past 60 years and pray for the future of this important work.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
2:00-4:00 p.m.
LSS Faith Mission
245 N. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
We hope you will join us in prayer as we give thanks for the past and look ahead to the future. Please RSVP by May 5.
The State of Aging (Proceeds Support the COAAA Housing Assistance Program!)
Mark your calendars!
The State of Aging, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging's annual event benefiting the Aging Solutions Foundation, will be at the Grand Event Center in Columbus on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The '16 Over 60' awards are back as well. '16 Over 60' will recognize 16 extraordinary Central Ohio older adults. More information about nominations to come in January, so stay tuned! Also, more information about admission tickets to come in 2026.
Sponsorship opportunities for the State of Aging are available.
Click the button below to learn more!
Homestead Exemption Application Clinic
The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is hosting Homestead Exemption Application Clinics across Franklin County with the goal of connecting with neighbors and assisting residents with the application process. At these Homestead Exemption Clinics, you will meet with Homestead Exemption experts, learn about eligibility, and start the application process.
Friday, May 22, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Griswold Center
777 High St.
Worthington OH 43085
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
Please join the National Alliance to End Homelessness for a monthly webinar every fourth Thursday at 1pm EST to collectively build our advocacy skills!
February 26: How to Build Local Power to Influence Members of Congress
March 26: How to Build Long-Term Relationships with District Staff & Local Electeds
April 23: Using Economic + Public Safety Arguments with Moderate and GOP Offices
May 28: How to Host a Successful Member of Congress Site Visit
2026 Sleep Out
Huckleberry House is proud to announce its 2026 Sleep Out, its signature community awareness and fundraising event, in partnership with First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus, through its Unsheltered Ministry. Taking place on Friday, May 29 on the church grounds located at 444 East Broad Street in downtown Columbus, Sleep Out centers on the theme, “We Are Community,” emphasizing our collective responsibility to ensure every young person has a safe place to sleep.
Sleep Out invites individuals, faith leaders, corporate partners, advocates, and supporters to spend one night outside in community and in solidarity with young people experiencing homelessness. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by youth in crisis while raising critical funds to support Huckleberry House’s shelter, housing, and prevention programs.
“We are community is more than a theme – it is a call to action,” said Jennifer Sharma, CEO of Huckleberry House. “When young people experience homelessness, it is not just their burden to carry. It is ours. Our many partners in the community, including First Congregational Church, reflect the kind of shared commitment it takes to show up for youth, not just one night, but every day.
First Congregational Church, UCC, Columbus, joins the 2026 Sleep Out as a community partner, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to service, compassion, and justice. “At First Congregational Church, we believe faith is lived out through action,” said Interim Associate Pastor, Rev. Jess Young Chang. “We are honored to partner with Huckleberry House and its event, Sleep Out, to stand alongside young people and advocate as part of a caring, responsive community.”
Also joining Sleep Out 2026 are host committee members: Julie Simono with Colliers International and a member of Huckleberry House’s Board of Directors, Arianny Damian, The Wilder Family, and C3 Church.
Each year, Huckleberry House serves thousands of young people and family’s across central Ohio who are experiencing homelessness, family crisis, or housing instability. Funds raised through Sleep Out directly support emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and prevention services, meeting youth where they are helping them move toward safety, stability, and independence.
Community members are encouraged to register (opening in March 2026), form teams, and fundraise for the event. No one sleeps out alone – participants are surrounded by a network of support, reflection, and shared purpose.
Learn more at: https://huckhouse.org/sleep-out-2026-partnership/
Under One Roof
Join us for our 40th anniversary at Under One Roof, June 4, 2026
This year, we invite you to pause, not just to honor the moment, but to reflect on the power of collective action. Join us for an evening designed to rest, refresh, and reflect on all that we have achieved together over the past four decades.
As we reconnect and share stories, you’ll feel the warmth of this remarkable community, the pride of what’s possible through partnership, and the renewed energy to take on the next chapter. With longtime partners and friends, we’re not just honoring the past — we’re inspiring each other for even greater impact ahead.
Learn more at: https://www.csb.org/get-involved/under-one-roof/
Homestead Exemption Application Clinic (Copy)
The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is hosting Homestead Exemption Application Clinics across Franklin County with the goal of connecting with neighbors and assisting residents with the application process. At these Homestead Exemption Clinics, you will meet with Homestead Exemption experts, learn about eligibility, and start the application process.
Saturday, June 13, 9:30 - 11:30 am
Columbus Metropolitan Library, Hilltop branch
511 Hague Ave.
Columbus OH 43204
Homestead Exemption Application Clinic
The Franklin County Auditor’s Office is hosting Homestead Exemption Application Clinics across Franklin County with the goal of connecting with neighbors and assisting residents with the application process. At these Homestead Exemption Clinics, you will meet with Homestead Exemption experts, learn about eligibility, and start the application process.
The next clinic will be:
Wednesday, April 22 from 10am – noon
Columbus Metropolitan Library Driving Park Branch, 1422 Livingston Avenue
Homebuyer Workshop
Are you thinking
about buying a home?
Our $15,000 grant makes the dream more doable!
Please join us for a free, informational homebuyer workshop in a relaxed setting. Doors open with refreshments at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes1 will be given away, too! Come early to chat with a lender, check your credit and discuss next steps.
Park’s community home lenders and Lawrence Funderburke of Funderburke Institute of Financial Empowerment will discuss:
• Park’s $15,000 home loan grant program2
• 100% financing options
• The homebuying process
• Managing, building and improving your credit
• What it means to prequalify and how to do it
Come for the education, stay to get prequalified!
We’ll be happy to answer questions and can help you prequalify.
A Spanish speaking lender from Park will be present at this workshop.
Learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-national-bank-homebuyer-seminar-april-21-2026-tickets-1983379911707
Buy Now, Pay Later: Recent Developments and Implications for Mortgage Lending
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans have become more common over the past few years. This innovative financial product has the potential to disrupt the financial services industry by facilitating short-term credit access. Recent research suggests that BNPL use is common among young consumers and individuals with low credit scores, but it is present across all income and credit levels.
Despite the growing popularity of these loans, a significant portion are not consistently reported to the credit bureaus. The lack of reporting has important implications for mortgage lending and homeownership. Join us as we discuss the evolving BNPL landscape and its future, as well as its implication for ensuring sustainable mortgage credit access.
How Art and Research Reimagine Housing Justice a Conversation Continued
This Fair Housing Month, the National Low Income Housing Coalition invites you to join us as we continue the conversation about what it takes to move beyond acknowledging historic housing discrimination and toward meaningful repair.
The Ripple Effects of Eviction: Black Women Share Their Untold Stories
Every community should be a place where people can live their healthiest lives. Research tells us that eviction can have a big impact on a person’s health. In a groundbreaking new study, Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson and her team interviewed more than 80 Black women from the greater Detroit area about their experiences witnessing evictions in their neighborhoods.
The data show that Black women are often targeted for eviction, including illegal evictions. This new study shares findings about the impact of witnessing other people being evicted on the health of Black women, their families, and their communities.
Join me and Dr. Sealy-Jefferson for a conversation about home and health. We’ll talk about the stories study participants shared, what the prevalence of illegal and unjust evictions tells us about structural racism in the U.S., and why research like this is so important.
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/events/therippleeffectsofeviction-blac7445835630657454080/
Making Homeownership Affordable: Bringing Fannie and Freddie Back to Mission
Join us as we discuss affordable housing and how two leading government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who help sustain the national housing market, can better support affordable homeownership. While their mission is to support affordable housing, a new video (https://youtu.be/j_e1Ki6q7_c) by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy suggests a straying from mission and need for Fannie and Freddie to step up with new products and services. Shelterforce's Steve Dubb facilitates a conversation with George "Mac" McCarthy, President and CEO of the Lincoln Institute for Land Policy; Sara Morgan, President of Fahe, a large regional community development financial institution loan fund based in Appalachia; and Tony Pickett, CEO of Grounded Solutions Network, a national network of over 300 community land trust and shared equity housing providers.
Learn more: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xOobeqcWQKqG1Q2hnVEFCw#/registration
Older Adults Are Aging Right Into Homelessness
Across Central Ohio, older adults are facing new and rising levels of housing instability. Rents are climbing faster than fixed incomes and affordable housing construction is lagging far behind community needs. This means older adults are more “rent burdened” than ever, spending unsustainable portions of their income on housing—often 75% or more. Many Central Ohioans are encountering housing insecurity for the first time in their 50s, 60s, or even later. The same is holding true for seniors across the country.
There’s a potential solution being tested right here: a groundbreaking new initiative spearheaded by Central Ohio leaders and community advocates recently piloted a simple and promising safety-net solution: providing selected seniors with some $300 a month in rental support for one year.
The results were startling: participants saw significant improvements in financial stability, access to food and social activities, and far fewer emergency department visits. There were improvements in mental health – especially important considering that older adults—particularly older white men—are at higher risk for suicide. Financial instability is a major trigger of mental health crises, but the pilot program’s early results have shown that even modest levels of rental assistance can be life‑saving.
As policymakers and managed care organizations take notice, this moment presents an opportunity to explore scalable, cost-effective solutions that can stabilize older adults, strengthen communities, and prevent health crises before they occur. Join us as we unpack the scope and causes of growing housing insecurity among older adults in Central Ohio and dig into promising solutions that could make a difference nationwide.
Featuring Tiara Ross, Columbus City Councilmember; Marisa Sheldon, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, with moderator Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and additional panelists to be announced.
Learn more: https://columbusmetroclub.org/event/older-adults-are-aging-right-into-homelessness/
Star House South Side: a Transformation Celebration
With the support of our community, Star House is transforming the former St. Ladislas campus into a new drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness on Columbus’ South Side.
Please save the date to celebrate renovation progress at Star House South Side and get a first look at how this important space for young people is taking shape.
April 14 at 10 A.M.
277 Reeb Ave.
Columbus, OH 43207
A formal invitation with details and RSVP will follow via Evite.
Protecting Voting Rights: Strengthening Democracy Through Local Housing Advocacy
NLIHC's Our Homes, Our Votes is a nonpartisan campaign working to register, educate, and mobilize low-income renters and affordable housing advocates to vote. Renters especially low-income renters are underrepresented at the ballot box, and closing this gap is critical to building the political will needed for lasting housing solutions.
The OHOV Monthly Webinar Series brings together housing providers, housing advocates, organizations, and tenant leaders during midterm and major election years to share proven voter engagement strategies, highlight what’s working in communities, and provide practical tools to mobilize renters. Sessions feature real-world examples, lessons from the field, and actionable guidance to help organizations strengthen their nonpartisan voter engagement efforts and ensure renters’ voices are heard.
Register today and join us on April 13 at 3:00 pm ET for the next installment of the 2026 Our Homes, Our Votes monthly webinar series titled, “Protecting Voting Rights: Strengthening Democracy Through Local Housing Advocacy.”
Learn more: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eOVXRkqRRn6QmaIlp3vBYg
Families Flourish Celebration of Milestones
Join Families Flourish for a celebration of milestones!
April 11th from 12:30 - 2:30PM
We will highlight our 10-year anniversary, FOUR new youth participants about to be high school graduates, and all the volunteers that have made this past decade of growth and service POSSIBLE!
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
2151 Dorset Rd, Columbus OH 43221
Community Needs Focus Group Sessions
Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency would like you to join the Community Needs Focus Group Sessions to discuss barriers to employment, education and finances. At Fairfield County Job & Family Services, 239 W. Main St., Lancaster.
Living Together by Design: Housing to Connect Generations
Living Together by Design: Housing to Connect Generations
Event is in person at Piper Auditorium, Gund Hall, Harvard Graduate School of Design and will be livestreamed.
Intergenerational housing and communities—places that purposefully house people of all ages—offer powerful ways to reduce social isolation, improve affordability, and strengthen access to supports. While intergenerational living is not a new idea, innovative models are emerging that can provide valuable insights into housing design and policy that build community, foster both autonomy and interpersonal connections, and address affordability. This half-day event will bring together leaders from architecture, planning, homebuilding, environmental gerontology, public health, and related fields to explore innovative intergenerational design—from flexible homes that adapt to the needs of multigenerational families to larger communities intentionally designed to foster daily interaction and shared support. Join us to explore how thoughtful design, policy, and programming can shape more inclusive, resilient, and connected places to live.
Agenda
1:00 pm — Welcome
Chris Herbert, Managing Director, JCHS
1:05 pm — Overview: The Scale and Scaling of Intergenerational Living
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS
1:30 pm — Panel 1
Sharing a Home: The Multigenerational Household
Donna Butts, Senior Fellow and former Executive Director, Generations United
Ernest Gonzales, Associate Professor, James Weldon Johnson Professor of Social Work; Director to the Center for Health and Aging Innovation, NYU Silver School of Social Work
Noelle Marcus, Founder and CEO, Nesterly
Natasha Pilkauskas, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS (moderator)
2:30 pm — Break
2:45 pm — Panel 2
Creating Community: Mutual Support in Intentional Intergenerational Housing
Jonathan Evans, Principal, MASS Design Group
Jenny French, Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture, Harvard GSD; Partner, French 2D
Wandy Pascoal, Program Manager, Housing and Innovation Awards, Boston Society for Architecture
Rafi Segal, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, MIT; Founder, RSA+U
James Stockard, Lecturer in Urban Planning and Design Curator Loeb Fellowship, Harvard GSD (moderator)
3:45 pm — Panel 3
Welcoming All Ages: Intergenerational Neighborhoods and Cities
Andrea Burns, Director, Age-Friendly Boston
Patricia Cafferky, Deputy Chief of Operations, Capital Investment, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
Will Cohen, Zoning Reform Planner, City of Boston Planning Department
Kristin McSwain, Chief of Policy and Research, Office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
Tim Love, Lecturer and Senior Fellow in Real Estate and Urban Planning, Harvard GSD; Founding Principal, Utile (moderator)
4:45 pm — From Ideas to Action: Next Steps for Intergenerational Housing
Jenny French, Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture, Harvard GSD; Partner, French 2D
Tim Love, Lecturer and Senior Fellow in Real Estate and Urban Planning, Harvard GSD; Founding Principal, Utile
Jennifer Molinsky, Director, Housing an Aging Society Program, JCHS
5:00 pm — Reception
Image courtesy of French 2D
Reimagining the tenant experience: How AI is reshaping real estate
Discover how data, analytics, and AI are revolutionizing commercial and residential real estate – enabling a digital-first, personalized, and seamless tenant experience. Join us and featured guests BXP and Thompson Thrift as we bring real-world insights from leading commercial and residential real estate organizations.
We’ll explore actionable AI use cases in site selection, leasing, amenities, and smart-building operations. Learn practical strategies to assess your AI readiness, prioritize high-impact opportunities, and build a compelling business case for innovation.
Key takeaways:
How AI is transforming tenant experience across commercial and residential real estate.
High-impact AI use cases that improve tenant satisfaction, retention, and operating efficiency.
Organizational readiness for tenant-focused AI initiatives.
Whether you’re new to AI or looking to accelerate transformation, this webinar will help you unlock new value for your portfolio.
Live webinar participants are anticipated to qualify for 1 CPE credit in the Information Technology field of study. See additional details below.
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis
Join us in celebrating 25 years of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis with a festive Friday Brunch. We will be bringing together our partners from across Columbus and Ohio to share the impact our research has made in the community and celebrating the wins it has made possible. We will also be serving a continental breakfast.
Apr. 10, 2026
9-11 a.m.
—
WHERE:
Vitria on the Square
14 E 15th Avenue
2nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio
—
© 2025 | College of Arts and Sciences
Fair Housing Training for Delaware County Landlords
Fair Housing training for Delaware County landlords. Learn what’s legal, reduce risk, and avoid costly complaints and violations.
Franklin County Public Hearing
On April 7th, 2026, Franklin County Economic Development and Planning will hold a public hearing to receive community input on the allocation of 2026 funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for community development and affordable housing activities.
Franklin County, Ohio anticipates receiving the following HUD funds in 2026:
$2,026,554 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
$803,456 in HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)
$179,429 in Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
This public hearing is an opportunity to:
Provide information on funds available for community development and affordable housing activities
Receive citizen input and comments regarding community development and housing needs that were not included in the previous Action Plan
Obtain proposals, questions, and citizen input and comments regarding the development of the 2026 Action Plan, and respond to proposals and questions
Provide an opportunity for the public to comment on program performance for the previous yearObtain input and comments from citizens, residents, public agencies, organizations, and other interested parties on identifying housing and community development needs
Oral and written comments can be submitted during the hearing.
Hearing Details:
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Commissioners 1st Floor of the Franklin County Judicial Services Building
369 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Community Listening Hours for Seniors
Community Listening Hours for Seniors
Fran Ryan Center @ 865 E. Capital Street
Join Councilmember Tiara N. Ross for senior Listening Hours. This is an opportunity to connect, share your experiences, and learn more about incentives impacting older adults in our community. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you. RSVP required. Space is limited.
Office Hours: HUD Time Limits/Work Requirements and 30-Day Notice Rules
Join the National Low Income Housing Coalition staff for office hours to support your comment opposing HUD's proposed 30-Day Notice and Time Limits/Work Requirements rules.
On February 26, HUD took steps to repeal the requirement that public housing agencies (PHAs) and project-based rental assistance (PBRA) owners provide households with a 30-day termination notice prior to filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent. These changes mean that certain tenants in HUD-assisted housing will have less time to catch up on rent to avoid eviction. According to a HUD press release, over 2 million HUD-assisted households will be impacted by this rule change. The public comment period lasts 60 days, with comments due April 27, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Comments can be submitted via regulations.gov.
On March 2, HUD proposed allowing public housing agencies (PHAs) and HUD-assisted owners to impose work requirements and time limits on assisted families. If implemented, such policies are expected to have negative impacts on HUD-assisted households. For example, a recent Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) analysis found that a 2-year time limit on assistance would result in an estimated 3.3 million people losing their rental assistance, including 1.7 million children. NLIHC strongly opposes the NPRM. Members of the public can submit comments until May 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Measuring the Impact of State Pro-Housing Policies: Empirical Traps to Avoid
Since 2020, more than half of US states have adopted laws to boost the production of smaller, lower-cost homes. The policies vary, but the most common versions require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and small multifamily buildings in residential neighborhoods, permit larger apartment buildings in commercial corridors, and/or streamline lengthy development processes. While policymakers and advocates need to know whether these reforms are working, few rigorous evaluations have been done. Jenny Schuetz, Vice President of Infrastructure, Housing at Arnold Ventures, will discuss the empirical challenges in evaluating state pro-housing policies and strategies for generating more reliable analyses.
Learn more: https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/calendar/measuring-impact-state-pro-housing-policies-empirical-traps-avoid
Coffee & Whatever
Coffee & Whatever
First Fridays at Noon
Have a wild idea you want to soundboard? Looking to vent (fair, TBH)? Seeking a new nerdy housing friend? Want to give & get book recommendations? Just enjoy espresso and good company? Join AHACO’s Coffee & Whatever for unstructured fun.
We’ll meet on the first Friday of each month at noon at a local coffee shop. April 3rd is at Cure Coffee at 154 N 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215.
No gilded invites, no RSVPs, just swing by and grab a coffee. Conversations are always free, but drinks are on your own dime.
Tenant Union Lessons: Winning a Rent Strike
In one of the most conservative regions of the country, with almost no legal rights for tenants, the Bowen Tower Tenant Union took the ultimate risk- and they won. The tenants were paying the highest rents they had ever paid for the worst conditions they had ever endured. Last year, they decided they had enough. They started organizing, built a majority union, escalated on their California landlord, and ultimately launched a rent strike on October 1. The union withheld their rent for four months, keeping $89,000+ in rent until they got to the bargaining table with their landlord and signed an agreement that allowed them to end the strike in February 2026. The tenants won two-year leases, rent reductions, good cause eviction protections, and a schedule for major repairs by March 2026. All evictions against strikers were dismissed, and all lease non-renewals against strikers were rescinded.
Something’s gotta give. The question is not whether tenants will revolt, the question is whether that revolt will be from a place of desperation or from a place of power. The job of the tenant union is to ensure the latter. The Bowen Tower Tenant Union, a chapter of KC Tenants, offers the latest example of how tenants can flex economic power and win.
Join The Tenant Union Federation on Wednesday April 1 at 3:30 PT / 4:30 MT / 5:30 CT / 6:30 ET to hear from the union leaders and to learn critical lessons on escalation and bargaining.
Learn more: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ol3WIRVoSceSQZes6Bzjug#/registration
Community Partnerships Health Equity Grant Opportunity 2026–2027
Community Partnerships Health Equity Grant Opportunity 2026–2027
Date & Time
Apr 1, 2026 03:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Description
Please join Franklin County Community Partnerships as we host an informational webinar regarding our upcoming Health Equity Grant Opportunity. This webinar will include valuable information regarding the application process, reporting requirements, and more.
Coming Home: Navigating Turbulent Times in Housing and Movement Work
In this webinar, we’ll take a look at how housing organizations and movement organizations are partnering to drive housing justice forward.
When it comes to housing, we’re living in tough times. More and more people are feeling the pain of not having access to affordable, quality housing, but we’re not getting the policies and practices into place that can change that. Across the country, people from lots of different backgrounds are working hard to change that, but those efforts are difficult for individual advocates and individual organizations to pull off, and too often, our approaches to address structural housing issues remain too siloed.
That’s why ThirdSpace Action Lab and Spire and Base partnered to research the state of housing justice partnerships – and why we’re inviting you to join us for a special sneak peek at what we uncovered. In this webinar, we’ll take a look at how housing organizations and movement organizations are partnering to drive housing justice forward. We’ll examine what makes them successful and what gets in their way. We’ll consider what you can do to support this important work – whether you work at a local, state or national level. And we’ll hear directly from people who are shaping the future of housing justice work.
We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation!
This event and the housing justice research were produced with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of RWJF.
Rent Escrow Clinic
Attorneys will be available to give advice on rent escrow and will answer questions like: Is the case ready to file? What are the next steps after filing?
Franklin County Municipal Court 3 floor, outside of the rent escrow clerk window
Columbus Water & Power Community Partner Resource Round Table
Columbus Water & Power, in partnership with IMPACT Community Action, invites you to join us for our upcoming Community Partner Resource Round Table.
This gathering is an opportunity for community organizations, service providers, and local partners to connect, share insights, and explore ways we can strengthen coordination and expand access to resources for residents across our community.
Event Details
Community Partner Resource Round Table📅 March 31, 2026🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM📍 Impact Community Action
711 Southwood Ave, Columbus, OH
During this session, partners will have an opportunity to:
• Connect with other community organizations serving Columbus residents
• Learn about available programs and resources
• Share insights about community needs and service gaps
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and stronger referral pathways
Lunch will be provided, and we hope you will join us for this collaborative discussion.
Please see the attached flyer for additional event details.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to connecting with you.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to supporting Columbus residents.
Learn more here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8595df06a6b149f2b230e86c966f81a5
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
The Board of Revision mobile filing events are to help homeowners answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect.
At the Homestead Exemption application clinics, staff will be available to assist homeowners with the application process. The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and totally disabled homeowners, to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor’s appraised value of their home from taxation. To see if you qualify for Homestead Exemption, visit https://franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/homestead
Monthly NAEH Advocacy Workshop
Please join the National Alliance to End Homelessness for a monthly webinar every fourth Thursday at 1pm EST to collectively build our advocacy skills!
February 26: How to Build Local Power to Influence Members of Congress
March 26: How to Build Long-Term Relationships with District Staff & Local Electeds
April 23: Using Economic + Public Safety Arguments with Moderate and GOP Offices
May 28: How to Host a Successful Member of Congress Site Visit
Board of Revision - Mobile Filing Event
The Board of Revision mobile filing events are to help homeowners answer questions regarding property values and assist homeowners in filing a complaint if they believe their value is incorrect.
At the Homestead Exemption application clinics, staff will be available to assist homeowners with the application process. The homestead exemption is a statewide program which allows qualified senior citizens and totally disabled homeowners, to reduce their property tax burden by shielding some of the auditor’s appraised value of their home from taxation. To see if you qualify for Homestead Exemption, visit https://franklincountyauditor.com/real-estate/homestead
2026 State of the Region
2026 State of the Region
By Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Follow
Hilton Columbus DowntownColumbus, OH
Friday, Mar 20 from 11 am to 1 pm
Overview
MORPC's State of the Region Luncheon brings together individuals to celebrate our community's accomplishments and address challenges.
MORPC's State of the Region is unique and significant in bringing together our region and state’s top political, business and civic leaders to celebrate our community’s accomplishments and address challenges.
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hilton Columbus Downtown
Agenda:
11:00 a.m. - Networking
11:30 a.m. - Doors Open and Program Begins
1:00 p.m. - Closing remarks
INVOICING: To select to pay by invoice, click "Show other payment options" beneath the green "Order Now" button and then click "Pay Offline". Payment is due within 30 days after receiving the invoice or prior to the event.
Please make checks payable to: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and mail to: MORPC State of the Region111 Liberty Street, Ste. 100 Columbus, OH 43215
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be processed after March 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. After this time, ticket purchases are not refundable, but you may designate a substitute guest by contacting Amanda McEldowney at amceldowney@morpc.org.
Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-state-of-the-region-tickets-1976742926305?aff=oddtdtcreator
Resident Focus Group #1
Resident Focus Group #1
Register Today!
Resident Focus Group #1
March 17th, 6-7PM
IMPACT Community Action (711 Southwood Ave., Columbus, OH 43207)
Download the calendar invite here: Resident Focus Group #1.ics
A Building Performance Standard (BPS) is a policy designed to enhance the performance of existing buildings by establishing energy or emissions targets that progress over time. A BPS can help our city achieve multiple goals of the Climate Action Plan while enhancing quality of life and fostering local economic growth. Columbus is looking to adopt a BPS Ordinance in 2026 and is seeking public input. This focus gorup is intended to get specific input from residents regarding what they would like Columbus to create to support the improvement of buildings that they live and work in and the energy that they use.
Food and drink will be provided. Parking is available for free in the lot adjacent to the building.