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 November “How to Help” here, or check out the details below!
November: Advocate!
On Wednesday, November 19th the City of Columbus will host a hearing on the draft “Columbus Growth Strategy”, a policy document that directs local leaders to create a range of housing types and affordability levels that complement transit investments, job creation, environmental protection, and thoughtful design to ensure our growth is fair and balanced. If you want to weigh in, join us at 5:00 PM at City Hall.
There’s lots happening at the federal level that you can help shape… both good and bad! Congress is considering the ROAD to Housing Act in the “must-pass” NDAA Reauthorization later this month. National housing advocates are asking Ohioans to call their House of Representative members and ask that this important provision stay in.
But at the same time, the Administration moved forward with a “drastic cut” to homelessness funding. Organizations can join the Corporation for Supportive Housing’s sign-on letter to ask for renewed funding in the next 2026 HUD appropriations bill.
November: Donate!
The Giving Machine is coming to Polaris! Swing by the mall November 14th - December 6th for this fun and exciting way to support local nonprofits (like housing leaders at Jewish Family Services, Star House, and Stowe Mission!)
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are mission-driven lenders that provide financing to communities and individuals to build housing, start businesses, and grow wealth. Despite bipartisan support, the future of CDFIs is uncertain following mass layoffs. Support our hometown CDFIs, like Finance Fund, OCCH, the Affordable Housing Trust, and Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio.
November: volunteer!
This month, AHACO launched our new “You Are Here” educational platform, which highlights different tools and strategies that we can use to promote affordability and explains how they all work together to create a stronger community. Help us spread word by sharing a social media post, including a blub in your newsletter, or inviting our team to a meeting to discuss how we move forward from here!
November: Engage!
It’s that time of the year!! AHACO is now accepting applications for The Platform, an exclusive leadership cohort to equip the next generation of housing supporters with the skills needed to become elite advocates. Learn more and apply today!
The effort to close our region’s homeownership gaps continues! CONVERGENCE Columbus has a ton of great events planned for the coming weeks. Checkout the highly anticipated “2025 State of Black Homeownership Report” unveiling on November 20th or register for December’s Homeownership for All event for aspiring buyers and long-time owners alike.
