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!
September: Advocate!
The facts are clear: housing and utility costs are rising throughout our region. But policymakers need more information to determine the best path forward. In particularly, they want to know how our families are adapting to these affordability challenges, and what kinds of policies they support to bring them back under control. That’s where you come in! Give 10 minutes of your time today to take AHACO’s Housing + Utilities Survey to share your experiences and perspective. Your voice will guide the future of our housing dialogue and can create change for years to come!
Or activate your advocacy superpowers and share the survey with your networks! The more voices that are included, the stronger the results. You can share our social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn… or create your own. The more, the merrier!
Looking for an advocacy opportunity that’s a bit more… how do you say… pedantic? This is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of the Community Reinvestment Act, an incredibly powerful law designed to prevent redlining and make sure that banks invest in the communities and customers that sustain them. Check out this primer from Community Opportunity Alliance on how proposed federal rules may restrict mortgage lending, hamper affordable housing construction, and lessen grant programs that help nonprofits provide services like housing counseling. If you’ve got feelings, submit a comment letter before October 13th!
September: Engage!
The City of Columbus just released a draft for the next phase of Zone In (and this is how we’re feeling about it!) While everyone is still processing the details, this is a great time to schedule a visit to the Zone In Gallery at 141 North Front Street, where you can interact with the proposal’s hands-on exhibits and share your feedback with the drafters. If you ever want a buddy, just call us, we’re always down for a field trip!
This month’s Coffee & Whatever is at Maudine’s inside the Junto in Franklinton. Come grab a drink and lets gossip about housing stuff!
Park National Bank is hosting Michael Wilkos, Columbus’ resident housing expert, at a lunch and learn on September 10th.
The Coalition on Homelessness & Housing in Ohio’s Executive Director, Amy Riegel, is speaking at the annual Fairfield Lancaster Community Action Luncheon on September 17th.
And you can learn more about Columbus’ Resilient Housing Initiative to prevent homelessness on September 29th at a special online training from COHHIO.
If you’re ready for a long term commitment, apply for the YWCA’s Kathy Duffy Espy Leadership for Social Change Program… or keep your eyes peeled for information about The Platform, AHACO’s advocacy leadership program that will be opening its third cohort cycle later this fall!
September: volunteer!
This week, Dispatch reporter Jordan Laird visited Faith Mission, a homeless shelter near downtown. You can follow her lead by signing up for a volunteer shift helping in the kitchen or pantry (or gather a group and go together!)
Also in the news recently is Community Housing Network, who is welcoming their new CEO this month, Ann Bischoff! Help welcome her to the team by filling out their volunteer sign up form. From helping landscape to teaching art classes, there’s countless ways to make residents feel at home.
Or, on September 29th, host your own Big Table discussion! Bring together a group of friends or neighbors to discuss the state of housing in our community and what you want to do about it. It’s half volunteering, half party, so enjoy it!
September: Donate!
When severe weather blew through Central Ohio last month, South Side Thrive was one (of very many!) groups who showed up to help residents recover and clean up. Consider a donation to help make sure they’re prepared for whatever the wind blows us next!
DYK that new rules from the federal government are trying to make it harder for local nonprofit groups to provide housing counseling to aspiring homebuyers? This critical education helps people get ready for the mortgage process and is proven to reduce delinquencies and defaults. You can help close the fundraising gaps by donating to Central Ohio’s certified counseling agencies: Homes on the Hill, Columbus Urban League, Homeport, and Apprisen.
