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!
November: Advocate!
The second phase of the Zone In project is coming into the home stretch! The Mayor’s team is taking a final look at public comments and making those edits, while City Council will host their third (of four) hearings on November 6th at 6:00 PM. Don’t let others speak for you, now is the time to show up and make your opinions heard!
Remember, housing is always on the ballot. Make a plan and vote on or before November 3rd!
It’s been a year since Columbus and Bexley passed laws that allow homeowners to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit - aka ADU - in their yards. Unfortunately, during that same time, interest rates went on half of a rollercoaster ride (they only went up!). Join CONVERGENCE Columbus and one of the architects of that policy, former Councilmember Otto Beatty, for a conversation on November 9th on the progress we’ve made… and the work that’s yet to do!
Do you love a good survey? Then check out MORPC’s Leaders Listen, which asks your feelings about transportation in the mid-Ohio region. This would be a great place to share your love for transit oriented design that connects affordable, accessible housing to our transit infrastructure!
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is organizing a Day of Action on Nov. 18 speak up in support of federal homelessness funding. Currently the federal government is operating under a Continuing Resolution that expires on Dec. 11, the next major deadline to allocate federal funding to avoid a government shutdown. The expiring CR creates an opportunity to address urgent housing and homelessness issues, like HUD's reckless efforts to overhaul the Continuum of Care program.
November: Engage!
On November 5th the Columbus Redevelopment Corporation is hosting a conversation about accessibility and inclusive housing for people with disabilities. Plus, funds help support their affordable housing work.
AHACO’s monthly freewheeling housing jam, Coffee & Whatever, will be at Royal Flamingo on November 6th at noon. Hang out with like-minded housing folks to debrief the news of the day, or bring your own topic to inspire us!
Later that night, Developers & Decisionmakers is the place to be for small and emerging housing leaders who are seeking fellowship and inspiration. We hope to see you there!
This year’s TedX Columbus, hosted on November 20th, will explore the ideas and mindsets around the theme of “Make Room”. And the phenomenal Jeff Beam, Chair of AHACO’s Build Committee and Executive Vice President at OCCH is one of the featured speakers! Come help us built out his fan club!
If you’re an advocate at heart, join CONVERGENCE November 12th for an inside look at how Columbus created its impactful “Inspect the Unexpected” video short series to make sure homebuyers had all the tools and intel they needed to be an active part of their home inspection.
November: volunteer!
Marion’s Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter Board is looking for new board members. If you’re ready to share your time, talent, or treasurers with this community organization, send a resume and brief statement of interest to exboard@hoohs.org, or check them out online at hoohs.org.
Homeport just relaunched the e-newsletter to help the community stay up on their work and service to the region. Sign up now for a steady stream of ways to help move the affordable housing mission forward! See a preview of the opportunities you’ll get in your inbox on their website.
Believe it or not, the holiday season is fast approaching! Keep an eye on this page for all the ways you can give back. For now, be sure to check out the MidOhio Food Collective for their holiday meals campaign to make sure no table is empty this year and all the ways that you can help make the holidays special for a family in need.
November: Donate!
This month we’re giving love to our super local service providers! All the folks in Central Ohio who go above and beyond to make sure that our neighbors are connected, supported, and always have a friend to turn to.
Check out Resident Resources Network, a top-notch service coordinator that’s working to build strong families and strong communities.
Or Homes on the Hill and Franklinton Development Association, two small but mighty local groups that make sure their West Side neighborhoods have education, counseling, and housing supports 365 days a year.
And COMPASS has been one of our community’s go-to nonprofit to help people pull back from the brink of eviction and find themselves back on stable footing.
Looking to the Southside, Community Development for All People and IMPACT Community Action are our intersectional heroes… not just helping with housing, but bringing jobs, education, food security, and youth programming to our neighborhoods.
There’s plenty more to spotlight, so stay tuned for a new set of our local helpers next month!
