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!
June: Advocate!
The most significant piece of housing legislation of our lifetimes (the ROAD to Housing Act) has now passed the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives! Both by HUGE margins of support from both sides of the aisle. Now the small differences need to be hashed out before it’s sent to the President for signature. This is a precarious time for any piece of legislation and it’s important to keep up momentum for the final negotiations. Meaning it’s also a great time to make your voice heard! A thirty second voicemail for your Senators can make a huge difference (something like; “hey yo, I live at 123 Main Street, just calling to thank you for supporting affordable housing, everyone back home is hoping the ROAD to Housing keeps driving forward!”).
Is it advocacy? Is it a happy hour? Why not both! Join AHACO’s “Double Vision” happy hour and trivia night on June 18th at Little Grand Market in celebration of the humble duplex. We’ll bring the snacks if you bring a friend!
LinkUS is bringing rapid transit to Central Ohio (yey!). But strong community is about more than great trails, connected sidewalks, and speedy buses. Equitable transit oriented design is the idea that all transportation investments support and advance broader community goals… like housing affordability, community cohesion, and and small business success. June is a great time to join a LinkUS event to share your priorities. Maybe it’s building less expensive housing on West Broad, or providing funding to the community development nonprofits that care for these areas, or protecting tenants from gentrification. Whatever your vision, there’s lots of places to share!
June: Donate!
Resident Resources Network aims to break the cycle of generational poverty by connecting tenants in affordable housing communities to resources that will improve stability, increase self-sufficiency, and build safe and supportive communities. Consider a gift to support their work this summer.
Kaleidoscope Youth Center is the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. Budget cuts forced their housing program closed, but the drop in center continues to provide support and stability for young people. A gift helps keep this important work going.
June: volunteer!
Another great way to help is by volunteering with Star House to support Carol Stewart Village and other projects that bring housing stability to young adults. Work behind the scenes processing donated items, help staff the food pantry, or share your skills with the young people they serve!
Lots of neighbors, especially our seniors, are worried about rising property taxes. That’s why the Franklin County Auditor, Michael Stinziano, is hosting free Homestead Exemption Application Clinics to lower the burden. Ask around your neighborhood to see if there’s anyone who could use a ride to the next event on June 13th at the Hilltop Library!
June: Engage!
Start off the month right, with Coffee & Whatever! AHACO’s monthly hang at a random coffee shop. The weather is looking warm and sunny (knock wood!), so we’re heading to Emmett’s Cafe, one of the best hidden patio’s on the South Side, on Friday June 1st at noon.
Calling all Delaware County faith organizations! If you’d like to learn more about the Yes In God’s Backyard movement, you’re invited to join Foundations in Faith, hosted by the Delaware County Housing Alliance, on Thursday June 4th at 74 Williams Street.
Do you live on the Northeast Side (north of Ohio Dominican, area around Mock Park, Innis Park, and Easton)? Then you’re officially invited to an old fashioned House Party on June 11th at 7:00 PM at Peace Hall at 2600 Airport Drive. Come enjoy food and the company of your neighbors, with special guests Councilmembers Nick Bankston and Tiara Ross, while we celebrate the path that bought us together as neighbors and how we will work together to shape our futures!
Hello, Lancaster! DYK that the Fairfield County is hosting a focus group on June 12th to talk about the barriers to housing, food, and healthcare our community faces and start building some ideas to solve them? It’s a great place to get plugged in and share you suggestions!
