COHHIO hosted our first post-pandemic Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 9. From local service providers to those with lived experience, COHHIO was joined by over 60 advocates on Capitol Square. The purpose of the day was simple: to build new relationships and strengthen old ones; to educate those in power about the work being done to combat housing insecurity and homelessness across Ohio; and to advocate for what we know to be true . . . that everyone deserves a safe, decent, affordable home.
The day, which was jam-packed with 50 meetings all throughout the Ohio Statehouse and the Riffe Center, was one for the books. COHHIO members connected with state lawmakers and staffers to paint an accurate picture of homelessness in their local communities and educate them about the Ohio Housing Trust Fund, eviction records (Senate Bill 245), and the criminalization of homelessness. From service providers to those with lived experience, advocates highlighted the work they are doing to combat homelessness in their local communities and discussed ways the State can help solve it collectively.
The memory of yesterday fills us with hope; and yet, we urge you to remain vigilant as we head into “lame duck session” and then next year’s budget cycle at the Statehouse. There is much work to be done, and the needs of our community can only be fulfilled through continued collaboration and innovation.
So please take a moment to follow up with your Statehouse Representative and Senator and reiterate our requests to support people experiencing homelessness and Ohioans at-risk of losing their homes. Even if you weren’t able to join us on Advocacy Day, now is a great time to call, send an email or a letter urging your state lawmakers to support policies and funding to end homelessness in Ohio.
It’s going to take all of us and more than ever, we are honored to have your partnership.
Thank you for supporting our advocacy!
Amy Riegel
Executive Director
Meeting Follow Up
Don’t forget to thank your legislators and staff, and remind them of the issues you discussed. Sending an email or letter can help solidify your message and remind them of any commitments they made. Don’t forget to summarize key points discussed during the meeting, and outline action items and next steps.
COHHIO’s 2024 Advocacy Toolkit
This is the first edition of COHHIO’s comprehensive advocacy resource, with nuts and bolts information on how Ohioans can help advocate for the resources and policies necessary to end homelessness and expand access to affordable housing in Ohio.
Additional Advocacy Resources
- Out of Reach Report: NLIHC’s annual report detailing the difference between the cost of rent and what renters earn. The data is broken down by county.
- The Gap Report: NLIHC’s annual report detailing the shortage of housing available to extremely low income renters. (State Housing Profile with Gap data)
- Ohio Housing Needs Assessment: The Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s online report provides a wealth of county-level data about housing insecurity, the lack of affordable housing, and other housing-related challenges.
- About the Ohio Housing Trust Fund: COHHIO’s fact sheet on the primary source of state funding for local homelessness and housing assistance programs.
- What You Need to Know About Homelessness: NAEH’s general fact sheet about homelessness.
- Johnson v. Grants Pass: COHHIO’s fact sheet on the Supreme Court’s ruling and efforts to criminalize homelessness.
- What is Affordable Housing?: COHHIO’s fact sheet on affordable housing.
- Reducing Homelessness with Housing First: COHHIO fact sheet provides an overview of the Housing First approach with recommendations for legislators to improve services.
