The conference kicked off Tuesday morning with a plenary presentation from Leah Rothstein, a national housing policy expert and co-author of “Just Action.” Her new book is the follow up to “The Color of Law,” which her father Richard Rothstein wrote to challenge the de facto segregation myth that claims Black and White Americans just live in separate neighborhoods by choice. Leah discussed how people in communities throughout the United States are taking concrete action to challenge historical patterns of housing segregation and strive for a more just and equitable future.

The conference continued on Wednesday morning with a panel discussion featuring three powerhouse advocates: Ann Oliva, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Diane Yentel, CEO/President of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, and COHHIO’s Executive Director Amy Riegel. Ann, Diane and Amy shared insights on how we can work together to push for better housing and homelessness policies in the halls of Congress, the Whitehouse, the Statehouse, and city halls throughout Ohio.