Join the Fight Against Homelessness: How COHHIO’s Advocacy Efforts Are Making a Difference in Ohio
Per homelessness statistics shared by ThinkTV, over 12,000 people are experiencing homelessness, with projections indicating a 5% increase in 2026. If you want to help change this projection, consider joining the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) in its advocacy efforts.
According to its website, the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and promoting affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. It acts as a coalition of community organizations, service providers, and advocates, working to achieve systemic change through policy advocacy, public education, and technical assistance.
Key Advocacy Efforts and Focus Areas:
Policy & Advocacy: COHHIO engages in lobbying for increased funding for affordable housing development and defending against legislative threats to vulnerable populations.
Tenant Rights & Protections: Active campaigns focus on strengthening tenant protections, including sealing eviction records and improving access to legal counsel for low-income renters.
Combatting Homelessness: Initiatives include promoting “Housing First” strategies, supporting youth homelessness programs, and working to decriminalize homelessness at the local level.
Racial Equity: COHHIO works to eliminate racial disparities in housing and homelessness systems by centering equity in policy analysis, training, and service design.
Technical Assistance & Training: COHHIO provides training to local providers on evidence-based practices, such as helping disabled individuals obtain SSI/SSDI benefits to secure housing.
Advocacy Day: COHHIO hosts annual events at the Statehouse, enabling people with lived experience of homelessness to engage directly with policymakers.
Through these efforts, COHHIO connects local, on-the-ground service providers with statewide policy advocacy to ensure a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness in Ohio.
You can join the advocacy efforts of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) by becoming members, engaging in direct lobbying (calling/meeting with representatives), and participating in initiatives like REACH Ohio. Members receive updates, attend events, and help shape policy priorities, while others can support through donating or joining local, regional, or statewide campaigns.
Ways to Engage in Advocacy:
- Become a Member: Individuals and organizations can join COHHIO to support systemic changes in homelessness and affordable housing.
To become a member of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO), individuals and organizations can sign up directly through the website to support housing advocacy, access training, and join policy initiatives. Memberships are available for both individuals and organizations, offering benefits like discounted conferences and policy updates.
-Individual Membership: Designed to support housing justice and advocacy efforts across Ohio.
– Organizational Membership: Offers benefits such as discounted conference registration, access to group rating programs, and staff retirement benefits.
- Direct Advocacy: Call or email members of Congress and state senators to educate them on issues like housing insecurity.
- Join Specialized Campaigns: Participate in initiatives such as the REACH Ohio (Racial Equity in Housing & Homelessness Policy), which requires completing racial equity training.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for news updates to stay informed on legislative actions.
- Support Local Action: Engage with local homeless service providers and participate in Home Matters to Ohio efforts. The Home Matters to Ohio platform outlines 11 policy proposals along with four policy goals that will support and provide incentives to increase the supply of housing in Ohio.
Whether you become a member of COHHIO, engage in direct advocacy with representatives, or participate in campaigns like REACH Ohio, remember that every effort matters and can help change the projection of homelessness in Ohio.