Cincinnati Advocacy

Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition

by Abigail Joseph on January 30th, 2020

Breaking the Stereotype

   Reported in 2018, over 7,000 people are on the street or in a shelter. 1,692 of which are children just in Cincinnati alone. Researching local businesses and organizations, I came across The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. The group was founded in May of 1984 for the purpose of helping our community. Mark Mussman PhD, the Director of Education of the coalition says the goal for Cincinnati is “Eradicating Homelessness. This will only be accomplished by creating and sustaining affordable housing; ensuring everyone has a living wage; creating and enforcing housing protection.”

   The local organization works with many other Cincinnati Businesses such as Over-The-Rhine Community Housing and Affordable Housing Advocates to make their work possible. The Coalition strives to portray a “more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati.” There are many educational opportunities available to the community such as Speaker’s Bureau and hosting college students to learn in depth from members and affordable housing developers. Members say “We live in a culture where the term “Homeless” has a negative perception and stereotypes and myths feed into a culture of fear and hate in our communities. the Coalition’s education programs are designed to breakdown these stereotypes and eradicate this misinformation.”

The Mission Statement

“The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition is a unified social action agency, fully committed to its ultimate goal: the eradication of homelessness with respect for the dignity and diversity of its membership, people experiencing homelessness and the community. Our Coalition works towards this goal by coordinating services, educating the public, and engaging in grassroots organizing and advocacy.”

What are ways we as students can be involved?

“Schedule a speaker or walking tour. Get involved with the Charter Amendment campaign this year. Educate people about the harmful stereotypes by learning more about homelessness. Supporting affordable housing agencies. Join the Homeless Coalition as a member. Follow our social media, purchase our newspaper. Write, create artwork, photography, poetry for Streetvibes. Do the 30-day challenge.”

Visit the website!  https://cincihomeless.org/