Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)

COHHIO's Advocacy Accomplishments 2005 - 2006

2005

  • Developed and implemented strategy to increase funding for the Ohio Housing Trust Fund - taking it from $90 million appropriation in the prior budget to $106 million in the new 2-year state budget
  • Monitored policy and advocated on funding levels and policy issues for HUD programs (Section 8 projects and vouchers, CDBG, McKinney, etc.)
  • Continued advocacy on the National Housing Trust Fund through GSE bill
  • Monitored developments regarding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP)
  • Pushed for passage and saw the creation of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) independence legislation
  • Advocated for and monitored the implementation of new the Homeless Request for Proposal (RFP) Program by the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships
  • Participated in the state organized Policy Academy Team meetings - focused primarily on the development of an action plan to end long-term homelessness in the state
  • Participated on the stateÕs Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing
  • Began work regarding the correlation between discharge planning related to the criminal justice system and existing affordable housing programs

2006

  • Led the opposition to defeat the Tax Expenditure Limitation (TEL) amendment in Ohio
  • Successful in the passage of SB 185 offering protection against predatory lenders
  • Continued participation on the stateÕs Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing and related workgroups
  • Helped Franklin County win dedicated funding for homeless and housing program with $6 - $7 million annually from the real estate transfer fee
  • Created and launched OhioVotes program, a coalition to expand non-profits role in civic engagement and get out the vote activities
  • Created Federal Policy position funded through USAction to focus media attention and advocacy work on federal housing, health, human service and education appropriation issues and the evolving federal tax policy
  • Monitored policy and advocated on funding levels and policy issues for HUD programs (Section 8 projects and vouchers, CDBG, McKinney, etc.)