GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS

EDUCATION: The Coalition connects more people with its advocacy efforts through education of the general public, community leaders and local officials. Partnering with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness, who share their stories to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community, our SPEAKERS' BUREAU reaches many different people of all ages in schools, universities, faith communities, civic associations, businesses, service providers, etc.. The CINCINNATI URBAN EXPERIENCE is a 3-7 day immersive alternative break program for high school and college students. The SOCIAL JUSTICE WALKING TOUR travels through the streets, alleys and parks of Over-The-Rhine and clarifies the meaning and direction of decades of neglect and how the priorities of today's investments have caused displacement, loss of affordable housing and homelessness. The Coalition offers several more educational opportunities as well. The Coalition offers a full online training curriculum regarding homelessness, policy and housing development. Over the past year, our education program has become more robust as we hosted 131 education events, including our CINCINNATI URBAN EXPERIENCE, SPEAKERS' BUREAU, TOURS, TRAININGS and STREETVIBES SHADOWS. In those 131 events, we helped over 1,500 individuals deepen their understanding of homelessness. On top of this, we launched a new podcast, Roots and Roofs, and released 13 episodes. A participant in our CINCINNATI URBAN EXPERIENCE from Temple University, had this to say, "This trip really lit a spark in me and has pushed me in the direction I had not found previously. I always had an idea I would end up in the nonprofit space, but now I know there is a purpose to fight for. Seeing firsthand members of this community, do the work in every day life is something I won't forget." We also held multiple policy-focused TEACH-INS to respond to the growing urgency from people to understand our city's policies that are making housing unaffordable and inaccessible, so they may better organize and advocate.