Hope is the strongest force in the world. Hope is the tealight candle that stays lit during a tsunami and encourages reconstruction after a tragedy. While I’ve been canvassing for affordable housing in preparation for this upcoming election, my spirit was disturbed to find that a lot of our communities have lost their hope. They don’t seem to know where it’s gone, but I know exactly who stole it. The same people who run on empty promises and a tendency to look the other way when our people are suffering. The same politicians here in our Queen City that have condemned Cincinnati Action for Housing Now (CAHN) for no real apparent reason.
CAHN is a small coalition made up of individuals from various organizations such as: Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Beloved Community Church, Democratic Socialists of America Cincinnati and many more. We have nearly perfected a plan that will solve the housing crisis here in our city and could possibly be the blueprint for other cities to follow to permanently eliminate the housing crisis in America. To do that, we propose that we restore our city income tax from 1.8% to 2.1%, the same amount it was from 1988-2020. This restoration will generate $40-50 million ANNUALLY to ensure Cincinnati’s housing crisis is solved for good. Not to mention, this 0.3% will only cost each household (not individual) $11 or less per month. The cost of a fast food meal will generate enough money to develop new housing; start desperately needed maintenance on units; be a place for organizations, churches, shelters and individuals to request assistance from; and a place for prospective homeowners to come to for assistance.
Principle solidarity is required to create flourishing conditions for all life. Everyone deserves to be prioritized because we are a part of the all. The hierarchies in place that lead to the lack of resources for certain groups are far too normalized. We The People hold the key to the future. We are a collective consciousness, and it is imperative for us all to begin identifying with that collective to ensure our progress as a humanity. I urge you to vote yes for Issue 24 to ignite that tealight candle that is our hope.
For more information about Issue 24 and the work Cincinnati Action for Housing Now has been doing in our community, please visit cincyhousingforall.com.
Myecia Lenise Bright is a student at the University of Cincinnati who values all life and believes that everyone deserves a chance to pursue happiness regardless of their circumstances or where they come from. She is very involved in the community and is studying to work as a global conservationist and veterinarian while still fighting for human rights.
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