We have to be open to hearing and willing to have difficult conversations around topics that have continued to keep us “separate, but equal”. Equality happens when we are willing to hear the ugly truth of what citizens of Hamilton County are experiencing today. We need to be ready to listen with open hearts and come together to create solutions that build trust and openness for all of Hamilton County residents. We are faced with an opportunity to create a Hamilton County that invests in diversity with mixed income housing developments that are safe, inclusive and affordable.

Affordable housing is an ongoing issue in Hamilton County. Additional resources and supports are needed to remedy the fact that families are struggling and businesses are struggling. We need better access to resources for families struggling to make ends meet. We need opportunities for growth that address the financial gaps families are experiencing because of COVID and lost wages.

The 2020 census reports that 27.8% of renter occupied households in Hamilton County are spending 30% or more of their annual income on housing.  A lot of people are experiencing a vast change in their ability to provide for themselves and their families in this post covid world.