Brown to Host Roundtables around the State in Coming Months to Hear from Ohioans Directly
Ohioans Can Visit Brown’s Website HERE to Share Their Housing Stories, Policy Ideas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call as he asks for Ohioans to share their stories about the obstacles facing individuals and families struggling to find and afford a home. Wages have not kept pace with housing costs, and whether they rent, own, are trying to save for a down payment or are trying to age with dignity in their own homes, Ohioans are finding it harder to afford housing that meets their needs.
Brown is asking Ohioans to share their stories as he continues to work on policies to make housing more affordable and reverse discriminatory policies that keep Ohioans from accessing quality housing. Brown will also host roundtables in the coming months to hear directly from Ohioans on ideas for how best to make housing that meets Ohioans’ needs more affordable.
“We have an affordable housing crisis in Ohio, and all over the country. We need a housing system that works for everyone, whether they’re renting or want to buy a home, no matter who they are, what kind of work they do, or where they live. That’s why I’m asking Ohioans to share their stories with me. And I’m looking forward to those conversations in the days and weeks ahead as we work to turn those conversations into policy ideas that help Ohio workers and Ohio families,” said Brown.
Brown was joined on today’s call by Bill Faith, Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) to discuss the housing challenges Ohioans face and why it’s important to hear from Ohioans and take action to expand access to affordable homeownership, rental housing, and housing accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities.
“After paying the rent, families have precious little left over for other necessities, like food, transportation, healthcare, childcare or education for their kids. One accident or unexpected expense, often leads to eviction and even homelessness. Federal programs that help struggling Ohioans keep a roof over their heads are woefully underfunded, but we’re lucky to have Sen. Brown and others in Congress fighting against even deeper cuts for affordable housing programs,” said Faith.
Brown has been a leader on housing issues in Ohio and around the country.
Brown has introduced several bills to address hosing and homelessness, including the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act, the Housing for Homeless Students Act and the Eviction Crisis Act.
Brown has also criticized the President’s housing finance plan, which would make housing more expensive and harder to get for Ohioans. President Trump’s housing plan would hurt working Ohioans across the state – from Ohioans renting and wanting to buy a home to Ohioans who own a home and someday want to sell it.
In July 2019, Brown sent a letter to President Trump suggesting ways his Administration could work in a bipartisan way to prevent and end homelessness.