Civic Assembly in Akron: Community Takes on Affordable Housing Crisis
AKRON, Ohio — A groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the affordable housing crisis in Akron has been set in motion, reflecting the urgent need for solutions as over a million Ohioans allocate at least 50% of their income to housing expenses. Akron’s first civic assembly, a collaboration between local residents and community leaders, aims to tackle these pressing issues head-on.
On Thursday, 65 residents were randomly selected from a pool of over 500 applicants during a lottery event to participate in the Unify Akron civic assembly. This diverse group, chosen to mirror the demographics of their community, will convene on five Saturdays and four Thursdays from March 14 to May 14, 2024, focusing primarily on increasing affordable housing options and reducing eviction rates.
Karen Heyburn, one of the chosen delegates, expressed her enthusiasm: “I was just excited to come and spend some time with folks and talk a little bit, but the fact that I got chosen makes it even better.” Heyburn hopes to collaborate with others from varied backgrounds to develop tangible solutions for the housing crisis.
The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio has highlighted a staggering deficit of around 264,000 affordable rental units across the state, further aggravating the housing dilemma. Currently, there are only 40 affordable units available for every 100 households in need, raising the specter of eviction and homelessness among many Ohioans.
Herman Hill, Executive Director of the Akron Metro Housing Authority (AMHA), emphasized the necessity of community input in addressing these issues. “It’s important for the citizens’ voices to be heard and for leaders to listen because they’re dealing with these issues every single day,” he said. Hill oversees AMHA’s 300+ employees and manages a budget exceeding $100 million, providing housing assistance to over 5,500 families across multiple jurisdictions including Twinsburg, Stow, and Barberton.
Despite efforts to provide housing stability, Hill noted the ongoing challenges of escalating rents and construction costs. With over 20,000 individuals currently on AMHA’s waiting list, the demand for affordable housing remains acute. The average wait time for housing choice vouchers stretches three to three-and-a-half years, with families waiting approximately two years for assistance.
Unify Akron, the organization championing this civic assembly, aims to facilitate meaningful conversations and solutions around housing instability. Amina Hall, AMHA’s Director of Communications and Philanthropy, highlighted the coalition of local housing leaders and service providers brought together by the Solutions Team. This collaboration is designed to analyze the housing crisis and identify actionable steps to alleviate homelessness.
Morgan Lasher, director of Unify Akron, expressed hope that the civic assembly would generate lasting solutions for residents. “It’s up to the people of Akron to weigh the different trade-offs and come to the ones that are best for the city,” she said, underscoring the importance of community involvement in shaping public policies.
Adding to the assembly’s significance, Harry Nathan Gottlieb, founder of Unify America, praised Akron’s engaged community. “The energy here is incredible… it felt like the little engine that could,” he remarked, emphasizing the potential for grassroots mobilization in tackling complex issues.
Financial support for this initiative has been a combination of national and local donations, with a commitment of up to $1.5 million from Unify America over three years and additional funding raised locally. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik also recognized the value of this assembly in engaging residents in civic matters. “This is going to help us improve around housing and get to real thoughtful solutions,” he stated.
For participants like Heyburn, who has lived in Akron her entire life, addressing the housing crisis is deeply personal. “I think that everyone deserves a place that they can afford without having to choose between dinner or paying the bill,” she reflected, highlighting the real struggles many families face.
As the delegates engage in discussions and research over the coming months, they will present their findings to the city, which will review the recommendations this fall. This democratic approach not only aims to empower residents but also hopes to cultivate a sense of ownership in the solutions developed.
While the future of Akron’s residents hangs in the balance, this civic assembly marks a crucial step toward bringing community-led solutions to the forefront of the affordable housing conversation. If successful, it could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in shaping a better societal framework.
