Affordable Housing Summit

Why This Summit Matters
Across the Miami Valley, our Matthew 25 congregations—faith communities dedicated to confronting poverty, championing justice, and strengthening community vitality—are uniting around one of the most pressing challenges of our time: housing insecurity. Whether you’re a longtime advocate, a newcomer to the issue, or simply curious about how faith can intersect with public policy, this day‑long gathering offers a clear, compassionate roadmap for turning concern into action.
What You’ll Experience

• Housing Issue 101 – Amy Riegel, Executive Director of COHHIO, gives a clear, data‑driven overview of the affordable‑housing crisis at local, state, and federal levels.
• Local Policy Panel – Council members, city staff, and regional planners discuss current ordinances, zoning reforms, and coordination efforts.
• Lunch with Local Organizations – During lunch, partner nonprofits present brief overviews of their missions and volunteer opportunities, followed by a “call‑to‑action” showcase where attendees learn how to contact state and federal legislators or join community action hubs.
• Panel: A Matthew 25 Church in a Housing Crisis – Faith‑based groups share how they’re mobilizing congregations to address specific facets of the housing emergency.
• Lived‑Experience Panel – Cost of Poverty – People with direct experience of housing insecurity discuss the real‑world impact of rent burdens, utility costs, and eviction risk.
• What Comes Next: Visioning Session – Facilitated brainstorming to translate insights from the day into concrete next steps, partnership ideas, and personal commitments.
• Keynote Speech – Senator Michele Reynolds, Chair of the Senate Committee on Housing, shares legislative priorities and upcoming policy initiatives.

Who Should Attend:

• Community members who want a clearer picture of the housing landscape
• Faith leaders seeking scriptural grounding for social action
• Policy makers & staff interested in grassroots perspectives
• Nonprofit professionals looking to collaborate across sectors
• Anyone curious about how to make a tangible difference—no prior expertise required

How to Get Involved

1. Register – Secure your spot by visiting the event page (link below).
2. Spread the word – Share the invitation with friends, family, and colleagues.
3. Prepare – Bring a notebook, an open mind, and a willingness to explore new ideas.
4. Commit – After the summit, choose at least one actionable step—whether it’s volunteering, advocating for policy change, or supporting a local housing nonprofit.