The Human Services Chamber advocates for increased funding for human services to support the well-being of individuals and families in Hamilton County. We believe that human services funding should be allocated through a competitive and transparent process that ensures taxpayer funds achieve maximum results for the community.
The needs in our community are great. As of 2019, 23% of households and 32% of children in the City of Cincinnati live below the federal poverty line. Though the poverty rate is less overall in Hamilton County (15%), poverty is growing considerably in our suburban communities. Since 2019, the number of residents living below the federal poverty line has increased by 74% in areas of Hamilton County outside the City of Cincinnati.
Funding from government sources allows nonprofit human services organizations to provide residents in need with basic necessities including food, healthcare and shelter. Nonprofits also provide residents with workforce supports such as childcare, transportation, and skills training so that they can work to support their families.