Fall Membership Meeting Focuses on Solutions to Suburban Poverty in Hamilton County

The Human Services Chamber held its Fall Membership Meeting on October 10, 2018 at Ohio Valley Goodwill Services in Woodlawn.  The event featured a panel discussion on the problems that are unique to economically challenged suburban residents and potential solutions to this growing problem.  Our moderator and panelists for the event included:  Liz Blume, director of the Community Building Institute at Xavier University (moderator); Elaine Hipps, Executive Director of Operation Giveback; Jeniece Jones, Executive Director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME);  Mardia Shands, Executive Director of Partners for a Competitive Workforce; and Moira Weir, Director of Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services.  The morning’s discussion among HSC members and guests brought a variety of perspectives on poverty in our suburban communities.  Some of the solutions that were offered include: (1) invest in a more robust regional bus system; (2) incentivize affordable housing in the public sector AND private market; (3) provide place-based supportive services from organizations who know their communities and their residents; (4) pay a living wage ($15/ hour); and (5) offer more affordable, high quality childcare and preschool options.