Housing advocates urge council to back eviction-diversion training and prioritize shelter, supportive housing

Two representatives of Oxford Area Solutions for Housing (OSH) used the public-comment period to press the council to support eviction-prevention work and to join an upcoming housing-rights training.

Ian Furer, a board member of the local nonprofit Oxford Area Solutions for Housing, invited council and residents to a June 15 training on housing rights by Home Cincy (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) at Oxford Presbyterian Seminary Building and noted the training is enabled by a city-supported grant from Interact for Health. “We always begin with Laor Rose’s pizza and salad…this month it’s going to be a two-hour training on housing rights provided by Home Cincinnati,” Furer said, and encouraged council and staff to attend.

Deb Wells, reading an official OSH statement, presented the results of a community prioritization process held April 13 that identified three top needs for low- and very low-income residents: round-the-clock emergency shelter with social services, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing. “Our mission is to respond to and prevent homelessness in the Oxford area,” Wells read. The statement urged continued city partnership and said OSH would bring requests to the housing advisory commission and council as budget planning for 2027 proceeds.

Both speakers emphasized a coordinated approach—between funders like Interact for Health, service providers and advocacy groups—to prevent evictions and homelessness. Council members thanked OSH for its advocacy and staff noted that housing priorities will be considered as part of the 2027 budgeting process.

Next steps: OSH will hold the June 15 training open to the public; council and staff will consider OSH’s recommendations during upcoming budget goal-setting and appropriation discussions.