COHHIO - Twas the Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the state,
Homeless families were housed, thus spared a cold fate.
Funding for local homeless agencies was a flowing
Now that the Ohio Housing Trust Fund was growing.

State and federal officials were finally starting to learn
Affordable housing is a matter of serious concern
Because without a safe, decent, affordable place to live
It’s hard to be healthy – it’s socially determinative.

So COHHIO keeps working to help people in a bind,
And make home a reality for folks of all kind.
Because access to housing really is the key
To solving so many other issues of public policy.

COHHIO’s Technical Assistance staff was doing a training
On Housing First concepts that need more explaining.
The Youth Initiative helped providers throughout the state
Tackle barriers to serve youth before it’s too late.

SOAR Ohio staff helped filed applications with good cheer
So those with disabilities could get SSI income this year.
The Housing Hotline was helping tenants at risk
Bring negligent landlords to account – tsk, tsk, tsk!

Balance of State CoC was dealing with business at hand,
Helping homeless providers meet all the federal demands.
HMIS was processing statistics by the bushel
To fund homeless programs – HUD says this is crucial.

With talent, dedication and compassion in spades,
We’ve fought for social justice for over three decades.
So please give what you can so that next year COHHIO
Can keep fighting to end homelessness here in Ohio.