On February 26, WIN staff along with two members of the Beekman Corridor Coalition traveled to Columbus to participate in the Ohio Community Development Corporation Association‘s Statehouse Day. South Cumminsville residents Saundra Davis and Ia Johnson shared their stories about why funding for home repairs is important to the five neighborhoods that make up the Beekman Corridor.
“We were able to tell our personal story and why it’s so important to have resources in our community,” said Davis, who is also a WIN board member. “I was honored to go and represent our community and to have our voices heard.”
The group met with five legislators and one chief of staff to educate them about the need to include money in the state budget for helping low-income homeowners with repairs. They also discussed amending two laws to make it easier for nonprofit home developers to receive funding for their projects.
“I thought the legislators were listening to what we were saying,” said Johnson. “I think we touched their hearts. I appreciate going. I was glad to talk about the Beekman Corridor. It’s my community; it’s where I invested in my home. I feel our community can grow if we keep encouraging our neighbors like we are.”