FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information call:

October 1, 2004 Janelle Simmons, 614.221.9195

Columbus and Franklin County Recognized as National Model in

Kemp/Cisneros Housing Report to President and Congress

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretaries Jack Kemp and Henry Cisneros has released a report that calls upon the President and Congress to take a bipartisan platform on the issue of affordable housing.

Kemp and Cisneros introduced the report at a National Press Club news conference on September 23, 2004. The report, “Opportunity and Progress – A Bipartisan Platform for National Housing Policy”, was published by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The report outlines 12 recommendations to address our nation’s housing problems. The Community Shelter Board’s Housing First approach is highlighted under the reports first recommendation – Ending Chronic Homelessness.

The report states that, “CSB gained national recognition for its “nontraditional” approach to homelessness. Where previous models involved providing services to the chronically homeless to get them “ready” for housing, CSB puts housing first.”

“More than 600 individuals that have experienced chronic homelessness have been housed through the Rebuilding Lives program”, said Barbara Poppe, CSB Executive Director. Rebuilding Lives focuses on the provision of emergency shelter, and the development of permanent supportive housing.

Poppe says that she hopes this report will increase awareness and emphasize the importance of decent affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. “Lack of affordable housing continues to be the primary cause of homelessness for individuals and families in Columbus and Franklin County”, said Poppe.

The Community Shelter Board, established in 1986, is a non-profit intermediary organization that coordinates community based efforts, fosters collaboration, and funds services to assist families and individuals in Central Ohio to resolve their housing crisis. The Community Shelter Board allocates $7.5 million annually to support programs at 12 agencies. Last year, these programs served more than 11,000 individuals. The Community Shelter Board is funded by the City of Columbus, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the United Way of Central Ohio, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the State of Ohio, and other public and private donors.

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