Over-the-Rhine Community Housing is undertaking its largest project in more than 40 years, as it gets to work on expanding the size of its service facility, in essence doubling it in size. Georgia Keith, who has lived in Over-the-Rhine for nearly 55 years, is vice president of the Over-the-Rhine Community Housing organization. She says efforts like this is are why she has remained in the community, saying:
“There was love. People looked after each other.”
The organization raised $2m to improve the facility.
Over-the-Rhine Community Housing's executive director, Mary Burke Rivers, said the groundbreaking ceremony is about much more than adding space to the center. It will add privacy and a feeling of dignity to residents' lives. Presently, they are so crowded, staff members don't have room to speak with residents in private.
Rivers added that, like most cities, Cincinnati has a shortage of affordable housing. This is particularly critical in neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine, where development is continuing. The housing organization currently has 472 units spread throughout 100 properties but needs more. Rivers said that there is a chance to create a real neighborhood that is mixed and integrated.
Keith and Rivers say they hope to be able to offer from 20 to 50 new housing units annually. Flyer printing can be used to list services offered in facilities like this.