Good Works Columbus: April 22, 2024
Earth Day celebration, Eastland meeting, Pride organizing
Intro
Hi everyone, happy Monday!
Today the U.S. Supreme court is hearing a case that will have a big impact on homelessness in the country. From National Low Income Housing Coalition:
On April 22, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, the most significant court case about the rights of people experiencing homelessness in decades. The court will decide whether communities that have failed to address the need for affordable housing and shelter can punish unhoused people for nothing more than sleeping outside with a pillow or blanket with tickets, fines, and arrests, even when there are no other safe or adequate housing or shelter options available.
If you have an upcoming event or a link you’d like to share for the newsletter, feel free to send suggestions.
Things you can do in person
Come to Genoa Park and celebrate Earth Day. Saturday, April 27th from 11:00am-8:00pm. Visit booths (11:00am-4:00pm) for more than 40 local organizations, including local and environmentally friendly businesses and non-profits. Stop by the Transit Columbus booth and say hi! 👋
(Barnett Community Center, 1184 Barnett Road Columbus, OH, 43227: Wednesday, April 24th 5:30-7:30pm) We’ve heard you! Now, join us in diving deeper into the emerging themes to co-create solutions for the Eastland Community Plan. This spring and summer, five topic workshops will be held to provide an opportunity to participate in the discussions you’re most passionate about.
Eastland Workshop 1: Mobility, Access, Community Gathering, and Sustainability is the first in this series. The focus of this workshop is to collaborate on ideas to improve mobility and access and create the types of community gathering spaces you want to see in your community.
The City of Columbus is modernizing its zoning code for the first time in more than 70 years. This is an opportunity for our community to “Zone In” on how we’ll grow and prosper. Sign up to view the gallery in person and visit the page to learn more.
Help organize Columbus Community Pride for 2024
Things you can do online
(survey: 5-10 minutes) Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is conducting an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) audit to identify ways to ensure its programs and facilities are accessible and welcoming to residents of all abilities. This survey is designed to help Columbus Recreation and Parks locate areas of most significant concern to the public and help us provide better access throughout our community. As you answer these questions, please consider only Columbus Recreation and Parks-owned public properties, programs, services, activities, and other public amenities.
Join us to fund abortion & build power!
Legal abortion access means nothing if patients can't afford abortion care. Join us to fundraise for Abortion Fund of Ohio—an organization that helps patients with financial and practical supports! 100% of fundraising funds patient costs—from covering the appointment itself to childcare, transportation, & travel. Click here for more information and to donate towards the Good Works Columbus team page!
(survey: 5 minutes) The city of Hilliard is resurfacing Heritage Club Drive and is looking for input on the design. This portion is part of the Hellbranch Trail and there is an opportunity to turn a shared sidewalk into a two-way separated bike lane and a sidewalk.
Save the Date
Join the Care Economy Organizing Project in fighting for equitable childcare. The work of caring for our children and families is some of the most important work in our lives. Affordable, quality child care makes it possible for parents to go out and do what we do every day, knowing that the most precious people in our lives are in good hands. Yet, it’s some of the most invisible and undervalued work. It's time to invest in expanding affordable, quality child care, with living wages for the hardworking child care providers who care for and nurture our children.
In Case You Missed It
(2 minutes) Urge Congress to Invest in Affordable Homes in Fiscal Year 2025
Robust federal investments for affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs are needed to address the growing affordable housing and homelessness crisis in communities across the country.
LinkUS Engagement Survey (2 minutes)
Mark up the Vision Zero Columbus map. Have a close call walking, biking, or getting around town? Do you know a dangerous intersection that can be improved? Help identify these spots on the Vision Zero map.
Sign up to gather signatures for the “Citizens Not Politicians” Amendment and help end gerrymandering in the state of Ohio through this ballot initiative. Link to become a signature gatherer.
Have a great day everyone!