Hi friends, welcome back to Good Works Columbus. I hope you all are staying warm and safe out there.

Things you can do in person

• Columbus Blessing Boxes
  Many of our neighbors are hungry and in need. Donating to a blessing box is an easy way to help out. You can use their linked Box Locations Map to find a location near you, and simply place your items in the box.

• Canceled: Life After Cars Event
  

  

  Due to Winter Storm Fern, all events this week with The War on Cars has been canceled. Transit Columbus is working on rescheduling.
  

• Community Shelter Board Annual Meeting
  Friday, January 30, 9am
  National Veterans Memorial and Museum
  300 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
  

  

  
  We look forward to gathering with our partners and community leaders to reflect on our progress and discuss our shared vision for ensuring everyone in Franklin County and the Central Ohio region has a safe and stable home.

• FIRST Collective Meeting
  Saturday, January 31st, 11am
  Learn how to do outreach or other ways to support. Please wear a mask!
  

  

• KCB Neighborhood Invasion: A Monthly Rotating Neighborhood Litter Clean-up Event Registration
  (subject to change due to weather)
  January 30th we will be joining the Friday Lunchtime Clean-up of Sullivant, led by Lisa Boggs. Lisa consistently leads this cleanup every week and this will be the 106th event.

  11:30am Supply Pickup in the Family Dollar parking lot at Sullivant and South Harris (2767 Sullivant Ave, 43204)

  12-1pm cleanup

  Please park on the side streets (or take the bus ☺️)
  
  

  Register here

Things you can do online

• Defund ICE Senate Calls
  Following the federal funding deal passed in mid-November 2025, Congress now faces a January 30th deadline to pass remaining appropriations bills, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bill, to fully fund the government for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
  
  Here’s a phone script you can use with a more libertarian angle. I’m not sure if it will push Moreno and Husted any further, but anything helps.
  
  Bernie Moreno: (614) 469-2083 (Columbus office)
  (202) 224-2315 (D.C. office)
  
  Jon Husted: (614) 369-4925 (Columbus office)
  (202) 224-3353 (D.C. office)
  
  Phone Script

  Hi, my name is [NAME], and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].

  I’m calling to ask that [REP/SEN NAME] oppose any appropriations bill that continues funding for ICE and instead support efforts to claw back the $75 billion in discretionary funding created by H.R. 1 last year.

  ICE has become an unaccountable federal agency with an enormous budget, broad enforcement powers, and little meaningful oversight. That kind of unchecked federal authority is inconsistent with limited government, fiscal restraint, and respect for constitutional rights.

  At a time of record federal debt, Congress should not be giving blank checks to agencies that operate outside clear limits and local control. Defunding ICE would be a step toward restoring accountability, protecting civil liberties, and reining in an overgrown federal bureaucracy.

  Thank you for your time and consideration.

  If leaving a voicemail:
  My full address is FULL STREET ADDRESS FULL.
  

• Columbus Housing Bond Survey
  

  

  
  In November 2025, Columbus voters approved a $1.9 billion bond package for investments in public utilities, infrastructure, recreation and parks, and more. That bond package included $500 million specifically for affordable housing and neighborhood development.

  Now Columbus City Council would like your feedback on how the City should invest those dollars over the next few years. Note: Under the Ohio Revised Code, bond funds can only be used to fund certain things, like physical infrastructure.

  This survey should take less than five minutes. Responses are anonymous. Thank you for your feedback!

• Support Columbus Metropolitan Library Workers
  Columbus Metropolitan Library workers are forming their union! Stand with us and tell our CEO and Board of Trustees to remain neutral, not try to delay our union election, and not waste any library resources or funds opposing the formation of our union.
  

  Take Action

• Columbus Recreation and Parks 10 Year Plan Feedback
  Over the past year, thousands of residents have shared their ideas to shape the future of parks and recreation in Columbus. Thank you for being part of the journey.

  As we move into the final chapter, explore the Draft Plan and share your feedback on the Big Moves and Goals that will guide the next ten years of recreation and parks in Columbus.
  

  View draft and take questionnaire

Other
COTA is free today and tomorrow due to the cold advisory and weather. Will likely be free for a few days. Stay warm out there friends!

Things I’m reading/watching:

• Even cities as auto dependent as Columbus can imagine ‘Life After Cars’ from Matter News

• Mezcla Closes After Car Crashes Into Building from Columbus Underground

• The Murder of Alex Jeffrey Pretti from Cup of Coffee Newsletter

• Judge Blocks HUD’s Effort to Overhaul Federal Funding for Homeless Services from Shelterforce
  

Have a great day everyone!

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