Columbus is booming. The unemployment rate is low, the economy is up. Central Ohio continues to attract new business and our designation as a Smart City means new innovations will be flowing in.

And yet, despite our growth, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Central Ohio jumped nearly seven percent in 2018.

That’s 1,807 people, the highest number recorded since 2007.

The obvious question is “why?” More jobs, more economic growth – why does this add up to more people without homes?

The reality is that unemployment isn’t the only cause of homelessness. In fact, 43 percent of people in Central Ohio’s homeless shelters are working. From housing costs to the structure of services, there are a host of factors that lead to and perpetuate a cycle of homelessness.

To date, some incredible organizations have taken steps to address these factors, including the Columbus Community Shelter Board. Founded in 1986, it was the first to create alignment among the homelessness service system and their model for support is still revered and used throughout the nation.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Join us for BQIC's monthly fundraiser, BQIC speak up! Spoken Word and Open Mic. Come out and share your poems, songs, monologues, inner musings, and good encounters, bad days, good dates etc on the mic! LGBTQIA+ people of color takes priority within the space! Entry is $5 suggested donation! We will have beverages and snacks for suggested donations as well! Please also consider donating to Art Outside the Lines which provides great art programs for people with disabilities. DJ to be announced. MC is our very own Tempestt Young!! Hit us up beforehand to sign up to perform or sign up at the door.  https://www.facebook.com/events/2458418374393662/.  Location:  Art Outside the Lines, 485 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Immigrants are a cornerstone of American prosperity and success. Saying that may sound cliché, but it’s quite a literal fact. It’s easy to think of immigrants as a handful of newcomers arriving in areas like New York City and Los Angeles, but the truth is, there are many immigrants living all over the United States.

For instance, 10% of Columbus Ohio residents were born in another country. Naturally, such a large percentage of a population is going to have a noticeable effect on a culture in many different ways. However, there’s one area, in particular, where immigrants in America are making an above-average impact: business.

Monday, October 7, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00 PM -The Last Day to Register to Vote!
To defeat Trump in Ohio in 2020, we need more people voting Democratic. Lots of people don't vote in elections. We get more people on our team registered and excited to vote, we win. Easy-Peasy.  Central Ohio's Indivisible groups are coming together to get people registered and fired up NOW to ensure our victory. This is the kick-off meeting for Central Ohio Voter Engagement. We need door knockers, voter registration tablers, volunteer recruiters, email writers, data enterers and crunchers. Basically, we need YOU!  Grab a beer and some food from the Sunnyside Tacos Food Truck if you like. Drink, eat, and socialize from 6 to 6:30 and then we're getting down to the business of saving democracy. Please join us!  Hosted by Indivisible OH3.  Location:  Land-Grant Brewing Company, 424 W. Town St., Columbus 43215. 

Along with being where all blood goes, the heart is an enduring metaphor. As Bernie Sanders recovers from a heart attack, now might be a good time to consider some literal and symbolic meanings.

Bernie immediately used his heart trouble to advance a central mission. From the hospital, he tweeted: "I'm fortunate to have good healthcare and great doctors and nurses helping me to recover. None of us know when a medical emergency might affect us. And no one should fear going bankrupt if it occurs. Medicare for All!"